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NME Tour at Sheffield Academy, February 3
These days NME tours are usually joined by many under 16s and a giddy attitude. While the heat on ticket sales has ultimately died down year on year, this year's NME tour is distinctly mature compared to previous outings.
With Florence And The Machine opening the tour, they are the only new name of the night. With her wispy hair and flowing dress Florence is the ultimate hippy stereotype. Backed by a band which consists of a harp however, we do wonder how much of tonight's performance is simply a PR stunt. The harp cannot be heard throughout her set and while her voice shines through the heavy instrumentation we are faintly sighing as Florence is left hanging onto another high note for a third time. However with her upbeat melodies and show tunes she is the lighter of the four acts tonight.
Especially when White Lies take to the stage among the dark shadows. It's an instant atmosphere change, and while this group may be the most popular of the tour their flaws clearly shine through the transparent lighting. As the opening notes of 'To Lose My Life' are heard lead singer Harry fails to hit the low notes, as each song rumbles into the next. A little like The Ting Tings last year, this group are the high flyers of the line-up, yet their music continues to echo around the academy. Slowly as we lose interest in the group's dark doomed view, 'Death' gives us the wake up call the band desperately needed. With low bass rhythms and anthemic melodies, it's a final uplifting finish, which leaves the set with a sense of accomplishment.
Friendly Fires are the only group on the bill not to be tipped with immediate success. Following the release of their debut album last year the group have dropped off many hotlists and it's easy to see why. With his arrogant attitude and harsh vocals, lead singer Ed strides onto the stage as if the audience are already on his side. Failing to notice most of the room are ignoring the band, the members continue to perform an impression of A Certain Ratio playing The Hacienda in 24 Hour Party People. The room slowly filters out, and it becomes apparently obvious the group distinctly lack charisma. 'Jump In The Pool' gives slight relief to a toned down performance, but without any noticeable chorus the band eventually fade into the background.
With all new bands abound Glasvegas appear to be the elders of the night. Rattling through tracks from their debut album, however, they fail to excite the audience. Dressed in black with doom laden lighting, the group's vocals are indecipherable while their stage presence leaves little to be desired. Lead singer James Allan pretentiously wears sunglasses for the whole set, which in parts remains limp due to a flux of ballads, while the remainder of the band stand, like Morrissey, pouting at the audience.
An encore of 'Daddy's Gone' leaves the crowd in high spirits but the band look displeased. That said fun, joy and a little silliness is clearly not to be seen or heard at this year's tour.
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Weather for Doncaster
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
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Tomorrow
Light sleet
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