TRAMLINES 2014

This weekend I went to Tramlines Festival in Sheffield, headlined by Katy B, Public Enemy, Sister Sledge and The Cribs. I can't write a whole lot about the headliners as I somehow made it through the whole weekend without going to the main stage at Devonshire Green, but this didn't stop me from seeing a wide range of acts across the city. 

BEST BEATS - Cholombian

Cholombian was my first act of Tramlines 2014; having listened to some tracks on Youtube I was ready to be impressed, and I was not disappointed. All through the set a near-perfect balance was struck between beats and soundscapes, intertwining and weaving in and out of each other, inviting in the most casual poser-come-barfly. 

LOCAL HEROES - Screaming Maldini

By the time I got to Sheffield Cathedral to see Screaming Maldini the place was packed - it was clear to see that these guys have a ton of hometown support. This was to be no ordinary show for the band; aside from the unusual setting, a string section and a choir were in attendance to bolster the Screaming Maldini sound. All this made for a very special performance that won't be forgotten easily by those who were there. 

SWEATIEST SET - Sky Larkin

Between songs Katie Harkin remarks "I can't remember a time when I wasn't sweaty ...", and she has a point. Sheffield was like a sauna for the entire weekend, but Sky Larkin were not in the mood to cool down. From the first strains of 'Still Windmills', Sky Larkin injected Queens Social Club with a burst of irresistible energy with no let-up whatsoever. Far from complaining however, the lively crowd welcomed it; there was a lot of sweaty love in the room. (Sky Larkin @ Queens also gets the award for Best-Smelling Photographer, which seems rather incongruous but there you go)

GOOSEBUMPS MOMENT - Jonah Matranga

Jonah Matranga played to a modest but attentive crowd on Saturday, a set tucked away in the Ballroom in City Hall. A musical journeyman, Matranga has played in many guises in a career spanning nearly 25 years; at various points he asked the audience what songs they wanted him to play, giving the set a very intimate feel. The highlight of the set was his acoustic cover of Deftones' 'Be Quiet and Drive', filled out in the middle with the story of how this version came to be on the B-side of the single release. As soon as he started playing the room went instantly silent; to hear such a quiet version of such a loud song, and to feel the poignancy of it, made for a beautiful moment. It was a pleasure to watch and hear. 

BEST DISCOVERY - Maybeshewill/Brontide

If you've been neglecting your post-rock tendencies lately, which I definitely have, then both these bands will provide the perfect antidote. Both Brontide and Maybeshewill were recommended to me by friends, and I was immensely impressed with the power and songcraft demonstrated by both bands. One of the best bits of a festival is stumbling upon unknown treasures, and once I have finished scolding myself for not having found them sooner I'll be getting to know both these bands a lot better. 

DREAMIEST SET - Woman's Hour

I was very excited to see Woman's Hour this weekend, especially after hearing their beautiful debut album Conversations. The band had to contend with some power issues that delayed their entrance, but once on stage they launched into a short-but-sweet set that included 'Her Ghost' and 'Our Love Has No Rhythm' among others. The Tramlines programme described Woman's Hour as "swoon-pop" and that description seems to be pretty spot-on; a tight rhythm section allows for gorgeous guitar parts to ghost in and out, and there's plenty of room for Fiona Burgess' vocals to rise up into the rafters of the cathedral. 

BEST VENUE - Sheffield Cathedral

This was a toughie; City Hall is a very close second, but the Cathedral clinches the Best Venue title due to the beautiful and unusual setting. On Sunday night, I found myself sitting cross-legged on the cathedral floor, surrounded by plastic cups and empty bottles of Bulmers, waiting for Denai Moore to come on and close out the festival. It was a surreal moment, but a beautiful one all the same. 

SPECIAL MENTION - East India Youth

I've seen Will Doyle aka East India Youth 4 times this year, in support, headline, and festival slots, and every time I see him it's always bloody brilliant. Even some sound issues in the middle of his Tramlines set at the Harley didn't stop him from winning over the whole room. 'Hinterland' is a massive track in itself, but it felt even more unstoppable on Friday night as the crowd moved not-quite in unison with the beat. 

NEW MUSIC: SBTRKT - NEW DORP. NEW YORK.

Bellow Baritone turns 2 today (!) and what better way to celebrate than with an avalanche of news from the SBTRKT camp. After 'Temporary View' was dropped a few weeks ago, SBTRKT aka Aaron Jerome unveiled 'New Dorp. New York.' with guest vocals from Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig, along with details for new LP Wonder Where We Land, set for release in September. This sparse, beat-driven track is benefited massively by Koenig's idiosyncratic vocals, and when it comes to collaboration the new record is going to be full of it. Sampha continues to work with Jerome to great effect as seen on 'Temporary View' and a plethora of artists have been confirmed to appear on  Wonder Where We Land, including Jessie Ware, Warpaint and A$AP Ferg. Excellent news! Check out the video above, and try not to get too excited. 

NEW MUSIC: 2:54 - ORION

2:54 are back! Over two years after the release of their self-titled debut album and subsequent extensive touring, the Thurlow sisters have signed to Bella Union and released new single 'Orion', with the promise of a new record later this year. One of the musical hallmarks of 2:54 was an intoxicating claustrophobia; on 'Orion' however, the guitars and drums expand out into open air and the track breathes much easier, hinting at a much different mindset. 

Check out 'Orion' here

2:54

Some Summer Listening

As the famous British Summer both drowns us and burns us to a crisp, here are some suitably atmospheric albums to soothe a sunburnt head.

Hundred Waters - The Moon Rang Like A Bell

Following on from their eponymous debut record, Hundred Waters are carrying on the good work with The Moon Rang Like A Bell. This is a restless record, constantly lulling you into a false sense of security in its quieter moments before expanding exponentially. 

Glass Animals - ZABA

Full of sleaze and sultry beats, this record does not beat around the bush in any way; Glass Animals are here, now, and they demand your attention. 'Pools' is irresistible, while tracks like 'Toes' have an underlying sinister nature, holding your ears to ransom. An audacious debut, perfect for unbearably hot summer afternoons. 

Woman's Hour - Conversations

The Kendal four-piece have already impressed many through the first half of 2014 and while some would falter under such pressure to perform, Woman's Hour show that they are assured enough to carry this weight. Conversations is very much part of the 'less is more' philosophy, but no emotion is lost or spared on this beautiful record.