Punk's still got teeth, and Sheffield's still biting - 14th May 2025
Sheffield’s music scene has always punched above its weight — from the electronic bite of The Human League, to the steel-hard riffs of Bring Me the Horizon. But it’s not just about the heavyweights. The city still breeds rebellion and grime, and few places channel that energy better than Yellow Arch Studios in Kelham Island. Once a heart of the cutlery industry, this area’s gone from steel to style — now hailed by The Sunday Times as one of the UK’s coolest places to live, and Time Out even gave it global status, ranking it 35th coolest neighbourhood in the world.
Yellow Arch has seen the likes of Richard Hawley, Jarvis Cocker, and even Drenge pass through its hallowed space and it’s where the Arctic Monkeys recorded their first album. But on the 14th of May, it was the punk torchbearers who set it alight — led by the fearless Panic Shack and rising force The Pill.
Formed in 2021 on the Isle of Wight, The Pill are a tightly wound trio firing out razor-edged punk that blends biting social commentary with fun, sweaty catharsis. Lily, on guitar and vocals, lays down serrated riffs and unapologetic lyrics. Gaby, on bass and vocals, brings groove and grit to the frontline, while Rufus Reader holds it all together with relentless punch behind the drums.
Their set was an instant conversion ceremony. Even the unfamiliar were nodding like they’d been fans for years. There’s something infectious about their balance of cutting lyrics and jagged rhythms, but what really sealed it was the three-way banter between Lily, Gaby, and the crowd — full of sharp wit and a kind of knowing that doesn’t need ego to land. This wasn’t your typical shout-into-the-void punk show — this was a conversation, sharp, funny and mutual. Personal highlight? ‘Woman Driver’.
A track that snarls at outdated attitudes while being catchy enough to stick in your skull for days. Other songs hit just as hard, each one laced with meaning without ever sounding preachy. And off-stage, they’re just as grounded. Friendly, open — the kind of band you want to root for. And if there’s any justice, the kind of band we’ll see climbing the bills at Rebellion Festival next year or even this if it’s not too late. They’re ready. Highly recommended.
Halfway through their 18-date UK tour, Panic Shack are a band who don’t take the stage — they own it from the first second. Formed in Cardiff in 2018, the band features Sarah Harvey on vocals, Em Smith on guitar, Romi Lawrence on bass, Meg Fretwell on guitar and backing vocals, and Nick Doherty-Williams on drums. They’ve already torn through sets at Rebellion Festival, earned serious radio play, and released a string of cuts that blend punk, indie, and riot grrrl spirit into something that feels defiantly now.
As soon as they kicked into ‘Jiu Jits You’, it was obvious: this was not a passive crowd. Fans down the front belted back every word, fists in the air. It’s that perfect balance of fun and fury that Panic Shack nail — biting social commentary wrapped in hooks and humour. Latest release ‘Gok Wan’ is peak Panic Shack — celebrating body confidence and personal freedom, all to a beat that dares you not to move.
The climax? A chaotic, joyous, borderline feral mosh pit erupted towards the end of the set — bodies flying, arms flailing, boots bouncing off concrete. It was raw, sweaty, and completely unhinged in the best way. The band didn’t just feed off the energy — they stoked it, laughing through the chaos and pushing the volume harder. Punk may have matured, but Panic Shack prove it hasn’t lost its ability to kick you square in the teeth with a grin. I loved them and the energy they generated, who needs wind farms???
Both bands proved something important: punk isn’t dead, it’s just evolved — and it sure as hell isn’t just a boys’ game anymore. The Pill brought guts, charm, and serious message-loaded riffs. Panic Shack brought the fire and the chaos, rallying their army of fans and converting the rest.
The venue? Yellow Arch was the perfect home for it. Sweaty, intimate, and loud — like punk should be.
Two killer bands. One unforgettable night. And a reminder that if you want truth, noise, and raw connection — this scene’s still the place to be.
Main Photo Credit / All Photos: PHIL THORNS
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