Formed little over two years ago, Ormondroyd – lead singer/guitarist Ollie, guitarist Ste, bassist Nick, drummer Gash, Keyboardist Rob and Violinist Catherine – are a notable asset to Sheffield’s live circuit. Formed in the aesthetically dubious tower block of Sorby Halls of Residence, Ormondroyd won the best band competition at Sheffield University in 2003. "Well, we won the panel vote," said Ste. "As usual, we got the critical acclaim but missed the crowd vote by three." Not ones to let the general public hinder their quest for fame and fortune, Ormondroyd set about gigging anywhere and everywhere, from local venues like the Grapes and the Casbah, to as far a field as Manchester and Barnsley. | "Sheffield has been a healthy place to develop and hone our sounds... there is a refreshing scene here at the moment, lots of bands playing good music" | | Ollie |
"Barnsley was probably the strangest place we played. We had old men asking us to play Whiskey in a Jar as little children spun around in circles in front of the stage." A versatile band that appeal to all age ranges it seems... On the night Tonight, in support of 50 Foot Wave, Ormondroyd are first on stage. The gig sees the 'Droyd play a mixture of established live favourites and new tracks from their soon to be released EP. Opening track Perfect Designs is a sonorous, arppeggiated tune, which uses dynamics to rouse the crowd from the usual nonchalance that greets support acts. Singer Ollie thrives on the challenge of playing to new audiences. "Obviously, it's nice when your mates come and see you, but any opportunity to play to people who've not heard us before is brilliant." Ormondroyd are an assured and capable band. The songs are tight and layered with keyboard effects and violins. Ollie stands centre stage, looming ominously over the microphone. Sometimes his vocals get lost in the swirl of notes, but largely his voice compliments the ethereal sound of the band. Ollie writes the lyrics but the music involves a more democratic process, "Me and Ste usually come up with the back bones and the others add to it and make it weird and interesting." Weird and interesting is what Ormondroyd do best. Instead of just relying on Gash's superlative drumming, Ste employs a leek for percussive effect on 'Eyes on the Road'.
 | | Ormondroyd have big ambitions |
"Rhubarb was too floppy" he says. "Cucumber broke too easily but the leek is firm and doesn’t damage my guitar too much." Nick mentions the possibility of using certain 'marital aids', but the conversation quickly reverts back to the music... Some songs wear their influences on their sleeve. Fans of Mercury Rev and Spiritualized will notice similarities in the dreamy melodies of tonight's set, particularly 'Scarlet'. Ormondroyd excel when they provide their own take on the indie-rock genre. 'El Potential' utilises dynamics and unison of voices for the chorus to great effect, whilst 'Wenceslas' combines staccato guitars with rhythmical intricacy. The 'Droyd evolves The songs possess a real sense of urgency, testament to the progression of the music. "We started off getting the acoustic guitars out. After about 18 months we realised we could be a great electric band, so we plugged the guitars in." And rightly so. One moment the music is serene the next dissonant and the effect is powerful. El Potential and Eyes on the Road will appear on Ormondroyd's new EP, which they are recording in Sheffield. Being part of the Steel City's vibrant music scene has given the band a vital platform. "Sheffield has been a healthy place to develop and hone our sounds," says Ollie. "There is a refreshing scene here at the moment, lots of bands playing good music and not jumping on each other's bandwagon." Ste agrees, "It's important you use your home patch to learn your trade and get gigs under your belt." With tonight's gig firmly under said belt, the impetus is on Ormondroyd's future. "We've sent CD's out to labels in London and Manchester in an attempt to look beyond the local scene," says Ste. "We definitely have big ambitions." Ormondroyd have come a long way since their inception in dingy student digs. With a record deal, they may even pay off that loan sooner than they thought. Ormondroyd played the Boardwalk on Monday, 18 April, 2005. | 
