Listings : A healthy fringe
It’s less than a decade old, but Tramlines is firmly embedded in Sheffield’s cultural calendar. Like many of the guitar-wielding boys in attendance, it now sports a healthy fringe, championed by the forward-thinking publicans at Picture House Social. Neighbourhoods 2016 is free entry all weekend and will be overseen by party-starters Girl Gang and Delicious Clam, along with local heroes Kid Acne and Drenge.
Amazingly, other events still have the audacity to take place in July, and below is a list of the best of ‘em, no wristbands required. As this is the 100th issue, I thought I’d mix things up a bit and ask some of my favourite local musicians to give us their picks of the festival as well.
Lucinda Williams
Wed 13 July | Plug | £28.50
Still the reigning queen of leftfield country, Williams seems to have half a dozen lifetimes' worth of experiences to draw from, or maybe she's just such a good storyteller that it appears that way. A rare Sheffield gig in support of her new album, The Ghosts of Highway 20. Link
Drenge recommend…
"We've been kindly asked by the Picture House to put together a fringe night - a Drenge Frenge, if you will. Mysterious masked wrestler Sammartino and Nottingham's notorious Babe Punch will be joined by FEHM, a solidly strong post-punk group from Leeds. On top of that, Manchester has spared us the UK Border Agency's living nightmare BC Camplight, diehard internet darlings Hot Shorts, and (deep breath) Peace and Love Barbershop Muhammad Ali." Catch the Drenge Frenge on Friday 22 July at Picture House Social. Free without a wristband. Link
Mr. Scruff & MC Kwasi
Thu 21 July | Leadmill | Free
As is now tradition, the veteran selector opens Tramlines with a marathon free party, this time bringing along pal Kwasi on the mic. Expect quirky visuals, a diverse mix of genres, and for the allocated tickets to disappear quickly. Link
The Japanese House
Sun 24 July | Bungalows & Bears | Free
Amber Bain is the latest in a rich lineage of artists who toy with gender to reveal its hidden grey areas. On her Clean EP, post-production effects allow her voice to alternate between male and female, adding an otherworldliness to her beautifully produced R&B. Link
Mango Rescue Team recommend...
"Extravagant, swinging Balkan brass direct from Scandinavia, Whiskeyordnen will conquer the stage with their extravagant sound, leading a charge for all ecstatic party people. Drawing on elements from the entire musical spectrum, expect a luxurious and pompous stage show, full to brim with brass and sass." Mango Rescue Team headline the Peace Gardens Stage on Sunday 24 July, with Whiskeyordnen on Saturday 23 July. Both free without a wristband. Link
Zomby
Sun 24 July | Bungalows & Bears | Free
Since 2008, the Hyperdub producer has tapped into an endless source of material by becoming a sort of archaeologist of rave, nicking the furious breakbeats and chipmunk vocals of ‘92 and repositioning them in a post-grime landscape. It’s bleedin’ free an' all. Link
Mammal Hands
Wed 27 July | Lescar | £7
Combining the looping patterns of John Adams with the spiritual transcendence of Pharoah Sanders, this group from Manchester forge concert hall minimalism and off-the-hook free jazz in an unholy alliance that’s entirely their own. Link
Cowtown recommend...
"This year’s Tramlines is repping some amazing acts, with a cursory glance revealing Machinedrum, Marquis Hawkes, Moon Duo, Novelist and Perc, alongside noted legends George Clinton, Goldie and DJ Hype. But if you're a wise one you'll make time to catch super tight aggro-beat trio Blood Sport, the blissful falsetto-led bedroom pop of Toucans and the holy electronic musings of Saif Mode." Cowtown play at The Harley on Sunday 24 July as part of Tramlines. Link
Workin' Man Noise Unit
Wed 27 July | Lughole | £5
No-nonsense Reading rock. Also on the bill, Brighton-based racketeers Lower Slaughter and, representing the Sheffield scene, Community and Temple Steps. Link
Peter Hook & The Light
Fri 29 July | Sheffield Students’ Union | £27.25
The ex-New Order man has formed a new band to perform Joy Division's Unknown Pleasures in its entirety, as is the trend of the moment. This is by far the best chance you’ll get to see this music performed live, much to the chagrin of Sumner et al. Link )
