The Biggest Party Each Year in Sheffield is at Tramlines in Hillsbrough Park and whilst this years is starting a little wet and muddy, that hasn’t dampened the spirits of the people that have travelled here to see some top bands play.
Leading the way with the most inspiring early performances that we saw were Delilah Bon, Lizzie Esau and Dead Pony, all in The Leadmill Stage Tent. We even took the chance to grab 15minutes with Anna Shields from Dead Pony to discuss their upcoming first headline tour and debut album (full interview coming soon on Soundsphere). The rest of the bill was a little too ladtastic with The Enemy, Circa Waves and DMAs on the Main Stage.
Delilah Bon kicked us off with a stirring set considering the time slot, gates delayed opening 12:10 band on stage 12:15. The tent filled out nicely by the end though. High energy, great rock/rap crossover act that is colourful in looks and message. They have a track called Chop Dicks and they do just that with a fake phallus attached to DJ.
Whilst The Enemy were rocking their biggest hits on the main stage, we caught Lizzie Esau and totally enjoyed a fresh take on new alt rock, sometimes sounding a little PJ Harvey, sometimes more Stevie Nicks but always worth listening to and watching. It helped that it was raining outside to fill the leadmill tent but justifiably on her talent. Marked her out as one to watch another time.
Then the performance of the day so far, Dead Pony. I’ve watched this Glasgow based band grow since they changed their name from Crystal several years ago. This afternoon was a masterclass in getting a group of new fans together to sing and dance along to songs they have never heard before. New songs were played that sounded tougher and more technical than the older stuff now dropped. They have already soldout the Sheffield date on their September tour, so watch out – this band are flying right now and thats before the new record is out.
Pale Waves are next and then Richard Ashcroft to headline the main stage. If Day 1 is anything to go by, it will be a wet and wonderful weekend. See you tomorrow.
Words and Photos John Hayhurst
John has been to gigs for over 30 years and he travels all over for festivals. Genres range from folky female singers to bloodbath metal whores - Live for the Music!
