High Hazels Gig Review
The thought of going to
a gig may fear some of you with dread; I mean jumping around next to
a greasy, long haired rocker may not make you go weak at the knees to
say the least. However, if you do want to explore the world beyond
your student bedroom then Leadmill is home to the best live music in
Sheffield, showcasing an array of bands over the years. It has been
going for a staggering 25 years and has hosted the likes of the
Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay and The Killers to all your Sheffield ears.
I was lucky enough on December 4th to see High Hazels perform their homecoming gig at The Leadmill and to say I was excited was an understatement. I love seeing new bands and I was looking forward to this one and see a band grace the iconic Leadmill stage. My ears were greeted to a band with an average age of about 14 called Red Faces, who were supporting High Hazels. I couldn't help but stereotype that they will just be an average school set up band, but they proved my judgemental ways wrong! They were incredible for an adolescent age, with the lead singer Harry Lyon putting on amazing melodic vocal performance and the other talented band members, Andy Wynn, Isaac White and Charlie Yapp offering an upbeat mash up to get The Leadmill crowd going. Think of a young Arctic Monkey's crossed with The Police, so they are definitely a band to watch for the future.
Next up was Laurel Canyons. I'm still undecided about how I feel about them as after watching Red Faces and feeling a bit of a 'buzz' my mood declined into a foggy mist. However you cannot deny that this band are incredible musicians, where their songs include a light and shade arrangement, which makes them effortless to watch. Jake Cope, the vocalist, sings with intensity and passion that illuminates the crowd. For me, I think I would have much preferred to listen to them in the comfort of my own home or not at all...
Finally, it was the one everyone has been waiting for, High hazels. The Leadmill was filled out to the max watching them play their homecoming performance. They time warped me back to the 70's and I felt like I was some love hooked girl listening to the dreamy pop mellow tones. Think of The Smiths and High Hazels is a youthful replica. They captured the audience with awe and the acoustic song Shy Tide solo performance from vocalist James Leesley was captivating to watch (my personal fave). Their songs such as Banging on my Door and Hearts are Breaking have an honesty and yearning that create the magical arrangement, making the Sheffield crowd keep coming back for more. After seeing them play I have had them constantly on repeat and I would recommend anyone who loves dreamy mellow pop to give them a listen or a watch. Think I may have the High Hazels love bug...
It is not just The Leadmill that showcases a variety of live music but there are plenty others, such as Corporation, West Street Live, The Harley and dozens more to meet your tastes. Going to gigs expands your social horizon and is great to chill out and listen to the music you love in reality. So, rock out your best air guitar moves and strike a pose!
