On the 18th of April I went to O2 Academy 3 in Birmingham to catch PVRIS' sold out headline show. I wrote about them as a new discovery a couple of years ago here and now they're finally and deservedly blowing up.

First up on the bill was Twin Wild. I'd not heard of this band before the night but I've remembered the name every day since. They really caught my attention. The lead singer's vocals were great and their sons were very catchy. Although I did feel at the time that their set had been the perfect length for them, I would love to see them again live at their own headline show.

Next, Light You Up. I've been keeping up with this band for just over a year now and in that time their fame has just gone from zero to one hundred, just like PVRIS to be honest. I didn't really know what to expect in terms of their live stage presence, all I had to go by was their behaviour in the "All We've Ever Known" video. They absolutely killed it though! Tom is just pure energy! Even from before the set started, Tom was getting juiced up during sound-check. The perfect set to get the crowd ready for the main event.When Tom jumped into the crowd and started singing with and talking to the fans, I'm sure that they gained some new fans in that moment.

Finally, after some unexpected but enjoyable tunes during the interval, PVRIS. That electricity you feel when a band that you love steps on stage. That will never get old. But I swear, that electricity was x100 when Lynn came on - she has a crazy amount of presence. Playing such a small venue off the back of their debut album, I was hoping that they'd play the album in it's entirety. When they started off with "Smoke" followed by "St. Patrick", I must admit that I was hopeful. Even though they didn't play "Let Them In" I was far too caught up in the euphoria to even let it phase me. Everything just sounded so much better live than I'd imagined. The crowd's voices covering the sound of the band even at times! Especially during the album singles - "My House" was frenetic. Everybody knew it was coming but nobody was ready. That is such a huge hit!! As musicians each of them are very multi-talented, well as expected I suppose - it's hard for a three piece band to make such a huge sound, but they did it! And did it very well. Everyone was buzzing after the show - Lynn even tweeting "Birmingham! We all just unanimously agreed that tonight may have been our favorite show ever. Thank you so much!!!" Big show, if you haven't already checked PVRIS out, don't waste any more time.

Overall Rating - 7.5/10


Here are some pictures from the night... 

There have been so many new singles dropped these past couple of weeks. I have been a little AWOL as I was caught up in the huge Foo Fighters secret UK set drama. I've already mentioned some new songs in other posts or on the blog's Twitter account here but for those that might not have had a mention yet, here...

LOWER THAN ATLANTIS - Emily
So it's reached that point with LTA now. The point where you've had enough of the singles - JUST GIVE US THE ALBUM ALREADY! As it stands, in my opinion, none of the singles that they've released since "Here We Go" have been as good yet, but I just know that when they come together as an album I'll love it. So, after this alright and catchy single, the next thing I want to hear is the full record.


JAMIE T - 40/40 ICU
Jamie T may have changed his style a little but he still has the same Jamie T sound. Between this single and "Zombie", I know that his album out this month will leave a big impression on 2014. Looking forward to his tour in November!


THE NIGHT VI - Drops (Jungle Cover)
Ever since writing about them as a new discovery here I've been liking them more and more. Now the fact that they've covered a Jungle song has just added to that. Great cover too - a little London Grammar-ish. Looking forward to an album by them.



SPRING OFFENSIVE - Cut The Root
Another band that I've continued to like since their new discovery post here. This isn't their best song in my opinion but it's still great. I would love to see them live. They would really put on a good show. I also would really like to hear this properly recorded.


PRINZE GEORGE - Don't Speak To Me
I feel like Prinze George are a little hit and miss from time to time so I wasn't entirely sure what I was going to get from this song, but I actually really like it. Super laid back vibe and I love the vocals on it too. Yet again, new discoveries here, there and everywhere.



KELE OKEREKE - Doubt
YAY! I wasn't actually sure if Bloc Party would be putting out any new music again and so when I found out that Kele was going to drop a solo album, I was excited to say the least. This song has affirmed my excitement. Not anything like Bloc Party, but still great.


MARY J. BLIGE - Right Now (prod by. Disclosure)
We've already seen what Disclosure can do when on a team with Mary J. Blige so now they're back at it again giving us more club bangers before Mary releases her upcoming record (actually recorded entirely in the UK) The London Sessions.


FALL OUT BOY - Centuries
Okay so I was really disappointed by their last album here, but I don't think it was bad enough for me to lose respect for them as a band. Although, I am a little skeptical about what's next to come. I actually quite like the sound of this song though, so right now, any future album that they release could really go either way for me...


TINY MOVING PARTS - Always Focused
After discovering them on soundcloud I was super anxious to hear an album by them just so I could have more than one track to distinguish the sound of the band and now they have Pleasant Living. They sound a little Blink 182, I'm still not 100% sure about them. A bit of an odd video/song but I actually like it.


MALLORY KNOX - Shout At The Moon
This should be a standout album in October for sure.  All of the singles they've released from it to date have been great, and as a whole body of work, I can only imagine great things. Right now it seems a little more tame than Signals but I'll have to see next month...


SBTRKT - Higher (feat. Raury)
Another huge album, out later this month. It sounds like it's going to have so many different levels and elements too it. As with any album, each feature artist should bring something new to the table but not only that, SBTRKT has brought something new to the table for each artist. I am stoked.


KWABS - Walk
SO MANY UPCOMING ARTISTS!I did used to get Kwabs confused with Kwes quite a bit but now that Kwabs has really managed to distinguish himself as a new different artist and it's nice to see him grow into his own.


JULIAN CASABLANCAS + THE VOIDZ - Where No Eagles Fly
I still am rooting for new Strokes music always but until that day comes, a little Julian Casablancas can never go amiss. I love this video, the song is a bit flat at times but it's not bad. As my first actual sample of Julian + The Voidz, I'd give it a 6/10.


CALVIN HARRIS - Blame (feat. John Newman)
One of the most consistent pop producers out there right now! He came up with David Guetta pretty much and as much as I love to hate Guetta, he is great at what he does but so is Calvin! Liked his last album and I really like this track...

September is always a huge month for album releases and this September is particularly exciting for me - bangers left, right and centre! So let's get into it quickly...



PULLED APART BY HORSES - BLOOD
After hearing their song "Hot Squash" from this record played on the radio, I was immediately interested in them as a band. I'm going to try and pick up their older albums - Pulled Apart By Horses and Tough Love when I get this album (out on the 1st of September) as some more background research. I have a feeling that I'll actually end up really liking these guys.






INTERPOL - EL PINTOR
I only got into this band properly earlier this year but it feels like great timing because this upcoming record is set to be a corker. Each of their older albums is consistently solid and they have a few standout tracks too. All that's left to say is roll on the 8th of September.





KAREN O - CRUSH SONGS
I've heard all of the singles from this album so far and if I'm honest, none of them have really excited me in any way. However, this may be more of an album that you have to enjoy from beginning to end and it has such an ambient feel about it. I will definitely have a listen on the 9th of September but as much as I love Karen O and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, I'm not sure about this one.




SLASH - WORLD ON FIRE
I haven't heard much of Slash's solo material at all. Literally the only thing I think I've listened to by him is "Paradise City (feat. Fergie & Cypress Hill)" but in fairness, I did completely overplay it when I heard it. There's bound to be a few more awesome collaborations on this new record and I'm sure that Slash's guitar wielding will be as majestic as ever. Grab a copy on the 15th of September.




ALT-J - THIS IS ALL YOURS
FINALLY! So I chose their debut album An Awesome Wave as my album of the year in 2012 here and now they have a follow up that I think will be even better in some ways. Despite the loss of their bassist, this hasn't phased them one bit. All of their singles leading up to it have been fantastic, the 22nd of September will be an awesome day.




SBTRKT - WONDER WHERE WE LAND
Another sophomore album out on the 22nd of September and again after an absolutely spectacular debut! However, this album seems to have gone in a bit of a different direction to the debut. From the singles, it sounds like it will be more House than Electronic. No complaints here though, I still think this'll be one to add to my collection.






LOWER THAN ATLANTIS - LOWER THAN ATLANTIS
YES! YES YES YES! It feels like I've been waiting for this album for ages. LTA have never let me down when it comes to releasing albums and even though this is their fifth release, I feel like it'll still be strong and end up being one that I listen to for a long time to come. As a band they are great songwriters so I'm expecting good music in all areas on this one. Look out for it in stores on the 29th of September.



MARMOZETS - THE WEIRD AND WONDERFUL MARMOZETS
I'm so glad that this is their debut album and I haven't missed too much of their career because these guys as a band are a musical juggernaut. Lead singer, Becca, is crazy in all the best ways - this album is going to hit all of the right notes and I'm going to be bopping my head to their latest single "Born Young And Free" until the 29th of September.





JAMIE T - CARRY ON THE GRUDGE 
Another album that I know I've waiting for for years. After his last album Kings & Queens Jamie T literally dropped off the face of the earth. I thought he might never come back with something new. Thank God I was wrong. His latest single "Zombie" told me that he's back in full force. I'm excited to see him in November after this album drops on the 29th of September.





THE GROWLERS - CHINESE FOUNTAIN
I genuinely thought that The Growlers were a really new band and that this was about to be their debut album. I was mistaken. This is actually their third album! I've only properly listened to their song "One Million Lovers" but I liked it. Hopefully I'll like this full record on the 29th of September.





HUDSON MOHAWKE - CHIMES EP
I really got into Hudson Mohawke after "Cbat" on the Satin Panthers EP so I hope this EP offers some interesting jams like that. He's done some production work on a lot of awesome hip hop songs recently like "Blood On The Leaves", "Mercy" and "I Am A God" so I can't doubt his skills. Will be listening for influences on this new EP of his on the 29th of September.




THE HISTORY OF APPLE PIE - FEEL SOMETHING 
So basically, the 29th of September is a fantastic day for album releases. Good thing too because now you know how you'll be spending your money after payday. After their last album Out Of View I am actually excited for a new one. I say "actually" because I don't think I was pulled in at all by their last album, but I'm waiting for this one to pick up where the last fell down.





GERARD WAY - HESITANT ALIEN
After hearing part of his set at Reading I just feel like this will sound like a new My Chemical Romance album. This is a either a good or a bad thing for some people. I was never really that into MCR but I never hated them. If I'm honest though, I doubt I'll get round to listening to this record beginning to end on the 30th of September.






STEVE AOKI - NEON FUTURE
If I'm honest the only song that I really know by Steve Aoki is "Boneless" and I'm sure it's one of those things where I know more than I think, I just need to hear it. Either way, after watching a bunch of his live videos of him "cake-ing" fans he seems like a pretty cool guy. Let just see if his album on the 30th of September is the same.





PRINCE - ART OFFICIAL AGE
The man who never sleeps and never seems to stop writing or collaborating or performing is dropping not one but TWO ALBUMS on the same day! What an absolute legend. I don't even know which one I'm looking forward to more! Both will be immense. The 30th of September will be a good day. Especially looking forward to his Lianne La Havas collaboration on here.





PRINCE & 3RDEYEGIRL - PLECTRUMELECTRUM
So after seeing him perform live with 3RDEYEGIRL here I know that this album will be (if anything) instrumentally fabulous. Having four ridiculously fabulous musicians come together on one record and one of them being Prince - expect it to be groovy. I am ready to be shaking my hips for the entirety of the 30th of September and probably the rest of October too.





So that isn't even everything this month! Expect albums from The Vaselines, Jeremih, Christopher Owens, The Drums, Gnarwolves, BANKS, Death From Above 1979, Goat, The Game, Meek Mill and Esben And The Witch. I'm sure there are even a few more too! Check out what albums you might have missed last month here.

In terms of music, if you ask me, Saturday was my favourite of the three days, although it was a pretty close call. However, I really think that Saturday just spawned the some of the top performances of the weekend. To find out what I thought of the Friday click here. Now here's why Saturday was so good...


MARMOZETS
I did actually want to try and catch DZ Deathrays and Pulled Apart By Horses before heading over to Marmozets but unfortunately had to miss them. Marmozets definitely made up for this though. I started the day thinking that I would try and save some energy for the night but this set was fast paced and captivating from the get-go. Before I knew it, I was being thrown around in pits and screaming the (few) lyrics of theirs that I knew. This was how to make an entrance. After just this 30 minute set I already know that I'll be first in line to buy their debut. AWESOME band.

ROYAL BLOOD
And now for one of the best performances of the entire weekend - Royal Blood - new guys in town. I'd already seen them here at the NME Awards Tour but I was not prepared for the carnage to come. Their crowd response was MAD. As well as their crowd being fantastic the band responded with equal energy and I'm sure that at some point in the hustle and bustle I saw Benji get up from his kit and crowdsurf. They were brilliant, the new album is a masterpiece and these boys are going to go far.

LOWER THAN ATLANTIS
The amazing sets didn't stop there. Lower Than Atlantis' set was just as high powered and intense, even though most of the crowd were shattered after Royal Blood's set. LTA were much better than when I saw them play Reading 2012. Hearing the crowd sing the whole of "Another Sad Song" back to them was beautiful and of course, "Here We Go" packed a huge punch for the finale.

HOZIER
Although I listen to Hozier, I wasn't intending to go to his set, I actually thought that Wolf Alice would be playing, but it turned out to be him. I only stayed for a couple of songs and they sounded fine, the crowd, although quite small, were loving it.

CAGE THE ELEPHANT
After checking out Hozier, I headed back to the NME Stage to catch Cage The Elephant. they definitely played a crowd pleasing setlist - old and new favourites. Matt was energetic as ever and the band as a whole were super tight. However, I think I enjoyed their supporting set at Foals here a little bit more.

DON BROCO
I was surprised and I wasn't surprised at how big their crowd was. As big a following as they have right now, some part of me always thinks of them as a kind of undercover band. Nonetheless, they played a really strong set. I loved how they opened up with an acoustic version of "Yeah Man" and then went in with their heaviest juggernaut "Thug Workout". They just keep growing, and I'm excited to see what their sophomore record sounds like.

WHILE SHE SLEEPS
I was really buzzing to see this band live. Especially after missing their set at Reading last year (which I heard was "epic"). This set was non-stop! The crowd were pumped but I think the band were even more pumped! Everything was just super fast paced, it was over before I could take a breath - partly due to the fact that they were shut off because the crowd/crowd-surfers were getting to rowdy. However, I loved every minute of it. Major highlights - "Our Courage, Our Cancer" and "This Is The Six".

ISSUES
I'd only heard a couple of their songs before seeing them here and I wasn't too fussed about them at first if I'm honest. Even after seeing them, I don't think that I'm going to make a huge effort to check them out more but they played a really strong set and the crowd was loving it. It seemed like they had a very big following because most of the people in the crowd knew the words to their songs.

ARCHITECTS
Another set I was buzzing for - even though I've seen them, I think that it's because I've seen them that I was so excited to see them again. And after their latest album Lost Forever//Lost Together how could I not be? They played almost every song that I wanted them to and I could feel that it meant a lot to Sam and the band which made the performance just that right level of intense.

ARCTIC MONKEYS
Originally I was going to describe this as the perfect headline set, but then I saw Blink 182. So in terms of headliners this weekend, Arctic Monkeys were almost perfect. They played one of the best setlists of the entire weekend. Although it ended up being an emotional farewell in some ways, there was no better way for them to say goodbye. Every song sparked a huge reaction from the crowd and in my opinion I think that they were actually better than they were when I saw them headline Glastonbury last year here (but the crowd wasn't as good). lovely end to an amazing day of music.