|
After a month that has so far given me the brutal likes of Decapitated, Black Dahlia Murder and Morgue Orgy, as well as an unforgettably transcendental Mastodon performance, it was time for a brief respite. I headed to the Academy for a welcome relief after a fortnight of aural abuse for an evening spent in the company of Swedish hard rock titans Europe. |
|
Since the demise of Edwards No 8 on John Bright Street Eddies Rock Club has flirted with a residency at the Newt pub before settling into this, its current location, on Gough Street. It's a strange location; off the beaten track geographically and musically, it represents the real alternative to the O2 Academy's slew of fashionable indie gigs... |
|
Given the strength of the lineup this year, the Taste of Chaos is particularly tasty; four top quality bands playing a fantastic selection of metal – what more could you ask for? |
|
Birmingham Town Hall is sold out tonight and there are even a scattering of people sitting behind the performers in the choir seats. It's a diverse audience with a good spread of ages, genders and clothing styles -- everything from a three piece suit to a Motorhead t-shirt! |
|
Not knowingly on reviewing duties, and as is my wont, I turned up to the gig ten minutes before Efterklang were due on. As a result I can't comment on how good support act Nancy Elizabeth was, although those who had seen her had good things to say - apparently you could hear a pin drop during her set or, more accurately, you could hear the bands rehearsing the in the studio next door.. |
|
Originally this gig was billed with talented UK band Evile in the opening slot. However, due to the tragic death of bass player Mike Alexander earlier this month, it is Entombed who take up the primary slot. Which means we are in for an evening of vintage Swedish death metal from start to finish. |
|
ELO have a history coloured by success, numerous line-up changes, internal squabbling, greater success and bitter legal disputes. In most people’s minds Jeff Lynne was the beating heart of the band and when he stopped, ELO was no more. The problem remains for lovers of ELO, that they still want to hear Lynne’s music played live. |
|
I was extremely apprehensive coming to this gig. I have been a big fan of Editors since before they were even called by that name and every time I had seen them they had blown me away apart from once. I was one of the few that managed to get to see them earlier in the month at the o2 Academy in Birmingham and I actually left disappointed. |
|
It was a night of new beginnings in Birmingham on Thursday. A new venue, a new band and a new direction for the city's biggest indie export of recent years. So as I approached the crowds of Editors fans, special guests and media-types queuing to get in relocated 02 Academy for the first time, I could tell expectations were high. Thankfully, not many would have left disappointed... |
|
Walking into tonight's gig I am certainly amazed by the amount of teenage girls wandering about, the average age of tonight's crowd seems to be around 15 years old and as I look around I see that many of them have parents with them standing around looking out of place... |
|
It’s a little quiet as Rolo Tomassi come on stage, and it seems that the majority of the audience that are here so early have come from school, not work. Which is a real shame, as a band like Rolo are really wasted on these kids, with epic soundscapes, insanely technical guitar work, brutal screaming, and pure un-tamed ferocity this band put in more energy than all the kids in the room together... |
|
Ever wondered what your favourite album would sound like if it was covered by a dub reggae band? No me either. That was until a couple of years ago, however, when I was introduced to Easy Star All-Stars and their take on Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon'. It was a revelation. Now, the All-Stars are back, after releasing a reggae version of Radiohead's OK Computer in the meantime, to take a shot at The Beatles' era-defining masterpiece Sgt Peppers' Lonely Hearts Club Band for the good people of Birmingham. |
