I first took notice of St. Vincent last year when she performed "Lithium" with Nirvana at the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony. After that I said I had to check her out someday and find out more about her as an artist. Last Friday the day actually came! This was a weird weird show, but mostly weird in a good way. I'm not going to pretend to 'get' art rock or even really be into it but this was a fun and interesting experience nonetheless. I'll start from the top...

I managed to catch the last couple of songs from Coves who were supporting, and I just wish I hadn't missed the beginning because they sounded great and the audience were loving them! They reminded me a little of Wolf Alice actually. Either way, I'll definitely be keeping an ear out for them after this show and I'll start by listening to their debut album Soft Friday here.

Before coming to see St. Vincent I had actually heard a few of her songs and of the ones I'd listened to, there was only one that I wasn't too keen on - "Digital Witness". She played it pretty much straight away and of course I sighed internally (and maybe a bit externally too) but it honestly sounded much better live. After that turn around I think she finally had my full attention. As the show went on there were a few bursts of strangeness, a few awkward soliloquies and what seemed like excerpts from an exorcism BUT in amongst the theatrics there were some awesome pieces of music. "Cheerleader" and "Birth In Reverse" in particular sounded great but what really blow me away and in a sense won me over was "Bring Me Your Loves". What a fantastic musical performance! One of the things I loved most about the whole evening was actually the routines and general comradery between St Vincent and her guitarist/synth/keyboardist Toko Yasuda. That really made me smile and the two are a huge power duo together. I mean these women can really really play their instruments, my goodness!

After this frenetic finale, the band stepped back on stage for the encore but before it ended, St Vincent leapt on one of the bodyguards shoulders and had him carry her to the crowd where she then bravely let the audience play (or rather hit) her guitar as the rest of her band continued the song on stage. If she couldn't get more audacious, she then put down her guitar and got back into the crowd but this time in order to hoist herself onto the balcony, where she then proceeded to walk through the crowd in the balcony chatting to each of her fans casually as the song played. In that moment, she had all of my respect. She just does not stop! Whilst walking to the door it looked like she fainted and security carried her out and after a few nervous glances she reappeared on stage. Cheers were raucous as she sang her closing song "Your Lips Are Red". This was an event I won't be forgetting any time soon!

Overall Rating - 7.5/10


Here are some pictures from the night...

On Thursday (23/10/14), I went to The Institute, Birmingham to finally go and check out this "Nick Mulvey" I'd been hearing so much about. Before going I'd only actually heard one song of his - "Cucurucu" and I still remember the exact moment I heard it on the radio. I'm glad it stuck with me because it sounded amazing live. First, let me start off with his support act...

Sivu - another name I'd heard bopping around the interwebs of late. So much so, that once he said his name I immediately knew how it'd be spelt. Either way, this piqued my attention. It was unfortunate that he was doing the show without a band; merely accompanied by a pianist. I feel like his live performance would've benefited hugely from a band but hey-ho. He started off with his song "Sleep" and as he went on, I do remember thinking that his sound was a little too mellow for me to enjoy for a whole set. He had a nice voice but nothing about it seemed to stand out as unique, which ultimately made it seem a bit boring. However, there were some strong points and he came a across as a genuinely nice guy. Good connection with the audience and a strong finish with his song "Better Man Than He". I just don't think I enjoyed it enough to pay money for his music. Maybe his debut album - Something On High - can convince me on spotify.

Then Nick Mulvey stepped on stage and there was a clear definition of levels. I can't remember the last time that it was so evident who the main act was. The first thing I noticed about Nick was that he is an amazing guitarist! But then he started singing and I wasn't looking at his hands anymore. His voice is mesmerising. I don't really want to compare him to Ben Howard but his voice has the same impact. Great stage presence, and I was almost immediately drawn in by his bass/double bass player. Every time he came in on a song it was magical. Even when the band stepped off stage to let Nick perform some solo acoustic tracks, the mood of the room didn't dampen and neither did the quality of music. Some how, even in a reasonably big venue the show felt extremely intimate from beginning to end. If I knew more of his songs prior to the show I feel like I would've been completely in my element.

During the encore he performed a cover of Drake's "Hold On, We're Going Home" which was actually really nice. As many covers of that song as the world has already heard, this still managed to sound a little bit fresh and did bring a smile to my face. All in all, I would have to say that Nick Mulvey certainly gained a fan after this night. Have a listen to his debut album First Mind if you get the chance - you will not regret it.

Overall Rating - 7/10


Here are some pictures from the night...

Earlier this month I had the privilege of seeing Ms. Janelle Monáe in the flesh at The Institute, Birmingham. It is now ranked in the top 3 gigs I have ever been to. Here's why...

As the room started to fill up after the doors opened I looked back at the crowd and it was by far one of the most diverse crowds I'd ever been in, metal heads, jazz lovers, students, middle aged people - everyone was welcome and everyone was buzzing. The support act Cody ChesnuTT stepped on stage with band in tow and in reality he looked more like a crazy, poor, war veteran with his mismatched clothes, shaggy beard and army helmet but as soon as the beat came in and he started to sing, there was no doubting it - he was an artist. He went through his set with lengthy renditions of his songs including "What Kind Of Cool (Will We Think Of Next)" and "Love Is More Than A Wedding Day" and the crowd really ate him up. His set had everything, charisma, crowd participation a fabulous band (huge shout out to his radass bassist) and passion. I especially liked that he sang about real things, which was a nice change from a lot of what we're hearing in music nowadays. One of the few support acts that didn't have me looking down at my watch wondering when the main event would come on.

Once Cody's set had finished, I had butterflies in my stomach waiting for Janelle. Her latest album The Electric Lady got me hyped up but I had absolutely no idea what I was in for. I really tried to contain my excitement but as soon as the lights dimmed I couldn't help myself. As the band (members of the Wondaland Arts Society) stepped on stage and began playing the intro - "Suite IV Electric Overture" I was already mouth and eyes wide open, in awe. Janelle was wheeled on stage wearing a straight-jacket and the bassline to "Givin' 'Em What They Love" (my recent SOTD) came in, I was done. Not one eye in that crowd didn't light up the moment she started singing.

She played hit after hit "Dance Apocalyptic", "Sincerely, Jane", "Q.U.E.E.N" and then the title track "Electric Lady". It was mad, she had the whole building under her spell. I often say that most of the best gigs that I've been to are the ones where I can't actually remember half of the things that I was doing - this is still true. I was 100% locked into her performance, I probably annoyed a few people with my arm flailing but I was having too much fun to even notice. She then switched up the show a little bit with some old school Jackson 5 - "I Want You Back" and "ABC" - moonwalking and jumping, if anyone in that room wasn't impressed before this, they were now. The main thing that astounded me about her performance was her endless supply of energy! She never seemed to run out! Always giving 100% and this definitely made the crowd give their all too - she was a complete show-woman. She spoke about the recent tragedy in Nigeria with the abduction of hundreds of girls before proceeding to sing "Cold War". I really connected with this because it's not often that artists will actively try and bring the world outside, into their live performances, but she did it very gracefully and effectively.

During "Come Alive" she got the crowd to kneel down for the entire song and sing with her as she stood in the midst of the crowd leading the song - if that's not power, I don't know what is. Everyone was mesmerised. When she hopped out of the crowd only to jump back in, crowdsurfing, I was just completely in awe. As we carried her body over the crowds I'm pretty sure I was just speechless - she is so badass! She finished with "What An Experience" and what an experience it was! It was genuinely the best show I've seen in Birmingham and I've seen over 60 artists here now, and I doubt I'll see any more here that can top it.

Nothing short of electric.

Overall Rating - 10/10


Here are some pictures from the night...

Earlier this month (5/4/14), I went to go and see Canterbury at The Temple, Birmingham. I've had a sort of on-off relationship with their music since getting into them years ago. The only album of theirs that I've actually listened to in full happened to be their most recent one Dark Days and so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect when I came to this gig aside from what I'd heard in that...

First up supporting was Big Sixes, whom I'd actually never heard of prior to this. However, before they even came on stage I saw an acoustic guitar on stage, which I was slightly disappointed about but still intrigued. This was later explained when they came on stage and said that their drummer was unable to make it so they'd be doing an acoustic set. Unexpectedly, they absolutely smashed it! All three of the lads had beautiful, beautiful voices. The crowd's talking and chatter did grow annoyingly loud at times but the band calmly continued anyway - even though it was only a 15 minute set, it really made an impact. Will certainly be looking out for them.

Blitz Kids were next and the huge population of scene kids surged forward to the stage flicking their colourful long hair and chanting the lyrics back at the band. Shouting the lyrics along with them were a couple of unexpectedly older men in the crowd which was funny but really nice. The frontman probably couldn't have been any more pop punk if he tried but they actually played an impressive set. I didn't know any of their songs before coming but they even had me singing along at times - and I definitely have to mention how cool the lead's mic was (it lit up!). All in all it was a very good warm up for Canterbury to come out to. Cool band!

Last but not least - Canterbury. The opened with one of my favourites "Expensive Imitation" from the new record and the crowd completely transformed. Those who had kept themselves to themselves during the support acts were pushing people around in the pits, shouting the lyrics and just letting loose. They then followed up with what is probably my current favourite - "Keep It Moving". This had me leaping about in the crowd, losing my place at the barriers but I didn't even care - Canterbury were killing it! Mike had great crowd chemistry, lifting the mood every so often with his light-hearted banter and the band as a whole meshed well together. Halfway through the set Mike mentioned that this was one of the "hottest shows that they've ever played" and I can vouch for him - that tiny venue was roasting by the end of the night. Their setlist was perfect - playing other favourites of mine, "Satellite", "Think It Over" and "Saviour", before coming on for an electric encore. You could tell that the crowd was mostly young because even by the last song they still had just as much energy as they came in with.

Canterbury was much better than I expected them to be if I'm honest. Not sure if I would pay to see them again, but I definitely don't regret paying to see them here, they were great.

Overall Rating - 7/10


Here are some pictures from the night...

At the end of last month (30/03/14), I went down to The Institute, Birmingham's (tiny) Temple to see Bipolar Sunshine. It had been one of the longest days ever and so was just ready for a nice chilled set to unwind to.

I had heard that Indiana was supporting but had never heard of her before the event, so of course I went straight to YouTube. Here's what I found, and if I'm honest, it really did not impress me - I'm pretty sure that I didn't even finish it in the end. Safe to say I wasn't too excited for her set. When the band stepped on stage and played their first song I was extremely taken aback... they were great!! It wasn't until a couple more fabulous songs in that the singer announced that her name was in fact Layla. That explained why the sound was a lot different to that in the song I heard. Layla was fantastic though. Since watching her kill this set I've already written about her here and here. Her personality was just contagious and you could tell that she really loved music - sort of reminded me of a more cheerful version of Elena Tonra. A surprising set but an amazing one too.

Next up was actually Indiana. In fairness, she wasn't bad and the set did get better as it went on (despite a lengthy microphone malfunction). The crowd really loved her single "Solo Dancing" but I just was not drawn to her - the set didn't engage me and I didn't feel connected. Either way, her musicians were good, and the set was pretty mellow. Call me old fashioned though, but there were a few too many electronic things for my liking - I would always much rather a classic band set up. All in all - underwhelming set.

Finally, the main event - Bipolar Sunshine. Before coming I'd heard his most well known singles like "Fire" and "Where Did The Love Go" and I didn't really know much else by him, but I was stood front and centre nonetheless. The band came on and I have to say every single member was looking super (special shout out to the bassist's shoes). Bipolar Sunshine himself is just a very cool cat. After this show there are a lot of new favourites that he has provided me with - "Rivers", "Drowning Butterflies" and "Love More Worry Less" are definitely among the list. The overall musicianship and banter between the musicians themselves was fantastic - made for a really great atmosphere. I found myself laughing and smiling a lot more than I was even cheering at this show - I just had a genuinely fun time. When they ended I was still smiling - uplifting gig and a perfect end to a stupidly long day!

Overall Rating - 7/10


Here are some pictures from the night...

Late last month (25/03/14), I was lucky enough to get a free ticket to the NME Awards Tour at The Institute, Birmingham and even luckier to get an interview with one of the supports - Circa Waves (which will be up soon). I'd been thinking about buying tickets myself a while back but never had enough money to justify a ticket. I'm glad that I did get to go in the end because this was not something to be missed.

First up was Circa Waves, a new Indie Rock band recently signed to Transgressive Records - if you're into bands like Two Door Cinema Club and The Strokes, you should probably give them a listen. Anyway, the downside of being on first is that you have the smallest crowd. They played the kind of set that needs a few thousand people there screaming and getting riled up, it was a complete show and only a couple hundred people were there to witness it. However, by the end of the set, the crowd had grown and the cheers and claps grew louder. All in all, they did what they set out to do because I'm sure that I few people who came there that night not knowing who Circa Waves were, left that place with their name printed in their mind. Job done. 

Next up was Royal Blood! Since writing about them here as a "new discovery", I've been waiting for my chance to see them but I definitely did not think it'd be this soon, and also didn't think that it'd be this awesome!! They absolutely slayed the set. Experiencing them live really made me realise just how talented both of them are as musicians, every drum fill was perfect, accompanied by equally perfect gritty and dirty bass riffs - the crowd wasn't sure what to do with themselves. Their singles "Out Of The Black", "Come On Over" and "Little Monster" were immense! The only thing that I can fault the set on is that Michael said half way through "HOW'RE YOU DOING NOTTINGHAM?!"..... no no, this is Birmingham.

It was a huge change when neo-psychedelic Temples stepped on stage next. Having seen them already, I pretty much new what to expect but some people seemed a little taken aback by the sudden change in genre and I feel like this might have calmed down the crowd's hype a little too much. Nonetheless, they played a very together set... everything was so tidy. Perhaps everything was a little too perfect if I'm honest but there's no mistaking that it was a good set. I had a chat with the drummer, bassist and their merch guy afterwards and they are all extremely lovely guys - I wish that people had been able to get more into their set.


Finally was the night's headliners - Interpol! MY. GOODNESS. I mean, I thought that they'd be good but they were phenomenal! Better than I could have ever imagined. I only went into the gig knowing about five of their songs, but they had me dancing and headbanging throughout as if I'd heard all of their songs a billion times. The drummer was ridiculously good, it was actually silly. Everything was so technical but he executed it with near perfection; therefore I'd say I was pretty excited when I caught his drumstick at the end. The guitarist was very entertaining - a complete showman - whipping his hair and smiling at the crowd. This was the polar opposite to the bassist who stood in the back, quietly skilled, just dropping in awesome, technical riffs every now and again.Of course, Paul Banks was the ultimate frontman getting the crowd worked up, particularly some smitten middle-aged women near the front. I definitely feel obligated to acquire their entire discography after that performance! I feel like I'm missing out. Fabulous all round. Just a top quality night!

Overall Rating - 9/10


Here are some pictures from the night...

A couple of weeks ago (27/02/14) a couple of friends and I went to The Institute, Birmingham to see Bonobo. I definitely got more than I bargained for.

First up was Catching Flies with support.Who knew that just one man and a couple of decks could produce an opening set of this calibre? He absolutely killed it! The whole time just jamming; he did everything with such ease. The crowd was loving it - I especially liked the remix of Jill Scott's "Golden" that he slipped into the set which not many people seemed to notice. For some reason I was expecting Bonobo to stay in keeping with the one man dj theme but what he actually did was far better.

When Simon Green stepped on stage with a drummer, a guitarist, a pianist, a three-piece horns section and a strings section, I knew that this performance was going to be something else. Opening with "Sapphire" from the latest record The North Borders he eased the crowd in before bringing on Szjerdene and her silky vocals to belt out "Towers" and "Stay The Same" for us. When the opening strings for "Kiara" chimed in I was ecstatic. I knew that he was going to play it but I didn't think it'd be so early on. Being my favourite song from Black Sands I was loving every single second of this performance. The bass rising from to ground to our chests - yes.

They played through a few more of my favourites, occasionally switching up the band formation and Simon himself switching between bass guitar and the decks, before bring on Grey Reverend to guest on opening track "First Fires". I must admit, this performance was more subdued than emphatic in comparison to the song's studio recording but it hit the spot nonetheless. Then Szjerdene stepped on again for a live debut of "Get Thy Bearings", her beautiful voice soaring over the instruments. This definitely had everybody drooling for new material from Bonobo. After a mass dance party to "We Could Forever" and "Cirrus" things slowed down again before the encore. The band came back on to play "Pieces" and "El Toro" including a seductive sax solo and a mind bogglingly skillful drum solo.

All in all, it was just such a chilled show and a ridiculously fun night, the crowd was buzzing and the vibes were glorious. It's actually tempted me to go and see him again in London Alexandra Palace later this year, funds allowing. Bonobo... bravo.

Overall Rating - 8/10 


Here are some pictures from the night: