I lost my phone on Saturday night, I wasn't THAT bothered, I have a spare, it's just inconvenient. I'd tried tracking its location but my laptop wasn't playing ball. The following morning I had given up believing a reunion would happen, then again I thought that about The Libertines and I’m not into that now it has actually happened. My friend tried ringing and it was ringing,not crushed to pieces on the sticky Leadmill floor. Moments after said friend received a Facebook message from Ryan, the bar manager at The Globe, he had my phone! I was in shock, how? What? Crazy! Some nice fellow had handed it in which was very generous of them then Ryan charged it up, saw who was calling, searched for them on Facebook and messaged them. I was delighted, not because I had the phone back (it has saved a lot of hassle and I am grateful for it) but for the effort and trouble that people gave for somebody they don't even know! I was smiling for hours for their kindness! So my highlight of Tramlines this year wasn't the music (which was awesome) but the people of Sheffield who I never give credit too. The crowds were ace, supporting local talent in their numbers and the staff were all helpful and friendly! Congrats Sheffielders. And thanks for not nicking my phone!
It might have been the final day but I was hungry for more music I found plenty as I trundled through the city one last time. First up local lads Best Friends at Queens Social Club where their loyal army were out in force for a late afternoon set. These are an energetic foursome who just keep getting better and better. They are an infectious group who attract fans ready to dance their afternoon away. Following Best Friends came Menace Beach, a band who I caught last year at the O2 Academy. They are kind of an indie supergroup as they are made up with members of You Animals (Komakino R.I.P.), Sky Larkin and Hookworms, it was a powerful performance but nothing really stood out, it's a real shame as I still adore Komakino and listen to You Animals album, such an underrated band.
Next stop was up the Devonshire Green for Wakefield brothers The Cribs. The Rifles were just finishing off their set when I arrived, blimey they've changed, still shit but less like a Jam tribute act. Jarman time! Their sixty minute headline set on the main stage was hit heavy with crowd pleasing chorus' from their strong back catalog. The Yorkshire trio spoke of their fondness for the city which they used to label as their home when it was brimming with indie talent in the mid noughties. For a band who have been together since they were born it always surprises me how sloppy they are but I guess that is part of the charm, punk ethos executed with pop tunes and mass sing-a-longs. At times I felt like I no longer related to what I was watching and it was outdated but as it went on I was sucked back in and remembered why I love this band.
I was hoping to save the best till last with Slow Club closing the festival at the Leadmill, unfortunately that wasn't the case. Toy were mid way through their gig, they failed to woo me with their watered down hipster vibes. They didn’t live up to the hype and I don't 'get it'. After an hour, Slow Club finally arrived on stage, 30 minutes late due to technical issues which never really got sorted. I felt so sorry for Rebecca and Charles who just looked frustrated as they were living their dream only for it to be sabotaged by faulty technology. But they are warriors and fought on. They arrived on stage to cheers of relief and cracked on without electric, no mics, just their delicate voices and acoustic guitar whilst the crowd hushed every time anybody made a noise, it was a beautiful moment. They were then joined by their band which included Fyfe Dangerfield from Guillemots but four songs in and I had to dash for the bus. Gutted.
Although the night ended with disappointment it was a brilliant weekend, the best Tramlines to date and I'd urge everybody to come next year and experience South Yorkshires delights.
