Tramlines Festival 2013 was yet another success with over 70,000 people visiting the Steel City over the course of the weekend to catch plenty of acts from lots of different genres, from big acts to small bands there was something for everyone. I only managed to make it down to the festival on the Sunday and I managed to catch quite a few acts. Here are a few short reviews of 3 of my favourite acts of the final day of the festival:
Theme Park – Main Stage – Sunday
They might have been on early in the day but Theme Park definitely brought the party and the absent sunshine back to the Sheffield’s Devonshire Green. Their uptempo tracks including seasoned favourites ‘Milk’ and ‘Two Hours’ got the crowd dancing and in the party spirit though it was early on a Sunday afternoon. When latest single ‘Tonight’ was played the influence of having Friendly Fires frontman Ed Macfarlane produce the track could clearly be felt as it was like having Friendly Fires on the stage with Theme Park bringing the dance party carnival atmosphere to the song live with the additional percussion and plenty of synths. They left the stage to plenty of cheers after putting on a good set of around 7 or 8 songs, they already had a few fans in the audience when they arrived onstage but it is safe to say they left it with many more.
The Crookes – Main Stage – Sunday
This set was bound to be a special one for the band and the crowd, the Sheffield band who have started to make serious waves in the music industry here and having recently signed a record deal for America returned to their home town for a slot at Tramlines. With a huge turnout the stage was set for the band, throughout their 40 minute set they kept up good interaction with their home crowd turning any in the city who hadn’t already heard of them into a fan. Their retro tinged indie was the perfect soundtrack to what is usually the most chilled out day of a festival, there was some sing along moments and plenty of opportunity to dance along with the catchy rhythms and guitar hooks. Not only a brilliant set from the band but also yet another moment where Sheffield could proudly show off its musical talent.
Like Rome – West Street Live – Sunday
Like Rome are one of Sheffield’s new finest metal bands, this city has a history of producing good bands and this one is no exception. Playing in the small and restricted space but brilliant atmosphere of West Street Live, the closeness of the audience only helped the band to put on a better show feeding off the crowd’s energy and reaction. The songs are full of screamo goodness, chugging heavy guitar riffs, pounding drum beats that echo through your chest and with the five of them willing to put everything they have into a live show there is no wonder they have already bagged themselves a decent and supportive fan base. It may have been a short set but it was a good one and with plans to record later this year things are only set to get better for them, keep an eye on these guys.
Mixtape Couture 