GRIT, HEART AND BANJO DRIVEN CHAOS

May 7

There’s no shortage of music history pumping through the veins of Sheffield, but Corporation has its own pulse — beating loud and true from inside a former cutlery factory that’s seen generations of alternative culture come and go. From sweaty club nights to iconic sets by bands like Alkaline Trio and Bring Me The Horizon, Corp’s been a rite of passage for artists and punters alike. On Friday, 2nd May, it played host to three acts that couldn’t have fit the place better.

First up was Nick Parker, solo, acoustic, and straight to the point — much like the crowd who’d arrived early to catch him. With the opener ‘Departures’, he immediately struck a chord, not just musically but emotionally. The early birds were in full voice, clapping and dancing with every word, proving his following is as loyal as it is loud. ‘Es Tut Mir Leid’ stood out as a highlight — tender but foot-tapping, the kind of tune that connects without trying too hard. Parker’s charm is in his no-fuss delivery and honest songwriting — and it landed perfectly.

Next came Headsticks, who don’t so much play songs as hurl them into the crowd like protest flyers from a moving van. Led by the ever-engaging Andrew Tranter, who seemed to know half the front row by name, the band kicked off with ‘Cold Grey English Skies’—a storm of working-class poetry and post-punk bite. Alongside Stephen Dunn (guitar), Tom Carter (bass), and Nick Bayes (drums), Tranter stirred the room into a frenzy that felt half-gig, half-rally. ‘The God Song’, a new one from the upcoming album The Best Thing on TV (pre-orders land June 1st), hit hard — not just in message, but in sheer energy. Long-time favorites ‘Tyger Tyger’ and ‘Naked’ turned the floor into a swirl of movement before ‘Peace and Quiet’ wrapped things up in anything but silence.

Andrew Tranter of Headsticks - Photo - © Phil Thorns

And then came Shanghai Treason —Sheffield-born, beer-drenched, banjo-punk chaos at its most infectious. Their opener, ‘Bones,’ came tearing out like a runaway train and didn’t slow for a second. Sam Christie fronts the five-piece with swagger and a knowing wink, flanked by Tom Hardy (banjo), Joel (bass), Tom Jackson (bass/vocals), and Alex (drums). Joel, who also pulls pints over at the well-known Sheffield music venue Yellow Arch, had told me earlier how excited he was for the show — and it showed. The band is riding high off the back of their third album, Sonder, released back in February, and judging by the crowd’s reaction, they won’t be slowing down any time soon. It was my first time seeing them live — and frankly, I get the hype. They’re tight, full of personality, and genuinely bring something fresh to the Celtic punk hybrid scene, and I can’t wait to catch them and Headsticks again at Rebellion in August.

Sam Christie and Tom Hardy of Shanghai Treason. - Photo - © Phil Thorns

All in, it was a night that reminded you why these venues — and these bands — matter. It wasn’t about polish. It was about people. Songs that say something. And music that moves you — physically and politically. Get out and support live music whenever you can before it’s too late for many of these venues and bands!