Billy Talent + Cancer Bats + Canterbury @ Birmingham Academy – 27th October 2009
Canterbury started the evening off. They are a 5 piece British band, with dual lead vocals being provided from the guitarist and keyboard player. The guys had a very similar sound to the headliners Billy Talent. They tried really hard to get the crowd going, which worked so well everyone got behind them. The sound was the only down side for these guys, the bass was far too loud and drowned out the vocals which was sad really as I was enjoying the set. All in all, a good start to the night.
Second on the bill were Cancer Bats. In my opinion they were more like a joint head liner rather than a support act. Never the less they came out swinging with screaming from the off. Straight away the lead singer dived over the pit and into the crowd. This really got the crowd behind them. Soon after the energetic start the singer was stood on the barrier with crowd singing every word to their song. I have to say they were all out balls out from start to finish.
A large portion of the crowd had gone just to see these guys, which was understandable as they put on such an amazing show, with head banging and guitar riffs which left the crowd begging for me. I felt they did not fit the bill as much as Canterbury, as they were very heavy with lots of screaming, a good band but a little too different from the head liners.
Headliner time and Billy Talent take to the stage, but not before the crowd are illuminated by a fantastic light show closely followed by the stage. They really had the crowd eating out of their hands. The lighting was great with lots of strobes and bright colours, which worked so well. The sound was absolutely spot on, they sounded awesome. The set started strong and didn’t let up. They were so lively and again this ran through the whole set, with the Canadian 4 piece taking every opportunity to get the crowd involved with clapping and singing along at every giving moment.
The lead singer made a comedy reference to his hair quoting it was a 40 year old virgin hair cut! This was amusing as being Canadian his voice was very reminiscent of Terrance and Phillip from South Park this works in his singing, giving him a unique voice. The turnout was great and the venue packed out, which was great considering that Green Day played the same night just down the road. This was brought up by the guys as they thanked the crowd for turning up and showing their support for them. All out a good night, and three good bands with only a couple of minor glitches.
The sound was far too loud. The lighting was a bit too blue and in my opinion the new Academy just doesn’t have the same vibe as the old one, maybe it just needs time?
Review – Richard Brake
Photos – Michelle Ballard