Sounds of an Eccentric

Photo by Alethea Shephard March is nearly upon us and with so many exciting independent gigs on the horizon, it's the perfect time to discover your new favourite band. 1st March - Contagious Courageous and In The Tune Presents: Scribble Victory, Rascalton, Emaze and Cameron Sinclair-Harris at the Sitwell Tavern 2nd March - Solis Debut E.P. Launch at Leaf on Portland Street 3rd March - The Harriets at Belgrave Canteen and Music Hall 4th March - Farfisa Single Release at Aatma 5th March - Here Lies Man at the Brudenell Social Club 6th March - THE WORLD IS A BEAUTIFUL PLACE & I AM NO LONGER AFRAID TO DIE at Brudenell Social Club 7th March - Deep.Sleep at the Lending Room 8th March - Spotlight Music Presents: International Women's Day Showcase At Independent 9th March -  Sauvage, Mosaic Sun & Noah Noah at Tynemouth Surfcafe 10th March - Double Denim Live Presents: Avenoir Single Launch at Key Club 11th March...

On Thursday night Sheffield indie group SHEAFS kicked off their debut UK tour with a bolshie gig at Oporto in Leeds. Kicking the night off was new kids on the block Manuka Hive . A glitzy fusion of gritty riffs, proud harmonies and beefy bass. After opening with a somewhat lackluster track, they erupted into a gutsy, theatrical song that combined 60s rock with 00s indie.  They need to ditch the first track - it's the weakest in their set and they're capable of packing a far bigger punch. Their front man was a bit O.T.T. in parts, with some of his facial expressions just  looking odd or as if he was in pain. It was just a little self indulgent and there needed to be more connection with the crowd. However the bromance between the guitarist and bass player; paired with their big, catchy sound; did redeem their set. Considering they only formed in October, their existing set is admirable, and the weaker elements of their set are just growing pains. There's a lot of...