Apr 17

Kate Nash + Brigette Aphrodite @ The Hare & Hounds, Birmingham - 17th April 2010

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).


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Jan 19

John Mayer @ Wolverhampton Civic Hall - 19th January 2010

John Mayer Being a big John Mayer fan for a long time it was a great pleasure to be able to finally get to one of his gigs. The anticipation had set in earlier in the day and I was "up for it". Awesome seats, 3rd row middle balcony gave a great view of the stage. I've never sat down at a gig but I was liking the feeling of a Roman Emperor at the Colosseum (in my strange fantasy world). A great night was to be had.


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Nov 19

Kasabian @ The NIA, Birmingham - 19th November 2009

Kasabian There aren’t many superlatives that haven’t been used to describe Kasabian over the past year, especially when it comes to their live performance. In our last review of them at their De Montfort Hall gig we described them as “an enormous sound and euphoric uplifting performances combining the pomp of the Stone Roses and Primal Scream and the showmanship of Faithless” We were in for a treat.


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Nov 11

Just Jack + Ed Sheeran @ Academy 2, Birmingham - 11th November 2009

Just Jack Isn’t it strange how the nights you’re not overly excited about are always the ones that knock you sideways and imprint strong memories that you know will stay with you forever. Well that is exactly what happened at this gig and god I love it when that happens.


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Oct 19

Frank Turner @ Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton - 19th October 2009

Frank Turner A large crowd of sweaty, friendly, enthusiastic fans were there to greet him and his 2 supports of the night. The first, a comedy-musician going by the name of ‘Beans on Toast’ warmed the crowd up nicely with a fantastic blend of gritty, down to earth comedy and some truly melodic songs, a lot of which echoed the semi-anarchic folk-punk we were all waiting to hear from Frank.


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Jul 06

The Ghost of a Thousand + The Computers + Sharks + Sienna @ The Rainbow, Digbeth - 6th July 2009

The Ghost Of A Thousand Perhaps a torrential downpour is not exactly what you would wish for on your way to a gig in a garden! Thankfully the garden in question belongs to The Rainbow pub in Digbeth with its marquee-style courtyard and I am here to see what I would term a line-up of bands with a neo-punk persuasion – not so much emulating the good old punk of yore but certainly a genre of music having its roots firmly planted there.


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Jul 02

Elliot Minor + Mission District @ Birmingham Academy 2 - 2nd July 2009

Elliot Minor 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...


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Jul 01

That Petrol Emotion + The Dukes Jetty + This Burning Age @ Academy 2, Birmingham - 1st July 2009

That Petrol Emotion “We're not doing this for the money – we're doing it because we love playing for you guys” - a good job too because it takes dedication to put in a blistering performance on one of the hottest days of the year. The Academy 2 is like a reverse TARDIS; it always seems smaller on the inside and gets hot and sweaty very quickly and tonight was no exception.


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Jun 29

Steely Dan @ Birmingham NIA - 29th June 2009

Steely Dan I am a big Steely Dan fan. I think Fagen and Becker are amongst the greatest songwriters of our generation, who are often overlooked and underrated. Their recorded work of the 1970’s is timeless, edgy, well-crafted and beautifully produced, the albums that followed that along with Fagen’s solo work is clever and polished. I suppose you are waiting for a but… well I guess there is: I am not convinced this genius translates especially well to the stage..


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Jun 28

Anastacia @ Birmingham NIA - 28th June 2009

Anastacia Entry to tonight’s gig was difficult, due to the box office staff trying to force me to have both a ticket and photo-pass (which I had to sign for). After some considerable explanation the photo-pass was taken back and I made my way to my seat, which was centre-stage and offering a superb view. The stage had been brought forward making the NIA quite cosy, but even so there were empty seats.


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Jun 27

Lenny Kravitz + Anna F @ Wolverhampton Civic Hall - 27th June 2009

Lenny Kravitz Considering Lenny Kravitz seems to be out of favour with the British music industry at the moment and the price of the tickets seems expensive for the Civic Hall; there is a great turnout for the show. There is nearly an hour’s pause between the support act and the start of Kravitz’s performance, but when the show kicks off, the memory of waiting around is soon wiped. The darkness is lit up with an excessive display of strobes, whilst the audience erupt into cheers and shouts of Lenny. Then, the band launch into Freedom Train, with its pounding introduction, and you can tell, instantly, that Kravitz has collected together a fine ensemble of musicians. The appearance of Lenny Kravitz, sends the crowd into a frenzy, his vocals sounding fantastic and his charismatic presence oozes sexuality and musical prowess.


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Jun 25

Jeff Beck + Imelda May @ Symphony Hall, Birmingham - 25th June 2009

Jeff Beck Jeff Beck seems quite laid back and unassuming for a guitar god, but despite this and against the wealth of talent in his band, he cuts an imposing figure and you know that this is his show. Even the stage lay out seemed to emphasise this with bass drums and keyboards laid out in a rhythm section format very much to the right of the stage leaving a wide open space for the guitarist to exploit.


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