REVIEW: Bayonet take a stab at big time with Everything single launch at Sheffield Plug

While many of the UK's northern cities relish in their own respective scenes at least somewhat autonomously, it seems Sheffield is  resting on its laurels, resigning itself to remaining in the  lengthening shadow of four chilly primates.
Bayonet release single Everything with headline show at Sheffield PlugBayonet release single Everything with headline show at Sheffield Plug
Bayonet release single Everything with headline show at Sheffield Plug

The fact remains though that underneath the surface Sheffield, and indeed South Yorkshire as a whole, is a burgeoning hotbed of talent waiting for a break.

Testament to such talent, Saturday night saw a trio of South Yorks locals descend on Sheffield institution Plug for the launch of Everything the latest single from local lads Bayonet, whose set is one rife with an upbeat and frenetic energy.

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First to warm up the crowd however, are Sundance, a Barnsley-based four-piece whose riffs and swagger both belie their young years. Interspersing their own material with well-received covers, the band harbour a not-so-quiet confidence that's sure to take them places.

Second up are Rotherham's The Starkins. Part of the Scruff of the Neck Records stable (along side Bayonet) the indie-pop four-piece posses an irresistible stage presence, something which stems from their seemingly limitless energy.

With little regard for the boundaries of the stage, Andy Daniels and co tear through their half hour set with an almost effortless ease.

With their most recent single Everything premièred online just two days prior, the anticipation surrounding Bayonet's set was high. They didn't disappoint. Lush guitar lines and fluid bass licks merged together to create an upbeat and infectious tropi-pop; rich with melody it's both timely and timeless.

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Latest single Everything is a particular highlight, with sections of crowd already singing along.

'Irresistible stage presence, something which stemsfrom their seemingly limitless energy' - Rotherham band The Starkins.'Irresistible stage presence, something which stemsfrom their seemingly limitless energy' - Rotherham band The Starkins.
'Irresistible stage presence, something which stemsfrom their seemingly limitless energy' - Rotherham band The Starkins.

It is however, a highlight in an evening filled with them. And while the mainstream press is still preoccupied with trying to find South Yorkshire's next bastion of lad-rock, the real future of its scene is right under their noses.