SATURDAY ROUND UP
There is a long line of bands to have emerged from the huge Sheffield scene which has taken over the UK this year, however Little Man Tate stand out a mile from the crowd. This is mainly due to the ingenious lyrical quality of their songs: lines such as “He gets home switches on the news/kicks back in his high heel shoes/Switches channels to Eastenders/cleans his house in his red suspenders” from Court Report are just a hint at their hilarious songwriting ability. The ultra catchy Sexy in Latin was the high point of a performance which brightened the start of many afternoons. They lack the popularity of the Arctic Monkeys or The Enemy, but their talent, particularly as songwriters, is far superior.
A large majority of the crowd forming in the Lock Up tent were there on the strength of one song. Plain White T’s have enjoyed masses of airwave time thanks to their stunning acoustic single 'Hey There Delilah', which caused confusion as to why they were performing on a stage reserved for punk rock bands. As it happened, they were fooled. Sounding not dissimilar to The Pixies or Goo Goo Dolls, they performed a mellow rock set with a punk edge thanks to the voice of Tom Higgenson, a refreshing diversion away from hardcore screamo and punk. The moment when the band left the stage leaving Higgenson alone with an acoustic guitar was a highlight of the festival so far; the opening notes that everyone was waiting for sent thousands of volts through the crowd, leaving no one without a grin as wide as the stage itself. Definitely a contender for surprise of the weekend.
The biggest buzz around the arena was about one band that had the honour of gracing two stages. Jimmy Eat World opened the first of their sets with the anthemic 'Salt Sweat Sugar', setting the precedent for the remainder of a performance that thrilled the mass that had gathered to watch, an unusual phenomenon not usually experience that early in the afternoon. Material from their new album was impressive, sounding as though they plan on veering from the mellow sounds and returning to their heavier roots. However the singles caused the most excitement, particularly The Middle, which teased the crowd before the band reappears a few hours later.
The anti-poverty banner was off-putting to some who at first glance expected a Bob Geldof rant from Sam Duckworth of Get Cape Wear Cape Fly. Fortunately it turned out only to be a subtle backdrop to a stunning laid back skacoustic blend. The sheer beauty of the music that this band creates far outstrips anything that Chris Martin could ever consider writing, songs like the mind blowing War of the Worlds are as powerful as any rock ballad, but minus any hint of nausea or tongue in cheek. It proved the be the most awe inspiring 45 minutes that are likely to be seen this weekend.
Steve McCaul
