The Sherlocks @ The Talking Heads

The Sherlocks are quickly becoming the biggest band since Arctic Monkeys to hit the Sheffield scene. The brothers are far too polished for their own good and have gotten themselves a bit of a reputation for their crowd-electrifying live gigs, last night being no exception.

Not many band’s can make me say that i find the experience of being smashed against the stage under their feet, enjoyable; but somehow the sherlocks managed just that. I was lucky enough to have a photo pass, giving me a chance to escape the crowd that seemed set on cracking my ribs, and watch the band side stage. One thing you can’t ignore about this band is how much they love what they do. It was, in a sense, humbling to watch a band that have so clearly made it, but still seem in awe by the surge of fans selling out each and every show they play, in or out of the north. The amount of giddy smiles i caught from drummer, Brandon Crook, was honestly the highlight of my night.

The Sherlock’s music is undeniably accomplished, and their lyrics are brilliantly down-to earth; but live, their music is on another level. On stage they were a little reserved, nothing too in your face or pantomime-like, and something between the four of them seemed completely in love with the music they’ve produced; obvious through the way that they effortlessly played out their set.

The crowd at The Sherlock’s gig was, as always, packed and a little bit on the rough side -how a 300-person capacity venue could produce a pit that spread across the entire floor is beyond me. The atmosphere was friendly though –  the sort of crowd that would trample you in the pit but proceed to pick you up and still apologise after.

The two supports were something pretty special too. First on were ‘The Orders’, a three piece band bringing sleazy alternative rock from somewhere up north. They had such a blasé stage presence that even when their frontman’s guitar kicked bucket shortly after their first couple of songs, he still managed to pull off finishing the set on Jordan Allen’s borrowed guitar. The Order’s drummer, Josh, was an absolute character; pulling faces and laughing at himself every time I pointed the camera his way; though somehow still managing to absolutely smash each song.

Second Support act – Jordan Allen – stupidly polished for a band that have apparently only been together a year or so, had a knack for getting the crowd going. They were really honest guy’s that were very good at what they did. Lead guitarist was unbelievable to watch; faultlessly shredding like he could do it in his sleep.

If you get the chance to see The Sherlock’s on the rest of their tour don’t even hesitate – every band is better live but they are something else on stage, and their choice of support acts seems to be pretty impeccable too.