It has been a crazy few years for the Irish Singer Song-Writer Hozier, whose self titled debut album launched him into the limelight when his song “Take Me To Church” went viral and then on to stratospheric success.

Fortunately he has since come back to earth landing at the Roundhouse in London with the intention of preaching to the converted. The show opened with the up beat ‘Angel of Small Death & the Codeine Scene’, followed by “From Eden”, the bluesy “To Be Alone” and the uplifting “Someone New”.  The increasingly excited and impressed crowd met each song with enthusiasm and recognition and impressive he was in his ability to recreate the intensity and power of his album.

Half way through the set Hozier was joined by his band member and fellow Irish singer-songwriter Alana Henderson for a duet of ‘In A Week’. This morbidly haunting ballad is told from the viewpoint of the corpses of two lovers found in the Wicklow hills. Heavily influenced, by the poetry of Seamus Heaney, Hozier in introducing the song recounts how “you only hear about the Wicklow Hills before or after the words: ‘a body has been found.” And while the music can at times be dark it nonetheless is tinged with humour and manages to be both darkly morbid and strangely uplifting and life affirming.

Staying true to his love of Blues music Hozier then played a solo cover of Skip James’s Illinois Blues further demonstrating what a talented musician he is.  The band then returned to the stage to deliver ‘Like Real People Do” and the perhaps lesser known “Arsonist’s Lullaby”. This was cleverly followed by one of the stand out song of the night “Sedated” played with emotion and meaning with an almost gospel like chorus.

With the crowd firmly enraptured Hozier brought his set to a close with the song on which his star has risen – Take Me to Church, this bluesy, soulful song with a appropriately gospel choir feel that was simply Hozier at his finest. This was a certain and obvious hit with the crowd and was from the first bar greeted with a roar of approval and subsequently followed by a crowd sing-a-along and exit stage left from the man of the moment.

While no one expected that was the finale just in case the chanting, whistling and feet stomping from the appreciative crowd ensured Hozier’s reappearance back on stage for a triple encore of Cherry Wine, a cover of Ariana Grande’s “Problem” and finally ending with his latest single “Work Song”, rewarding this openly appreciative and sated audience.

On the evidence of this Roundhouse performance it’s clear that while his hit song “Take Me to Church” has brought him his deserved 15 minutes of fame his talent for storytelling, hunting melodies and powerful delivery means he is very definitely here to stay. 

Festival season is finally upon us. Taking over the city once again, Tramlines is a music festival that offers some of the biggest names in music AND some of the best local talent. What more could you ask for?

This year’s line-up is pretty darn impressive, with acts such as Buzzcocks, The Charlatans, Martha Reeves and Wu Tang Clan all set to perform across the weekend of 24-26^th July.

For those who love the music – and those who love the ale – the Tramlines countdown is officially on and tickets are selling fast.

Luckily, we have a pair of weekend tickets to give away. So if you fancy being in with a chance to win, all you have to do is comment below or tweet us (@SHUmusic) and tell us why you think you should win them. Simple.

Winners will be announced on Wednesday the 8th of July.  Good luck!

THE small PRINT:

-          The prize for this competition is two full weekend tickets to Tramlines Festival 2015.

-          The competition will be restricted to only one entry per person in order to keep it fair for everyone.

-          The winner will be contacted on Wednesday the 8^th of July via direct message on Twitter or via email depending on how they entered the competition.

-          The winner will be asked to supply details for themselves and their plus one in order for the tickets to be processed.

-          The names of the winners may be shared on social media to promote the competition and the festival. Any other information will ONLY be shared with Tramlines and it’s organizers for the use of processing your tickets.

It’s an exciting time for Young Guns. Their first full UK tour for two and a half years has seen sellout shows across the UK, whilst their new album ‘Ones and Zeroes’ – released at the start of the week – is expected to earn the alternative rockers their highest chart position to date.

Acoustic Set/Signing at HMV

For Gustav Wood, Fraser and John Taylor, Simon Mitchell and Ben Jolliffe, their time in Sheffield was to be a short but busy one. The quintet kicked off their day with an acoustic set at HMV in the city centre, performing four tracks – including ‘I Want Out’ and ‘Bones’ for an intimate audience of less than 100 people before signing copies of the new album for delighted fans.

Dead!

A few hours later and fans were flocking to the city’s Plug venue for the near-sellout show. Locals ‘Our Saving Day’ got proceedings underway before tour regulars ‘Dead!’ set the room alight with energy.

The strain of touring occasionally showed in the vocals of frontman Alex Mountford, who struggled notably on some of the quieter sections of a set that included tracks ‘We Are Dead’ and ‘Alaska’. However, this was more than made up for with the powerful sound and an energy-driven performance from a band that left a big impression on a crowd largely unaware of the punk rock quintet before this evening.

Nothing But Thieves

The main support act offered an additional treat for those who had bought tickets for Young Guns, courtesy of the highly-rated young band Nothing But Thieves.

Conor Mason’s unique and talented voice instantly filled the packed room as they kicked off with ‘Itch’. The group from Southend-on-Sea followed this up with a few unreleased tracks, including the catchy ‘Hostage’ and ‘Excuse Me’ – for which Mason brought out the acoustic.

Seven straight months of touring for ‘NBT’ then came to an end in the style with four of their best known tracks – ‘If I Get High’, the chilling ‘Graveyard Whistling’, ‘Wake Up Call’ and finally ‘Ban All The Music’.

It was another great performance from this fast-growing band that Young Guns front man Gustav Wood would later describe as “The best band in the UK right now…(except us!)”.

Young Guns

With the supports all done, it was now almost time for the main event and you could feel the excitement growing inside the venue. And the band allowed this atmosphere to build to near-boiling point, hitting the stage 25 minutes later than billed, but any frustrations were quickly forgotten as they unleashed an unforgettable career-spanning performance of over an hour on the steel city crowd.

‘I Want Out’ from the new album proved to be the perfect opening, whilst ‘Rising Up’ and Stitches’ were other memorable newer tracks in the early part of the set. The band also performed some of their earlier material, including the likes of ‘Crystal Clear’ and the tamer ‘After The War’ from their debut 2010 release ‘All Our Kings Are Dead’, which were big hits with the adoring audience.

The frontman of the band Gustav Wood created an excellent rapport with the Sheffield crowd, keeping them involved throughout the night with on-stage chats, stories and requests for sing-a-longs and crowd-surfers. Added to his excellent vocals and stage presence, he proved to be brilliant performer and personality in equal measure.

A sing-a-long to the simple but catchy ‘Daylight’ offered another highlight of the evening and new song ‘Speaking In Tongues’ did not sound out of place alongside the likes of older classics like ‘Weight of the World’ in a superb setlist.

There was only one way to end for the Young Guns – of course, with their most successful and well-known track to date ‘Bones’. Gustav invited the members of the tour’s main support act Nothing But Thieves back on to the stage for this one, informing them to go crowd-surfing themselves! And the Young Guns frontman joined them, singing the majority of the final track from the shoulders of a member of the crowd – a truly memorable finish to an unforgettable night and tour for the band.

The UK tour may be over but there is no time for a break for the band, who head to the Kerrang Awards tomorrow ahead of a “not-so-secret set” at Download Festival this weekend.

But Gustav promised the Sheffield crowd that it wouldn’t be such a long wait for the band’s return to the city, their last visit being from Tramlines in 2012, and based on tonight’s performance there is no doubt that it will be another unmissable show when they do return to the steel city!

Words by Ryan Watterson

When Kane Robinson, more commonly known by stage name and as grime veteran ‘Kano’, penned those now iconic words just over ten years ago, most probably situated somewhere within the capitals notorious East end as he did so, I very much doubt he was referring to his appearance in Sheffield on Saturday night. None the less it proved to be a fitting analogy of the night which proceeded, gracing the stage in front of the frantically energetic crowd after the cities very own growing grime contingent had helped raise the energy levels with well-known classics such as Wiley’s ‘Wot do you call it’ reverberating around the packed arena.

Grime as a Genre and a movement has certainly progressed a long way since that very song. From the moment it was conceived and the name ‘Grime’ was coined it has been relentlessly shrewd with controversy, resurrected itself from its many ‘deaths’ and managed to branch out to the masses in the process. And on this rainy night in Sheffield this was encapsulated, the vast demographics represented throughout the crowd who seemed almost connected by the slow resonant drum beat as heads nodded in unison,. Students, those in their forties, hard core grime fans all showing their appreciation for the music.

My worst fear upon attending this event was that a man I once idolised and have grown up listening too would stick to a very mainstream song choice. Call it selfish but I wanted to hear the lyrics and experience the heavy basslines of the songs I had blared through headphones since I was first introduced to them many years ago. A self-indulgent view perhaps, after all it was his mainstream songs that helped line the man’s pockets and allowed him to branch out and appeal to the masses as opposed to those that were perhaps unable or reluctant to spend £££ on his music. It was also this mould of song that some claim contributed to the original ‘downfall’ of Grime, the commercialisation and at the time what was perceived as a clear choice to distance itself from its humbled beginnings and those that had loved and connected with it in a way its ‘new’ audience perhaps couldn’t.

Upon speaking to many of the nights revellers I began to better gauge how Sheffield, a self-proclaimed ‘Small Northern City’ proud of its Steel industry roots, has been influenced and benefitted from the heavy hitting drum beats that originated out of the East end. It occurred to me that without the commercialisation and marketing of artists such as Kano, Dizzee Rascal, Skepta and Wiley that perhaps a lot of these people wouldn’t have been introduced to this unique sound. Realisation hitting me that the same commercialisation I had once distanced myself from had actually opened the door for so many more people to enjoy the same sound I grew up listening too. It didn’t just limit them to hearing the watered down songs that gained acclaim in the UK charts, they would then be enlightened to the underground classics that belonged in the open.

‘P’s and Q’s, arguably one of the best grime songs ever produced seemed a fitting to end to a thoroughly enjoyable night which showcased one of the pioneers, originators and old school grime veterans treating a sold out crowd to his discography of classics many of which will surely go down in history as paving the way for a whole host of new musicians and musical genres.

Words by Joe Morrissey

All Time Low are a pop-punk band out of Baltimore consisting of vocalist and guitarist Alex Gaskarth, lead guitarist Jack Barakat, Bassist Zack Merrick and drummer Rian Dawson. These aren’t the new kids on the block but have grown out of a high school band in 2003 and releasing 6 studio albums in the intervening years.

They opened with the big guns and a Love Like War was greeted to a chorus of piercing screams accompanying the beating base line. During their opening set it was clear the band have upped their production values for this gig with the sound being tighter sweeter and more urgent.

The set list was thoughtfully constructed layering a sequence of the bands back catalogue with firm fan favourites Lost In Stereo and Weightless. Quickly building up the atmosphere and anticipation until the surprise highlight of the night when the lights cut out and lead singer Alex appeared unexpectedly on a second stage at the back of the arena for a short intense solo performance of Therapy and Remembering Sunday where he was joined by Cassadee Pope as guest vocals.

The return to the main stage kicked off with the bands new single Kids In The Dark which despite only being recently released seemed like everyone’s favourite with the crowd already knowing the words.

The on stage banter, obviously influenced by their heroes Blink 182 who’s lead singer Mark Hoppus features on their newest song Tidal Waves, is at times tedious and would be considered “bad” even for Blink 182. But the crowd was in forgiving mood and the interplay was a hit with audience if not with some of the parents in the crowd. Regardless, you can’t deny the band have a stage presence and confidence that plays into their music.

The night was neatly wrapped up with an encore which saw the band going right back to their first EP to play Jasey Rea and as tradition dictates ended the night on Dear Maria and Count Me In which has become, in its own right, a modern day pop-punk classic.

Some might argue that All Time Low doesn’t have a place in the rock scene due to their leanings towards pop rather than rock or punk but as a band that has worked hard to get this far their London foray confirmed All Time Low as an established pop-punk force to be reckoned with.

The sixth studio album Future Hearts was released on April the 3rd and is now available in stores and online.

Words by Caitlin Black

They were not disappointed! The band having clearly grown up since there debut album in 2012 were strong, moody and mysterious. The members were quickly in their element working of one another creating a fantastic sound that filled Plugs main room. You could see they were just happy to be there making the most of one another creating an intense dance indie vibe through synthesizers and choppy guitar cords. The band combined plenty of songs from both the first album and the new release giving them a killer playlist featuring well known tracks such as ‘Hail Bop’ and ‘WOR.’

The mood was refined through the powerful light display of strobes and sensuous low lights. Audience members aging from old to young couldn’t stand still dancing around the dance floor creating a warm relaxed atmosphere. When ‘Skies Over Cairo’ started midway through the set fans were hypnotized throwing their arms about and busting out some pretty strange dance moves.

The relaxed atmosphere made the set itself such a success! It was nice to view a band who were clearly there for the music and nothing else. What was most refreshing about watching Django Django was how there was no unhealthy rivalry between band members and no egotistical lead singer who hogged the audiences attention. They shared the limelight and they did it well. This rubbed of on the audience making a friendly atmosphere meaning when the band finished on ‘Silver Rays’ it was a shared experience between everyone. It was magical. Plus the lead singers shirt was pretty fine too.

Words by: Georgina Francey

TOPMAN will be hitting the streets of Sheffield during it’s 24 hour takeover of four TOPMAN stores around the UK.

The event, called TOPMAN:24, kicks off at Glasgow and will be in Sheffield on Thursday the 12th of March.

TOPMAN:24 promises a day full of events including live performances, pub quizzes by DJs, a major party followed by a breakfast back in the store to heal those hangovers.

Did we mention all this is free?

Here’s the schedule that’s been put together by the high street retailer.

All you have to do is head to TOPSHOP/TOPMAN at Fargate this Thursday from 12pm to collect your free wristband to access the different activities in store.

The TOPMAN store will be having live radio broadcasts, DJs, Giveaways and promotions. There’s also a chance for 24 people to win their shopping.

When you’re done with that, head to 156 Arundel Street for ‘Play and Tell’. This session features iconic music photographer Kevin Cummins (Joy Division & Stone Roses), Mark Hubert (This is England producer and director of Warped films), Thomas Turgoose (AKA Shaun of This is England) and Oliver Ledger (Director of Reset records).

These guys will be discussing things that matter to them with BBC Radio 1′s Nick Grimshaw.

Next, head to Tamper: Seller’s Wheel (near Cantor building), where Nick Grimshaw himself will be hosting a music pub quiz.

Not only will you get to see Nick Grimshaw in the flesh in Yorkshire, but you will also get to win prizes!

If you’re not done there, then party the night away at TOPMAN’s exclusive party at The Harley. The likes of Waze & Odyssey, Star Slinger and Emily May amongst many others will be entertaining the night away.

Not looking forward to the hangover? No worries, the good guys of TOPMAN have got you covered with their complimentary breakfast along with DJs back at their store in Fargate.

The team at SHUlife are very excited to be there so if you’d like to join us, head on down from 12pm this Thursday the 12th of March at the TOPMAN store at Fargate.

See you there!

By Catherine Christy
Image credit: BBC Media Centre

Up next was the magnificent Korn whose set was difficult to fault. Even after 20 years they proved to be just as popular as they were at the peak of their success. From the opener of ‘Twist’ to closing their set with their powerful debut single of ‘Blind’, the set list was well balanced with huge singles and album fillers, creating reminiscent moments for any long term fan.

Front man Jonathon Davis showed off his bagpipe playing talent at the beginning of ‘Shoots and Ladders’, however the stand out song of the set was the iconic metal anthem of ‘Freak on a Leash.’ The eerie bass line and crisp clean vocals raised the roof and after waiting years to see Korn I can honestly say I was not disappointed.

For any band performing after Korn would have been a tough act to follow. For Slipknot, this was no issue. The elegant white curtain was raised revealing how the staging lived up to their tour name. Commencing with ‘Sarcastrophe’, off the newly released ‘.5: The Gray Chapter’, the rotating drum podiums and pyrotechnics gave you the sensation that you would make your way to hell as the show continued. The energetic band members commanded the stage, especially from gas mask wearing Sid Wilson, who continuously jumped off the stage and back into his DJ booth.

The star moments of the gig were classic hits of ‘Before I Forget’ and ‘Duality.’ The rocking drum beats and piercing guitar riffs hit your soul and you could not help but to follow Corey Taylor’s instructions to ‘get your devil horns in the air.’ Closing the show with ‘Surfacing’, Slipknot definitely proved that even after 15 years they still have the same verve as they did when they were kids starting out. All in all it was a memorable fantastic theatrical performance.

Set-list for Korn: Twist// Here to Stay// Right Now// Love & Meth// Falling Away from Me// Good God// Hater// Shoots and Ladders (with snippets from Metallica’s ‘One’)// Got the Life// Freak on a Leash// Blind
Set-list for Slipknot: Sarcastrophe// The Heretic Anthem// My Plague// The Devil in I// Psychosocial// The Negative One// Eyeless// Vermilion// Before I Forget// Duality// Wait and Bleed// Spit it Out// Custer// (sic)// People = Shit// Surfacing

Words by Shannon Westwood

On he came in the dead of silence unaccompanied and played out the delicate: ‘Carry Me away’. This was a brave move on his part, being an unfamiliar song, however I think it worked as it made the crowd hungry for more and desperate to see what more he could give us. With that we were not disappointed, this solo track was followed straight by ‘Bam Bam’from King Charles’ debut album ‘Love Blood.’ Now he was accompanied on stage with the drums, guitar and keyboard the audience’s feet were moving and jigging around Plugs tiny dance floor. 

King Charles continued on this high vibe with the sing along tracks from his first album pleasing the audience no end, however I couldn’t help but wait for the tedious amount of new tracks to come. This inevitably happened and although the tracks were executed wonderfully by the band on stage the change in pace between the known dancey tracks to the new slower songs lost some of the audience. However it was a treat to be told how one of the tracks ‘was never meant to be recorded’ but the singer now felt like he was ready to share it with us. 

Overall King Charles put on a good show and made up the continuos amounts of unknown songs in the middle of his set by finishing on the classic ‘Love Lust.’ Now all I can say is I look forward to the release of the upcoming album and how the singers new tender side will be reflected.

Words by Georgina Francey

After busking on the streets of Sheffield for the past four years, Oliver launched a campaign that gets fans to donate money so he can work alongside Sheffields famous producer Alan Smyth who has worked with the likes of Jarvis Cocker and The Arctic Monkeys.

By the 13th March he wants to raise £2,000 which many of you may think is an unrealistic target. But the campaign has been going for less than a week and has already raised a third of the money.

Now Oliver isn’t just wanting you to donate for nothing, he is offering a range of rewards for them who help him. The more you donate the better the prize is. It can be something as little as a personal phone call, a private concert, a song written about you and for those who make a big donation he has said he will have their name tattooed on his wrist.

“The tattoo scares me a little, because it’s somebody’s name on my wrist for life! But if they’re willing to demonstrate their belief in my music to the tune of £5,000, it’s a small price to pay, and certainly a name I won’t be forgetting regardless.” 

So if you’re interested in donating to Oliver’s music career you can do so at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/olivermanning/the-manboy-lp-by-oliver-manning.

Words by: Katie Hetherington