In recent times Sheffield has manufactured some of Britain’s most diverse bands, who have thrown the indie genre into fresh and vibrant directions. Sticking to tradition The Crookes are the latest to show off the city’s roots in good music. Of course some artists have seen more success than others, 2012 saw The Arctic’s finally crack America while Reverend & The Makers are still trying to truly leave their stamp on the UK’s scene. So what exactly is it that makes one of our old industrial playgrounds such an influential source? Well talking from first hand experience The Crookes stated “Sheffield has a wonderful, intimate, music scene and when you start out as a band up here there’s a brilliant network of people who really support you.”
Towards the end of 2012 The Crookes caught their first real taste of commercial success soon after the release of Hold Fast, their second studio album. The record was championed by the likes of NME Magazine and other industry guru’s such as Noel Gallagher and Felix White of The Maccabees. Speaking of the album’s success the fiery indie pop four piece told us, “we try not to read press reviews because the songs are often misinterpreted and nothing frustrates us more. All the fans who come to the shows seem to truly understand though and they’re the only people that really matter.”Hold Fast evokes romantic connotations throughout and when questioned on the deep spirit of the lyrical content this is what they had to say… It is a very romantic album, but romantic in the true sense, you know? It’s dark and twisted at times, at least lyrically; it’s idealism placed deliberately just out of reach. Often pop songs are very extreme in subject matter with the songs talking about very clearly defined emotions when in reality I don’t think people are that black and white. Most of the songs we write sort of hover on a knife-edge between bliss and despair.
This is the reason why The Crookes are tipped to be a very big name by the end of the year. In a crowded market of emerging talent it’s becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish musicians driven by making music from the heart rather than the success that comes with it. Pouring blood sweat and tears into their live shows has acted as a catalyst, which has caught the eye of press and fans alike. The intimate gigs demonstrate a certain underground innocence and pureness. So is touring extensively the best way to get noticed? It’s the only way says frontman George Waite. ‘We’re firm believers in working hard and building things up from the bottom and now, after years of playing hundreds and hundreds of shows, it feels like we have built something up. It sort of feels like an underground movement I suppose and I like the fact we don’t really have casual fans, only fans who truly buy into it.
Formed in 2008 their short and sweet career span has seen them tour the UK extensively, while more recently targeting countries further afield. “For me playing in Tokyo was a highlight. Well really playing all over the world is an absolute dream. But our recent show at The Leadmill felt like we returned home and really had achieved something special. It was one of those shows that just felt like the culmination of so much hard work.”
With the spotlight firmily cast upon The Crookes, 2013 is set to be an impelling year for the promising fresh faced youngsters. The band are stoked up after being personally asked by fellow Sheffield resident Richard Hawley to support him as he embarks upon an eight date tour of the UK this Febuary. ‘We’re all very excited about it. He’s an absolute hero of all of ours and to be personally asked by him to open up his shows is a real honour. We’ve never supported anybody before so it’s going to be a great experience.
| Mon 18th Feb | HMV Picture House Edinburgh | |
| Wed 20th Feb | Colston Hall Bristol | |
| Thu 21st Feb | The Assembly Leamington Spa | |
| Fri 22nd Feb | Cambridge Corn Exchange Cambridge | |
| Sat 23rd Feb | The Troxy London | |
| Mon 25th Feb | The Philharmonic Hall Liverpool | |
| Tue 26th Feb | Hull City Hall Hull |
Charming Man 