Liverpool’s answer to The Clash and The Specials, with references to ghostly happenings and fracas with the law. Ringings of a Moaning Minnie, train-track rhythms, pulsating percussion pomp in the rear. Ska-infused, punk-branded, dub-stepped, rock-engrained. Bring back 2005.
Once named as #2 in Q magazine’s 50 bands to see before you die, Ash are definitely pick of the bands in this weekend’s festivities. The Northern Isish outfit, often written off, can claim to be one of the most influential rock bands of the 90’s/early 00’s. The grunge-punk influenced trio have amassed 12 top 20 singles from 6 studio albums during a career that will span 2 decades next year. Classic hits like Shining Light, the other-worldly Girl From Mars and Burn Baby Burn are sure to ignite Main Stage, Devonshire Green late on Sunday evening.
Friday’s attention has been drawn to Heaven 17 who are set to make a splashing live return down at Barkers Pool. Sheffield’s renowned three piece are best known for their contributions to the 80’s synth-pop movement alongside The Human League, ABC and Culture Club. Best known for that single Temptation, the band have inspired the likes of La Roux with their synthesiser and drum machine effects. This rare outing is not be missed. Those with a soft spot for the synthetic sound are directed on Saturday to the University of Sheffield’s Foundry where up-and-coming modern stylists Starlings will grace the stage.
The Dance Village based at the University of Sheffield’s Octagon building is set for a show off with the New Music Stage, Barkers Pool for Saturday’s audience. The architecturally-unique University building will host the once-famous Ms Dynamite followed by multi-talented BBC Radio 1 DJ, mixer, producer and collaborator Toddla T. In contrast, the paved setting of the New Music Stage is set for more chaotic scenes (a la Gallows, 2010 – watch below) when wild Glaswegians Dananananaykroyd play on a bill that includes multi-instrumentalists Los Campesinos!
Those seeking more archetypal scratchy indie guitars may be persuaded to make the pilgrimage over to the O2 Academy where local heroes Alvarez Kings will showcase their brand of ‘regressive pop’. Nearby at Leadmill are ex-Milburner Joe Carnall’s popular outfit The Book Club, looking to emulate their equally thrilling and sweaty success of last year at The Grapes. Reggae enthusiasts looking for a more chilled environment – head to the World Stage, Peace Gardens to witness Michael Prophet and his much-admired, soulful vocals.
Photograph: Robin Byles
Following a year’s meticulous planning and eager anticipation, the city of Sheffield is poised once more to host the Tramlines Festival 2011. Over 3 (hopefully scorchio) summer days, Tramlines 2011 will witness a staggering 200+ bands performing LIVE across 70 stages. The FREE music festival conceived in 2009 aims to “showcase the amazing, diverse music” that the Steel City has to offer. This year Tramlines expects to haul a record 175,000 people into the city. Come and join in the celebrations!
When’s it kicking off? Thursday 21st (although officially) Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th July.
Where’s the buzz? Main Stage located on Devonshire Green… Multiple destinations along Division Street… Corporation, The Shakespeare, O2 Academy, Leadmill, The Harley, University of Sheffield and many more pubs, bars, nooks, crannies, pavement…
Who’s playing? Guillemots kick off proceedings with a cheeky set on Thursday evening at Leadmill… The Futureheads… Los Campesinos!… Dananananaykroyd… Toddla T… Ms Dynamite… Ash close the Main Stage on Sunday.
What’s new? This year’s event will be sponsored by Nokia… The University of Sheffield will become the Dance Village… The 2010 inaugural Blues & Ale Trail running from Shalesmoor, Kelham Island to the University Arms now has a Main Stage… Heeley City Farm will showcase a new folk/community event on the fringes of the city with beer tents, stalls and more…
What types of music? Everything… Reggae, blues, folk, rock, indie, pop, r&b, jazz, rap, dance…
Just popular bands? No… local talent, unsigned acts, acoustic sets, buskers… Tramlines truly has something for everyone.
