I actually initially only bought a ticket to this show because it had been a while since I'd been to a gig and I hadn't seen As It Is headline since they dropped their debut. I wasn't over the moon but I was definitely intrigued.

The first band up was Breakaway from Sydney. I really liked their songs, pretty catchy and the band was definitely talented. The only thing that brough them down sadly was their lead vocalist. As a vocalist he sounded weak, his scream was okay but everything outside of that was below average. His poor vocals particularly shone through during their cover of Kelly Clarkson's "Behind These Hazel Eyes" and also when he bravely stood alone to sing their song "Memories" from their EP. After seeing them live, I think I'll be sticking to their studio tracks.

Next up - Mae Fire. The first thing I thought when they stepped on stage was that they had a great image. After the over the top theatrics in the first couple of songs that they played I must admit that I wasn't very impressed - I just felt like it was a little unoriginal. However, all of a sudden, after they played their current single "Sole Desire", they really came into their own. As well as being a rock band, they had a kind of groove to them - somewhere in between QOTSA and Don Broco. The band were solid musicians, the lead singer was a little bit "take it or leave it" in my opinion, but overall not a bad set.

And finally, the last support act - With Confidence. You know what they say, "save the best 'til last". I felt like they should have been the only support act - they absolutely smashed it. The whole band had awesome and engaging stage presence, jovial but at the same time focused and excited to just be playing. I really enjoyed their cover of "A Thousand Miles" too. Knowledge of this band was definitely my biggest take away from the night. I also just recently found out that they're playing Warped Tour this summer so keep an eye out because I reckon you'll be seeing a lot of them in the coming months.

After seeing As It Is support Save Your Breath here, I thought I had a pretty good idea of how the set would go and how the crowd would react. I actually expected the crowd to be a little less enthusiastic, simply because the boys were playing in  Australia rather than the UK this time but this didn't dim the fan-girls' enthusiasm. The guys came on stage and immediately their confidence shone through as they punched in with "Cheap Shots & Setbacks". As always Patty's energy was inescapably contagious, bringing the whole crowd up with him. Even though I'd heard a few of the tracks from the new album when they supported SYB, it was awesome to hear the tracks live having listened to the record in full - it made me realize just how good a debut it was. Stand-outs for me were "Speak Soft", "Concrete" and of course "Dial Tones". All in all this was just a really fun show, it just felt like a celebration - of what, I don't know - but I left feeling super happy and I know that this was felt unanimously.

Overall Rating - 7/10


Here are some pictures from the night...

Sadly, this'll be my first and last live review for Save Your Breath. The guys have unfortunately decided to call it a day but not without first doing a string of farewell shows. I knew there was no way that I could pass this up, especially at the bargain price of <£10. So late last month I went to The Asylum, Birmingham to see them.

First up supporting was Welsh rockers - Cardinals. I'd heard of their band quite a bit actually despite the unexpectedly small Facebook following, so when they started playing I was listening out for some familiar songs. I didn't hear any but the songs I did hear sounded decent. The backing vocalists harmonies were a bit off throughout and some sections were a little shaky but all in all it was a great warm up set. I'd actually love to see what they'd be like in a headlining position because there was a lot of potential in their set and they seemed like good guys. There could have been a little more energy at points but nonetheless it was a good warm-up set.

Next up was the band that seems to be taking the world by storm - As It Is. I'm still shocked as to how quickly they've blown up. I've been following Patty (lead singer) on YouTube for a while and it wasn't until after I'd bought this ticket that I even found out that he was in a band, let alone supporting SYB. So it's safe to say that I was excited to see them perform live in this tiny venue (before they go global). They were welcomed on stage by intermittent girlish screams and "tough guys" rolling their eyes, but the set was BIG!! Mid way through I thought "These guys will be playing Reading & Leeds this year 100% hands down." (you heard it here first). But yes these guys have the potential to not just play Reading but eventually main stage it. Great songs in their arsenal and awesome energy and stage presence. Their latest single "Dial Tones" was a highlight. I'd definitely advise catching a show ASAP if you can because before long you'll have to pay a lot more than £6 to catch them.

Finally, the whole reason for the occasion - Save Your Breath. This was one of the biggest glass shattering moments I've had in a long while. They hugely surpassed my expectations. I've been listening to them a while and as good as their studio material is, it is 10x better live! You can really tell that they've been a band for a while because they stole the show. They had amazing and comfortable stage presence, huge energy - everything just came so naturally to them. They opened with a favourite of mine - "Lessons" - I was juiced! They continued to play through hits, old and new, as the sweaty, tiny and packed room jumped and screamed with them. I've been to smaller gigs before but this felt like one of the most intimate. The lead singer of Cardinals joined them on stage for a song towards the end of the set and all of a sudden had tonnes of energy! Shouting and even crowdsurfing - I couldn't help but wish that he had that same energy during their opening set! Either way, during the last song Kristian joined us all in the crowd moshing and singing the lyrics to the classic "Nothing Worth Having Comes Easy" in unison. Certainly, if you have to go, that's the kind of note you want to leave on. BIG! They will be sorely missed... great musicians!

Overall Rating - 8.5/10


Here are some pictures from the night... 

Alright, so before we actually officially come to the end of January I thought I'd do a big catch up on all things music news this month. "Big" is a massive understatement - so much has happened that I had to split this post into TWO POSTS. January has got the ball rolling fast and I have a feeling it'll even begin to pick up pace in the months to come. Either way, let's dive in...

DJANGO DJANGO NEW SINGLE "FIRST LIGHT"
I can't tell you how long I've been waiting to hear something new from Django Django for! Their debut self-titled album was spectacular and now they're graced us with this new track from their upcoming sophomore record! Good enough to match the songs on their debut but different enough to have not made the cut. In other words, a pretty darn good follow up single. Have a listen here.


DON BROCO NEW SINGLE "FIRE"
Looking forward to the new Broco record - again another awesome debut. This latest single, although good, has already lost the battle of possible favourite on the new album. Lyrically this is slacking just a little bit and in my opinion "Money, Power, Fame" is a better single. However, these things always sound different listening to the record as a whole so I suppose I'll just have to wait until then. But for now, here's "Fire".


LIGHT YOU UP COVER BRING ME THE HORIZON "DROWN"
Light You Up are impressing me more and more each time I hear anything from them or about them. Tom's voice in this acoustic cover is killer! I know that as a full band they're be a marvel to see live! Have a listen to this cover here. I'm actually glad they covered this song because I loved it when it came out and hearing it stripped back has just made me appreciate it that much more.


ALBUM RELEASES
Even though there was already mounds of albums worth keeping an eye out for this month here, there are still several surprises coming from all angles. Actually speaking of Light You Up, they've released their debut album - All We've Ever Known. Roam have released an EP - Viewpoint. Storm The Sky and Cardinals have also both released new records and Foals, Diamond Youth, Arcane Roots and Deaf Havana are all currently in the studio preparing new albums! Tame Impala, Denai Moore and of course Don Broco each already have albums scheduled for 2015 - SPOILT FOR CHOICE!


TURBOWOLF NEW MUSIC VIDEO "RICH GIFT"
Turbowolf have continued to impress me since their support tour with Royal Blood here last year. Really interesting band. As expected, this track is laden with innovative riffs and catchy basslines (listen to this with earphones on). Check out the new video for this banger here.


ROAM NEW SINGLE "SAFEGUARD"
As well as releasing their EP - Viewpoint - this month, Roam have also released a few new singles here and there - this being one of them! In addition to all this, they've even been on a mini UK tour this month. I often find that the hardworking band is the least likely to disappoint. I suppose we'll see what comes of the future.


NARCS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "RHS"
NARCS - one of my favourite new discoveries of January! I actually found out about them after their record label - Clue Records (home to Allusondrugs and Forever Cult) - posted a free download of "RHS" and "Bridge" here. After hugely overplaying these tracks, this new music video came out here. In my opinion, I don't think the video is great at all but being their first, it's onwards and upwards from here.


FESTIVALS FESTIVALS FESTIVAAAAALS
So many amazing festival announcements!!!! They caught us at the worst possible time - when the post festival depression is fully setting in and you realise that you've still got ages to wait. Some huge line ups to have a look at so far are Field Day, Bonnaroo, The Great Escape, Benicassim, Reading & Leeds, and so much more! Summer 2015 is going to be insanely immense.


AS IT IS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "DIAL TONES"
So since hearing about As It Is late last year they have been doing HUGE things! Supporting Save Your Breath on the entirety of their farewell tour (gig review to come soon), getting booked for the entire US Vans Warped Tour and even being the first British band signed to Fearless Records! Now they've released this banger of a single and Rock Sound has even crowned it "the best pop punk song of 2015 so far"... wow! Have a listen right here.


JESS GLYNNE NEW SINGLE "HOLD MY HAND"
I am in love with this woman's voice. Any track she touches turns to gold. Jess Glynne's shown us all this already a bunch of times but mostly on features. Now here she is with a solo song and with this track it's no different. The beat has a very old school vibe about it, which I'm not sure how I feel about yet but there's no doubting her vocals. Check it out here.


LIEUTENANT NEW SINGLE "BELIEVE THE SQUALOR"
In case you hadn't heard, late last year Nate Mendel (Foo Fighters' bassist) was working on a musical side project called Lieutenant and now, here they are with their debut single. It's a little different than I expected, but I suppose that's what side projects are all about - exploring new musical avenues and experimenting. I like it though! Listen in here.


THE SMASHING PUMPKINS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "BEING BEIGE"
Honestly, for me 80% of the intrigue came from the title. I don't know why exactly but I just really like it. Also, I think Smashing Pumpkins are pretty great but that's beside the point. The main point is, this is a jam. First time I heard it, I thought that it sounded a little bit Placebo-esque (definitely a good thing). Cast your verdict here.


WHILE SHE SLEEPS NEW LYRIC VIDEO "TROPHIES OF VIOLENCE"
I have such high hopes for this album! I actually can't remember the last time I was this psyched for this type of album. These new WSS single releases are just getting me more pumped. This has to be one of the most engaging lyric videos I've seen in a phenomenally long time. I would love to get my hands on one of these prints. Feast your eyes on the new goods here.


DUTCH UNCLES NEW SINGLE "DECIDED KNOWLEDGE"
Another album that I'm very excited for this year, and it's out just next month! But until then, awesome new singles such as these will suffice. Have a listen here. When Dutch Uncles head out on tour after this release, get on it! I can solemnly swear that it'll be a liberating experience.


NOTHING BUT THIEVES NEW MUSIC VIDEO "BAN ALL THE MUSIC"
I heard about Nothing But Thieves late last year and more recently have seen their name dotted around on 2015 "Ones To Watch" lists. Then in about the space of two weeks, they were everywhere - featured on BBC Introducing's tour and this track was later chosen as one of Zane Lowe's hottest tracks. A really interesting band, and I love the leader singer's voice - get involved now here.


NOEL GALLAGHER NEW MUSIC VIDEO "BATTLE OF THE MIGHTY I"
A couple of the biggest British rock legends join together to make one awesome track - yeah I'd say that's alright. This is a big arena tune and just in time for Noel's tour! Johnny Marr playing guitar (or generally doing anything) on a track is another quality that often provides best results. In this case, this is still true - great song, enjoyable video. 


BEST FRIENDS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "SHRED 'TIL YOU'RE DEAD"
Best Friends have just recently signed to FatCat Records and in order to celebrate this, they have released this new single here. In my opinion, this band is definitely not the most exciting around for me right now but whenever I hear a single I just know there's so much potential there, I'm just waiting for something to really grab me.


EMMAVIE NEW SINGLE "I HOPE WE NEVER BREAK UP (FEAT. EGO ELLA MAY)"
Ego Ella May is the reason for this discovery actually. The two silky soulful voices really compliment each other. Such easy listening and the sad thing is, I don't actually expect to hear many people talking about either of them any time soon! So if you haven't heard of them yet listen to this. If you like Willow Smith or SZA, then you'll probably like them.


PRINZE GEORGE NEW SINGLE "UPSWING"
It's been a while since I heard anything from Prinze George and I'm normally waiting for their electro-pop beats to make me smile in the spring/summer time. However, now I have this track to take me out of the dullness of winter months. Have a listen to the new one here.


WAYWARD DAUGHTER COVER PVRIS "MY HOUSE"
When I found out that Wayward Daughter were covering PVRIS, I was elated. When I then found out that they were covering one of my favourite songs on the new record I was losing my mind. When I finally listened to it I was gobsmacked - BIG! Jam along here.