The Leadmill - Sheffield - 13.6.99

Sheffield's most celebrated indie club, made for a fabulous live venue, boasting a large stage and dance floor, a good view of the band was guaranteed. After two hours drive to Sheffield, I was eagerly anticipating the 'roy's arrival on stage, after their absence of two years, the atmosphere in the Leadmill suggested that the crowd felt the same.

Applause from the crowd greeted the Kings of Kitsch and they topped the bill with 'The Addison Tapes' and their forthcoming single 'Moshi Moshi'. I, like many others stood for a moment evaluating the songs. Word on the street was that Corduroy was taking a bold direction with their new material. I was worried, how different was it going to be? It was then pleasing to my ears to hear all the old Corduroy hallmarks there. The retro-film feel, Ben and Scott singing "ba ba dah"s. The result was feel good and funky!

It wasn't till the third song that the show got well and truly on the road. Ben introduced a little known song called 'Mini'. To which everyone cheered and threw all manner of wild and funky shapes. However, this night wasn't about the old stuff. It was showcasing the new album 'Clik!' (available from all good record shops in August, Ben informed us frequently - as if we need reminding!). After the absence of the band for a funk-free two years, the fans stood in judgement and they judged with their feet. The funky moves quota was high! Especially when Scott ditched the keys in favour for a guitar for 'Play loud' and 'God damn'. These were thrashy, groove-laden numbers, giving an eclectic feel and the energetic performance whipped the crowd into a frenzy. The new material was bringing Corduroy into the millennium, with samples and confident new synth sounds. This was most apparent in the song 'Paddy & Kier' which was an atmospheric number with tubular- bells sounding synth.

However Corduroy played a few of the old crowd pleasers such as 'Motorhead' and 'Something in my eye' and a melody of instrumental favourites such as 'Money is', 'Chowdown' and 'Crossfire'. These brought a smile to the fans faces as they grooved to the familiar tunes. As usual Scott gave it his all as he played and sang stood up on his stool, his live trademark. As they ended their last track (Motorhead), the crowd stamped and clapped for more. Being true gents, Corduroy obliged with 'Very yeah' with sweet vocals from the twins. The beaming crowd got down and made the most of the precious minutes left of this fine band. The band then introduced the 'Corduroy sit-down'where the enthusiastic crowd was instructed to sit on the floor and put our right hand in the air and our left hand down our underwear. Although the fans complied on the former, it seemed Simon was the only person putting his hand down his underwear! They then left the stage with immense cheering and applause from the mob. While dusting down my backside of fine Sheffield dirt I thought that Corduroy were beyond reproach. It was an excellent set played with such enthusiasm to an up-for-it crowd. The boys were back and as bright and bouncy as ever. We've missed you!

Review By Helen Hampson.