Two days of hectic band watching and drinking took its toll and by Sunday all my energy and enthusiasm had been wiped away. Luckily Slow Club had an evening slot which I could not miss so that was a huge incentive to hit the city one more time.
I haven't seen the Sheffield duo (who now have a full band) since 2010 and they have changed a LOT. A big crowd had gathered on Devonshire Green to catch the infectious group who excitedly bounced on stage, you couldn't help but smile back!
They are no longer that simple folk act that originally broke them, they've become a slick pop group with a full band and a brass section in tow. Material from their second record was delivered with joy but it was the new stuff that stood out. I was blown away by how good it was, it really caught me by surprise. I do love their ramshackle debut but they've improved in leaps and bounds to create something special, game changing. Rebecca plays the pop role with perfection as she owns the stage, you'll either catch her with a guitar in hand, smashing the shit out of the drums or just a mic in hand and a smile on her face. Her voice has evolved into something powerful and sweet at the same time. Charles steadies the ship and the other members look like they have the time of their life too. If We're Still Alive, Two Cousins and Beginners received the strongest reactions but it was tracks from their forthcoming LP which made them my favorite band of the festival.
Before ending my weekend at the Folk Forest with Beaumont Bags a ride around the city on the busker bus was in order where Chesterfield folk chaps The Natterjacks played a few tunes including covers of Mumford and Sons, The Vaccines and Kings Of Leon on the top deck.
And that was my Tramlines 2013 done and dusted. Another successful and fun weekend in the city I was born in. See you next year!
