Sandman 6th Birthday Tour at the Leadmill, Sheffield, September 20

Tonight is ultimately a sixth birthday celebration for Sandman Magazine- a fanzine in the north which prides itself in finding new and exciting talent. Having first started in Sheffield the magazine has been responsible for not only breaking new talent into the mainstream (Arctic Monkeys, Reverend and the Makers, Forward Russia) but also giving local bands the opportunity to appear in its' worn pages throughout the years.

This is a magazine that has not only managed to launch the Sheffield music scene into a national empire but has also had the likes of Alex Turner, Richard Hawley and Jarvis Cocker grace its' front page- at the same time. So to hear the magazine will be moving on the back burner, at least for the foreseeable future brings a sour taste to tonight's celebrations. But it's time to look forward to the young talent appearing in Yorkshire. After all Sandman have to be the best tastemakers in the north and it's about time someone gave these guys a gig.

Green Man Says Go are a trio that don't look far from school boys but their music instantly counts beyond their years. As the lanky figures tower across the stage the group simply ooze energy steering towards dark basslines and rhythmic beats. Taking the unusual slant of a lead singer/drummer the trio are a refreshing edge, and are clearly capable of more than the Fall induced material they are currently spewing out. Pavilion are the odd ones out this evening. Dressed shirts that outshine the room, the band perform a series of pop hits that immediately make The Feeling look like Nirvana. You can be forgiven for feeling the same about Avangaad- who remain extremely polished for a young group. However musically the group need a chop and trim as occasional melodies lean more towards painful comedy than indie pop.

Skeletons are the first band of the evening to show any real experience. Leaping onto the stage the group immediately make every other band look out of their depth. Strutting onstage the band suddenly bring the room to life giving the audience an instant boost. Lead singer Liam uses the stage as a personal gym, sprinting, jumping and tumbling among the other players. Each member, from the keyboard player to the drummer simply shoots electricity, making the performance an eye popping spectacular from start to finish.

However after leaving the room with huge grin Twisted Wheel are quick to wipe it away. With raw vocals, a double fast rhythm and aggressive tones the group fail to make any progression during their half hour set. Finally Starsailor are back in the form of The Hosts. Finishing the evening this Sheffield five piece are clearly capable of headlining, however their long guitar solos and hearty rhythms are in danger of leaving the audience a little bemused rather than ecstatic.

So then with a tear in our eye, we head out of the Leadmill, wipe away six years of memories and say a fond farewell to Sandman. But as far as tonight's line-up goes the best is just beginning.

Green Man Says Go Photo: Mark Latham

Skeletons Photo: Andy Cook