Stoney

Without even realising it, I've been listening to Stoney's new album The Scene And The Unseen at work for the past couple of weeks. Each and every time, I've almost enquired about the identity of the artist responsible for such a wonderful and diverse collection of songs. Little did I realise the talent in question resides within the confines of Sheffield's seven hills, and would be officially launching said record this very evening.

An unexpected treat, then, but by no means the solitary highlight. Opening act, and another of Sheffield's hidden gems, Neil McSweeney picks up an acoustic guitar and proceeds to invest every inch of his six-foot-something frame into delivering a collection of songs so subtle and well-crafted that you can't help but be drawn into his lo-fi world.

Backing band The Gents soon join him, providing an understated accompaniment to McSweeney's magnetic stage presence. There's an intensity about the performance of the bespectacled songwriter, visually a cross between Jesus and John Lennon, that shares a common cause with troubadours du jour Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, though the music is more rootsy, traditional, folk in nature. Songs like 'Postcards' and 'London Road' are meant to be heard on a winter's evening, mug of coffee in hand and snow on the ground, but even in the height of summer they deserve much wider acclaim.

How on earth Mark Stoney's face isn't already plastered all over national music magazines is a mystery to me, but with the new record receiving some notable press plaudits that could change sooner rather than later. What's certain is that this young multi-instrumentalist oozes star appeal, and, for once, possesses enough talent to back up the bravado.

Bouncing around the stage like an overexcited puppy, Stoney is the sort of performer you watch for the entire set just to see if he's going to do something remarkable. Tonight, we're treated to a glimpse of his 'S' branded, Superman style y-fronts (presumably for the ladies, though not his mother who, he tells us, is in the crowd) but the most noteworthy aspect of this set is how good the songs sound despite having had only a few days' practise with the musicians up there with him.

Recording the album and playing all the instruments on his own, Stoney's band tonight comprises of musicians from various bands and locations who've had barely 24 hours to learn the songs – but you wouldn't know it. The sublime 'Jailbird' bubbles with melody beneath a La's-esque vocal and some electronic wizardry, last year's single 'Soap In A Bathtub' sounds positively huge live, an anthem in the waiting, and new song 'Devil' (title TBC), hinting at a heavier direction, goes down a storm.

The Stoney sound is tricky to pin down, though there's plenty of guitar this isn't guitar music per se, and with a discernible groove it often crosses into electronic territory. There's something of an Englishness about the choruses, skyscraping and anthemic in the classic Kinks/Bowie sense, yet the verses often take a thoroughly modern spoken/sung format. Like Beck and Super Furry Animals, Stoney hops genres with consummate ease but still manages to put his own stamp on the end product. In twelve months' time, there's a fair chance the music of this Croydon native will be discussed with similar reverence.

I interrupted my holiday to whizz up briefly to Sheffield to attend the long awaited album launch of Stoney's debut album "The Scene & The Unseen".

First time at the Plug - a fair sized venue with a very good sound system. A good crowd from the start which increased as the night went on. The only negative remark I can make was the flashing lights - but that was purely from the point of taking pictures on my little digital - either blindingly bright to disengage my flash or reduced so low the flash came into play but hit the foreground resulting in blurred subject. But that was down to my inexperience and crap ability as a photographer. The lights certainly added to the mood and excitement of the evening.

Support from Neil McSweeney, another well loved and talented Sheffield artist. This guy supported by his band The Gents just gets better and better live. He has a most amazing voice and is so at home on the stage. A delight to watch and hear.

www.myspace.com/neilmcsweeney
www.neilmcsweeney.com

Stoney burst onto the stage with a rendition of Jake. The energy of his performance is something to behold. He captivates his audience totally and holds them there for the duration of his set, bouncing around like a thing possessed. It is hard to take your eyes off him. Not only do his songs and music hold you spell bound - he is visual entertainment from start to finish. Mark Stoney seems to be one of those artists where despite having the most awful luck he manages to produce a rabbit out of the hat every time. There was a "change of plan" as he put it - due to band injuries (he must work them hard!) - this band tonight were "borrowed" musicians and had only been put together in the last 24 hours!! But to hear them you would never have guessed and could be forgiven into thinking they had played together as a band for years. Rees from a band Oversol (keys); Al from Small Town Mentality Devon (bassist); Tom from Underdown Bristol (drums) and Bob in a few bands also from Bristol (guitar). The audience loved him, the yells and applause resounding throughout the venue. At one point he could hardly speak over the noise and was waving (good humouredly) for them to calm it! Overtaken by the moment, Mark Stoney felt the need to treat us to a flash of his Superman style underpants. Oh! that my camera decided not to record the moment!!!!!! The songs from the album delivered brilliantly and translate so powerfully live. All songs on the album quite different but with that typical Stoney sound. Dripping with charisma and rock-star appeal, Mark Stoney was born to be up there on the stage. Pure magic!

As I have often written before, Stoney is Sheffield's best kept secret! How he is not gracing the pages of music mags and more widely heard on mainstream Radio/tv remains a mystery. I guess it is that he dares to be different and cannot be pigeon-holed; the music industry is just too scared to take a risk or go out on a limb - the amazing thing is Stoney is a dead-cert blue chip !! There is one however looming on the horizon who seems to have taken an interest in this multi-talented singer songwriter. I believe the next 6 months or so will prove very interesting. Watch this space or more to the point watch Stoney's myspace!!!

www.myspace.com/stoneystuff
www.stoney.mu

Jamie T followed Stoney - hard luck for him. Stoney totally owned the night and although Jamie T performed well, the evening had past its peak. I find JT music interesting and a light relief but tis very "samey" when delivered as a set. He does have the knack though of creating an act of dialogue with his listeners. Just that a live gig can be a little overlong. His accoustic was good but I preferred it when his band came on to support. Salvador is a tune and they did a wicked performance of it live. The audience made him feel at home but applause was not a patch on that given to Stoney.

With hindsight I guess the promo people should have gone for Stoney headlining as he seemed to draw most of the crowd and certainly won over their hearts.

It was a brilliant evening - thrilling and inspiring!

Album: The Scene & The Unseen available directly from Stoneys website and Stoney's myspace or download from www.itunes.com

If you are interested in other reviews I have done (together with pics and video clips) and also an attempt at reviewing Stoney's album (nothing can do it justice but I tried) go to www.myspace.com/_Spook