Tramlines has evolved massively year-on-year from a free inner-city festival with a handful of established acts and a load of rising stars performing across the city to a huge event attracting thousands to the city in hope that they catch their new favourites bands as well as some pretty big names too. Although the festival is no longer free for some venues it is a value for money event with three day tickets costing just £28 (available here) and with hundreds of acts performing on stages, in bars, on street corners, in gallery's, churches and anywhere else they can get their mits on, there is something for everybody from the family friendly folk forest in Endcliffe Park to the dance takeover at the University with the finest EDM going till the early hours, there is no excuse to be bored, especially if the sun is out!
Here is who I am excited for:
Tramlines wouldn't be Tramlines without Sheffield's finest 'cover band' Everly Pregnant Brothers. Last year they played three times including their now iconic Fat Cat set which has become the talking point over the last couple of years, they attracted a crazy amount of people it was almost shut down. This year they return to the Kelham Island pub on Friday at 7PM, this time they will have their own stage! It is part of the Fringe side of the festival (no wristband required!) get down early if you want to chance of seeing them perform the likes of No Oven No Pie and Chips Pans On Fire and kick of the weekend with a real chuckle!
From comedy covers to classic hip hop, Tramlines not only caters for all but also those who have broad tastes too, like myself and Devonshire Green hosts Public Enemy on Saturday at 5PM who will no doubt bring a tirade of tunes that you probably don't think you know but you will, Fight The Power, Bring The Noise and Harder Than You Think have influenced two generations of hip hop, this is a set not to be missed!
My discovery of last years Tramlines were Manchester quartet Pins. They blew me away with their fierce post-punk glamour. They are the coolest girls in town who are not to be messed with so if you fancy some attitude head to the Leadmill at 9PM.
How can you not love The Cribs? The Wakefield brothers are in the minority when it comes to noughties indie survivors with their chaotic live shows and consistently good records, they have earned the reputation of hardest working band around. For some glorious tunes to sing along to then catch The Cribs on Sunday as they headline the Devonshire Green stage at 8PM.
There is nothing better than supporting local talent, especially when it comes in the form of Slow Club who released their gorgeous, perfect third record, Complete Surrender this week. The band were my highlight last year when they aced the Dev Green stage, this time they return to headline the Leadmill on Sunday at 10PM.
See you next weekend! Fingers crossed for sunshine! More details can be found here.
