Birds of Wales @ Bar Academy, Birmingham – 12th August 2008
Being a tad jet lagged and hankering for a bit of heavy drinking, Birds of Wales embarked on their 5th UK tour in front of what I’m ashamed to say was almost an empty room at the Bar Academy on Tuesday night. Appearing two band members down (the other two not able to tour due to family commitments) Morgan Ross and Mike Caputo took to stage with a whole host of well crafted and neatly performed alt folk tunes that went down extremely well with all of the five hardcore (all female) fans that had made their way here from all over the country.
Morgan freely admitted to me that no promotion means no one comes, well Mr. Ross that was certainly a truism this night, but it was a real, real shame because Birds of Wales had some true gems, with Philanthropist and Cinderella shining the brightest this night.
With a voice that was almost beautiful in nature, Ross enthralled and I had glimpses into what could happen if both a full band and people had bothered to turn up.
With a tilt of the head, a drop of the knee, the occasional eye roll, Ross set out his stall as a flatterer, but one that ultimately though deceived in his commitment to the whole endeavour. Yes indeed, Birds of Wales have something special about them but unfortunately I don’t think that I got to see it this evening. I don’t want to say that they were going through the motions but I really felt their hearts weren’t in it. Due to the lack of turnout the band pulled up short and never really let go. In what seemed to be an almost intentionally shortened set I just got the feeling the bar was calling and why not, they obviously have their sights on bigger and better things.
Review – George Fleming
Photos – Steve Gerrard
It was a great gig, and a real shame that virtually no one was there to see them – hopefully next time…
Great review & photos