October 24, 2022 |
Now in its sixth iteration, Sheffield’s annual No Bounds has carved itself as one of the UK’s most expansive inner-city festivals. Far beyond just a piss-up – although there’s plenty opportunity to do that at Hope Works, the factory-turned-nightclubs where most of the evening’s music took place – No Bounds is an ambitious tapestry of global sounds from forward-thinking artists navigating the industry on their own terms.
Kicking off in Sheffield Cathedral, with an opening concert from Manchester’s experimental rap prodigy Blackhaine, over at Hope Works, guests were treated to 1990s European house classics from Job Jobse, a fun-packed set from Gracie T and two B2B’s which stole the night: Sherelle with Kode 9, and Batu head-to-head with Skee Mask.
On Saturday, there was no time to laze about all day with a hangover. From DJ workshops, through to art installations, panel discussions and yoga sessions soundtracked by zooming drones, there was plenty to sink your teeth into. As the night crept in, the shapeshifting sounds of Amsterdam-based multidisciplinary Lyzza was followed by maestro of all things Jungle, Nia Archives, and master of the dancefloor, Palm Trax. Moving later into the night, things began shaping up to be a proper northern affair. From the likes of I.Jordan, whose sound is guided by their lifelong love of donk and bassline, through to the Off Me Nut crew, who are keeping the Sheffield sound alive with their love of all things rave.
Where No Bounds thrives is its ability to celebrate Sheffield and its expansive music history, whilst interweaving global influences to propel the city’s scene forward. It’s as progressive as it is totally joyous.
Photography by Frankie Casillo.
