From the synth-pop innovators The Human League and Heaven 17 to the titans of modern indie Pulp and Arctic Monkeys, Sheffield has always played host to an incredible live music scene. The eclectic artists on offer is just one reason why Tramlines is a growing festival that celebrates the different venues of the city. The festival will be taking place from the 25th to the 27th of July. Here are nine acts I've picked out especially for you.
Catfish and The Bottlemen
One of the most hotly tipped bands on the bill is Wales' own Catfish and the Bottlemen. Lead singer McCann credits the name to an Australian busker that went by the name 'Catfish the Bottleman'. Their sound consists of a classic indie-rock backdrop with highly expressive vocals and has been picked up by Radio 1 who have been backing the band this year. The band will be appearing on the Main Stage on Sunday.
Listen: Kathleen, Fallout, Pacifier
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The Wedding Present
The gazey guitars over the intense drums brought The Wedding Present's sound to the forefront of indie music in the late 80s/early 90s. Lead by lead singer and guitarist David Gedge, the band's high tempo tracks were backed by the legendary DJ John Peel which helped bring them to commercial success. The band will be gracing the Leadmill on Friday.
Listen: Kennedy, Brassneck, California
AllusondrugsHailing from West Yorkshire, Allusondrugs are bringing a high energy explosion of 90's inspired grunge to the music scene, armed with soaring reverb riffs and raw heavy guitars. Signed to Clue Records, Allusondrugs will no doubt deliver their raucous sound to Millennium Gallery on the Friday of Tramlines.
Listen to: Nervous, Plasters, Fruit
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[FACEBOOK]East India YouthThe one-man electronic experience that is East India Youth, better known as William Doyle, will be gracing The Harley on the Friday. His debut LP 'Total Strife Forever', a pun on Foals 'Total Life Forever', received stirling reviews last year for his alternative arrangements of his material; complete with choral soundscapes and experimental timbres, this isn't one to miss.
Listen: Dripping Down, Heaven, How Long, Looking For Someone
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[FACEBOOK]Woman's Hour
Woman's Hour are an arty four-piece from London, high on expression and simplistic in layers, they blend their 80's monochrome image with electronic layers to result in an interesting, well-thought out production. Catch Woman's Hour over at Sheffield Cathedral on Sunday.
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[FACEBOOK]Public Enemy
The hip-hop heavyweights of Long Island brought a revolution in political and musical disputes. Their incredible diverse live band backed with the aggressive energy they're so well known for has lead them to a headline slot at last year's West Holts stage at Glastonbury which showcased how astounding as a live act they are. Fight the power on Saturday over at the main stage.
Listen: Night of the Living Baseheads, Don't Believe The Hype, Harder Than You Think
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[FACEBOOK]Blessa
Sheffield's very own Blessa is made up of students from the university who began their roots influenced in literature. The band's double A-side 'Bloom/Between Times' was produced by MJ of Hookworms and has been picked up by the likes of The Guardian, NME and 6Music. Catch their gazey pop sound which is sure to go down a treat at Sheffield Cathedral on Friday.
Listen: Bloom, Between Times
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[FACEBOOK] The CribsIt'd be wrong to not go and watch the best thing to have come out of Wakefield; The Cribs. The sheer energy of the band's performances could power the whole nation. This year the boys celebrate ten years of album releases so a career-spanning set is inevitable. See the Jarmans on the Main Stage on Sunday.
Listen: Mirror Kissers, Do You Wanna Be Relevant, We Share The Same Skies
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[FACEBOOK]The Beat
Considered as one of the foundations of the two-tone movement of the seventies, The Beat bring their lively fusion of ska and reggae to Sheffield with a great ton of tracks to pick and choose from. With lyrical themes of love, unity and happiness, The Beat are the perfect band to keep the beer and good vibes flowing at the main stage on the Sunday of Tramlines.
Listen: Mirror In The Bathroom, Tears of a Clown, Hands Off... She's Mine
Visit the
TRAMLINES site and get involved if you live in the area
Don't forget to enter our Libertines competition sponsored by Timbre!
