Sheffield, Halifax and Home

I'm sitting like a zombie and thinking like a slug. Why? a weekend of gigs and a day of recording and rehearsal following on.On Saturday, I was invited by Elodie Ginsbourg, the force of nature behind Da DA DA fanzine, to a really lovely birthday party. Despite transport problems, I didn't miss too much of it. When I got there, the Middle Ones were just finishing their set, and Crumbs took to the stage to play a loud, punk-inspired set that completely redefined the link between party dresses and music.The venue for the party was upstairs at the immaculately Victorian Channing Hall in central Sheffield, whose large windows illuminated a spacious room filled with round tables hosting excited families. Elodie's many friends circled around helping: Pete Dale of Milky Wimpshake was on sound desk duties, and although I have known him as an academic colleague, I've never actually seen them play. They are a trio who play powerful guitar-based songs and I really enjoyed their set too. Before…