1Eye @ Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath – Thursday 11th July 2013

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It goes without say that Birmingham is the Reggae capital of the UK.

Over the years this city has produce multiple award winners, Grammy nominees and world tour sellers; UB40, Steel Pulse and Musical Youth just to name a few.

On a warm night in The Hare & Hounds Kingsheath we were treated to some immaculate reggae music, the stage was filled with fertile ground of up and coming seeds Reggae talent from the city .

The host on the night was Cypriot Birmingham Based Reggae DJ Neeko, who has been busy over the past few years with assignments in Germany, Dubai and Jamaica, but the task at hand tonight was hosting and looking after Birmingham’s Reggae acts.

The night kicked off with Zara Sykes, who presence and attitude was felt, requesting a glass of Stella premium lager, before she commenced with her performance. Her performance was a very eclectic mix of music from the Black music. There was an element of Reggae, Rap this was sealed by her attitude of a Rock star.

This lead to an interlude, in that time DJ Neeko entertained the crowd was entertained by hits from Bob Marley and Garnett Silk icons of Reggae music, this was a sort of indication where the next band was headed if they get there break in the music world.

Tempting Rosie made their way to the stage, done their sound check there and then. A young band full of soul and energy; consisting of a rapper and lead singer, a horn section, two bass players and drummer. They literally went on the stage and had nothing but fun, witty and catchy song and a timeless rendition of Bob Marley’s “I Want to Give You Some Love”. Warmly received by the crowd and set up the crowd perfectly for the headline act.

1 Eye is a band and blooming project that have family and close friendship and the core of the band, they have been slowly but surely gaining a reputation as one of the bands to look out for in the coming months. Championed by David Rodigan MBE on BBC Radio 1, their breakthrough hit ‘Bailiff’ is one that has given them the most attention on the British Airwaves. ‘Daylight Robbery’ another catchy and very poetic tune to listen to this is 1Eye at their finest, showing their strong stance on social commentary, every track they performed was meet with a great reception due to its relevance and political activism on current issues affecting society . None more so than ‘One Percent’ a track that is sure to be a hit if and when release, such was the depth of the lyrics and message, this sounds like the perfect soundtrack to the Occupy Movement.

The whole night has showed that there is a Reggae Renaissance happening in Birmingham, and with Simmer Down Festival happening this weekend, now in it third year. It looks like we are on the verge of some good in Birmingham.

The Midlands has always been a one of the unsung musical hubs of England, but it is simple how the information is presented and the legacy will be preserved. It will be interesting to see how 1Eye leave their mark on Birmingham’s Reggae History.

Review by Chadwick Jackson

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