MINDS IDLE GO BACK TO THEIR ROOTS
Ted Mitchell - All photos courtesy of Phil Thorns
The Hallamshire Hotel on West Street in Sheffield, UK, holds a rich legacy in the city’s music history steeped in local music history. In the early 1980s, local legend Jarvis Cocker and his band Pulp played some of their first gigs in its intimate upstairs venue. More recently, Sheffield icon Richard Hawley has graced its stage, as well as international stars like The Cranberries. Now transformed with a retro 70s-inspired vibe—complete with a glittering disco ball—the venue has retained its charm while offering a nod to its storied past.
Enter Minds Idle, returning to their hometown like conquering heroes, a band straddling the influences of London’s vibrant edge and Sheffield’s rich musical traditions. The decor is evocative of Sheffield’s DIY music culture and the fact that one of the bands that they are influenced by is Pulp you knew
The five-piece band, fronted by the charismatic Ted Mitchell, took to the stage, and it was clear from the outset that they had certainly not lost their very vocal local fan base.
Ted Mitchell - Photo Phil Thorns
Ted described their music to me as “indie art pop” and the beautifully crafted lyrics and musical arrangements shone through in every song. Their sound bridges the gap between gritty emotive themes and melody driven storytelling, creating songs that resonate deeply with the listeners while energizing a crowd who seemed to know every word. Their music seems to be steeped in a melancholic yet hopeful tone that evokes the industrial beauty of their Sheffield roots and there’s a sense of yearning running through many of their songs as if you’re reaching for something that is just out of your grasp.
Ben Lilley - Photo Phil Thorns
The setlist balanced fan favourites with fresh tracks from their latest project, creating a dynamic flow Their most recent releases, ‘Silly Little Life’ (26/6/24) and ‘D Day’ (21/6/24), had the trademark hints of Jarvis but also Empire of the Sun, particularly in the latter which worked really well.
The set closed with the ‘Harry’, a haunting, catchy anthem with dreamy synths that everyone knew and as the final notes faded the loyal fans plus no doubt, many new converts, roared their appreciation.
Ted Mitchell - Photo Phil Thorns
The whole show felt like a homecoming party, a celebration of their Sheffield roots and their blossoming sound. With their unique blend of psychedelic tones, indie ethos, and compelling stage presence, this is a band poised for great things but they still remain grounded and have an enduring love for the city and people that helped to shape them.
If you didn’t catch this performance, keep an eye out for their next show on the 19th of December at the Signature Brew Haggerston in London, it cannot be long before they’re playing at much bigger venues.
Ted Mitchell and James Leaney - Photo: Phil Thorns
