Manic Street Preachers @ O2 Academy, Birmingham, UK – 23rd May 2019

It seems almost a cliche at this point for artists to play older albums in full, relying on nostalgia to bring in the audience for a quick cash grab. However that’s not always the case, some do it for the right reasons, making it a celebration for themselves and the fans. The best example of this at the moment is the Manic Street Preachers, who over the past few years have been playing a slew of excellent 20th anniversary shows of their 90’s albums. Continue reading Manic Street Preachers @ O2 Academy, Birmingham, UK – 23rd May 2019

HOMESHAKE + DJ Taye @ The Hare & Hounds, Birmingham, UK – 22nd May 2019

It’s been six years since Peter Sagar aka HOMESHAKE released his first cassette to the world. His reputation as a master of the chill wave sound has continued to grow with each of the four albums released since then. Returning to the Hare & Hounds for the second time, I was intrigued to see how his new album ‘Helium’ would translate to the live setting. Continue reading HOMESHAKE + DJ Taye @ The Hare & Hounds, Birmingham, UK – 22nd May 2019

The Blinders + The Ninth Wave @ O2 Institute, Birmingham, UK – 26th April 2019

It’s not often that Birmingham gets the opening night of the tour, so when it does happen it’s an unmissable occasion. thankfully Doncaster’s finest The Blinders chose Birmingham for the kick off of their 2019 UK and Europe dates. Just like Birmingham’s own Peaky Blinders this gang are not to be messed with, they have already proved themselves a formidable live band with the tunes to back them up. Now it was time for them to be unleashed onto Digbeth. Continue reading The Blinders + The Ninth Wave @ O2 Institute, Birmingham, UK – 26th April 2019

Benny Sings @ The Moth Club, London, UK – 16th April 2019

The Moth Club’s iconic shimmering gold background was the perfect setting for Benny Sings’ pop music. ‘City Pop’ finally seems to be the album that’s getting him the recognition he rightfully deserves after over 15 years on the scene. With a King Midas like songwriting ability, the sold out crowd were about to worship their new golden god. Continue reading Benny Sings @ The Moth Club, London, UK – 16th April 2019

Drenge + VALERAS @ O2 Institute, Birmingham, UK – 6th April 2019

The title of Drenge’s latest album ‘Strange Creatures’ seems to sum up the band’s recent history pretty well. The band have mutated over the years into a hulking four piece grunge beast, a far cry from the simple double act they used to be. Under the cloak of darkness they arrived at the O2 Institute, hungry and ready to devour Birmingham whole. Continue reading Drenge + VALERAS @ O2 Institute, Birmingham, UK – 6th April 2019

The Internet @ O2 Institute, Birmingham, UK – 25th March 2019

It seems like a lifetime ago since the endless hype around the infamous rap collective Odd Future was in full force. Over the past few years it’s been fascinating to see its members mature and leave a lasting impact on the music scene. But tonight at the O2 institute it was all about The Internet. Continue reading The Internet @ O2 Institute, Birmingham, UK – 25th March 2019