Kate Nash As angry clouds of volcanic ash sweep across the country from our dear friends in Iceland (presumably in part-payment for the £400 gazillion they owe us?), an (at times) equally angry Kate Nash is doing likewise, bringing her all new Riot Grrrrllllllllll act to the Hairy Hounds. I can’t believe it’s been three years since her debut but I guess, looking back, all the signs were there. Beneath the cutesy talky talk vocals there was plenty of bitterness...sorry bittahness (yep, must be all those lemon’s she’s been eating). Now she’s come out in praise of Le Tigre and Bikini Kill and, at times, tonight’s gig reminded me of those far off days when Riot Grrrl’s Voodoo Queens reigned supreme (was anyone else out there at their Edwards Gig in 1993? Oh. Just me then).


Read more and see more photos...
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Catherine Feeny "Can someone close that door?" asks the solitary figure on stage as the booming beats of Good Shoes rumble from the other room at the Hare & Hounds. Upstairs the music is somewhat calmer as Pennsylvania-born Catherine Feeny gently picks at her guitar and her dreamlike vocals wash over the sparse-but-captivated audience.


Read more and see more photos...
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
David Ballard Set in a small upstairs room in the pub, this was David Ballard’s first outing as a solo artist.


Read more and see more photos...
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
The Parlotones So it’s midweek, Friday’s not quite here but thankfully Monday is a memory, What do you do? Buy a lottery ticket and dream of all the things you’ll spend your millions on or go to The Hare & Hounds so see South Africa’s finest export?


Read more and see more photos...
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
White Rose Movement White Rose Movement shot to the forefront of indie scene back in 2006 upon the release of their debut album, Kick. Since then, it’s all gone a little bit quiet.


Read more and see more photos...
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Pram "Don't mind us if there are things that pop and squeak and start on fire," says Women's vocalist Patrick Flegal at the beginning of their set. The plaid shirt- and interesting tights- wearing crowd at the Hare & Hounds don't seem alarmed at this warning, but I hold my drink a little closer...


Read more and see more photos...
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Kelli Ali Kelli Ali was involved with two big aspects of 90's music culture - as the vocalist with the Sneaker Pimps she provided soothing vocals for the trip hop crowd and, thanks to an Armand van Helden remix, her voice played a part in corporate clubland's heyday...


Read more and see more photos...
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Murcof The Hare and Hounds in Kings Heath is a great venue:  I sound surprised because it has been a while since I ventured this far from my Audnam cottage and the last time I walked by, it looked rather shabby.  It had a good history of supporting local talent (I should know, I played there myself in 1990), but all to often lost out to the Jug Of Ale up the road in Moseley, with national tours (a sad loss now it has gone).  But what a turnaround the Hare and Hounds has had; it now boasts music and comedy almost every night of the week in one or both of their upstairs rooms.  Tonight is no exception and both rooms are full to bursting, when many other venues are struggling.  What is their secret?


Read more and see more photos...
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,