BPreviews Archives - Page 66 of 69 -

August 2, 2014August 2, 2014

BPREVIEW: Louise Petit + Jayne Powell, Daniel Sweeney @ Ort Café, Sat 2nd Aug

Louise Petit returns to Ort Café* tonight, with support from Jayne Powell + Daniel Sweeney. Doors open at 8:30pm, admission is £5.

Since the late 90’s, musical descriptions have generally been a teenage mugging of adjectives and nouns. But Louise Petit’s self declared ‘Folk tinged alt-Pop loveliness’ is as appropriate as you can get.

The Staffordshire singer/songwriter first blipped onto Birmingham Review’s radar just under a year ago; again playing at Ort Café, Petit was out in the real world promoting her Make a House a Home EP – a live endevour, recorded at ‘a secret house concert’ in April ‘13. It was a beautiful England summer evening, and as the rain lashed down the urine/smog coating of a battered No50 – actually reaching the gig got harder and harder.

It was Birmingham Review’s first coverage of Ort Café too, but by the time ‘soft’, ‘sincere’ and ‘red wine in a mug’ had been scribbled in a notebook (and our editor was safely tucked up in the venue’s last available chair) all was right with the world. There was even singing – and not just on stage.

Louise Petit and her accompaniment, Russ Sargeant (double bass/vocals) and Tim Heymerdinger (percussion/vocals), are a joy to watch; refined and skillful in all the right places. Petit’s lyrics lift her once again above the current Folk fallacies, and despite a disturbing penchant for Yuletide knitwear her public portfolio to date has been pretty exemplary.

Plus she has an album out too – Louder Than Your Drum, which will most likely be the centrepiece to this year’s touring. So in short, you’d be pushed to find a better time to see Louise Petit perform or to see her perform again.

Read Birmingham Review previous coverage of Louise Petit:

Louise Petit @ Ort Café, Sat 10^th Aug 2013

Louise Petit @ Ort Café, Sat 1^st Mar 2014

Louise Petit will be supported by Jayne Powell and Daniel Sweeney – in a change from the previously booked Debbie Kate.

Jayne Powell last played at Ort Café on Friday 4^th July, headlining with South Carolina’s Rachel & Friend in support. Powell had been on a ‘productive hiatus’ for a few years and is now back in the saddle after ‘setting up her power trio’.

Punching out Bluesy Americana, with a strong vocal lead that’s reminiscent (to us) of Aimee Mann (no bad thing), Powell has played with many of the great, good and good God not again of the Birmingham gig circuit – a bill with Louse Petit should be a memorable blend.

Daniel Sweeney is one third of Moseley’s Sylvia, who are currently working on their second album – scheduled for release later this year. Sylvia are a thoughtful withdrawal from the Pop/Blues/Folk/Monsters on the rest tonight’s bill, with Sweeney’s high end vocals leading their more delicate laments.

Not much more we can say on Sweeney as a solo artist, at this point, other than a strong suspicion that if autonomy’s going to work for him it’ll work at Ort Café.

Louise Petit return to Ort Café tonight, with support from Jayne Powell + Daniel Sweeney. Doors open at 8:30pm, admission is £5. For more info, visit http://ortcafe.co.uk/

*Ort Café closes from & including, 9^th to 25^th August

For more on Louise Petit, visit http://louisepetit.com/

For more on Jayne Powell, visit http://jaynepowell.co.uk/

For more on Sylvia/Daniel Sweeney, visit http://thisissylvia.com/

July 25, 2014July 25, 2014

PREVIEW: Subvert presents… Dantanna, Culture Dub Orchestra, Malarky + DJ Christy @ Wagon & Horses, Fri 25th July

Subvert Soundsytem return to the Wagon & Horses in Digbeth tonight (Fri 25^th July), presenting live sets from Dantanna, Culture Dub Orchestra & Malarky, with DJ Christy. The night runs from 9pm to 3am with a £5 door charge.

Champions of the DIY party scene, Subvert reportedly started out as ‘a pair of JBL Control 10 speakers’ back in 2003; not much risk of Funktion-One nose bleed, but gets the job done.

Now ‘broadcasting’ through a stacked out touring rig & desk, the Midland’s based Soundsystem have been hosting parties that cut across Punk, Reggae, Ska and Dub – featuring local live acts alongside the occasional interloper.

Firm at the helm tonight are Dantanna, who first blipped on Birmingham Review’s screen thanks to John Noblet – read his last review of Dantanna here, from Subvert Soundsystem @ Wagon & Horse, Sat 29^th March.

Having over doubled (just) in size since conception, Dantanna now boast eleven members – playing their self described ‘music for cock knockers and party people’. And with nearly half of them on vocals at one point or another you can imagine how crowded the front of a Dantanna stage can get.

But they work, and they work hard; fronted by the illustrious Dan Skins, Dantanna are seldom far from some gig somewhere – maintaining a near constant presence on our aforementioned radar.

But see for yourself – watch Dantanna play at Manchester’s Band on the Wall below:

In support, well part of it, are Culture Dub Orchestra (CDO) – a six piece Midland’s ensemble, who came together from other musical endevours just over a year ago. And despite the seeming trend to call everything an ‘orchestra’ CDO defend their moniker with a bevy of accompaniment.

Plus Dub is right at the heart of them, with the importance of delivering it live also a key component. Taking inspiration from a spread of cultures and traditions, CDO present themselves as something defiantly worth a watch. But again, see for yourself below.

Culture Dub Orchestra @ The Bull’s Head

Bringing up the rear tonight are Malarky, a five piece mash up of Ska, Rock, Dub and approaches to hair. Stealing Tamar ‘Juganaut’ Bedward from the Dantanna line up there’s a strong Rap contingent to them now too. And as the promoters of tonight’s gig themselves admit, Malarky are a fusion of ‘punk, funk, ragga and something I’m not quite sure of but its good’. Fu*k it. Sold.

Watch Malarky on Gibbon TV, click here or on the image below:

Subvert Soundsytem present Dantanna, Culture Dub Orchestra & Malarky, with DJ Christy – at the Wagon & Horses in Digbeth tonight (Fri 25^th July). 9pm to 3am with a £5 door charge. For further info, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1508369529379325/

For more on Dantanna, visit http://dantanna.co.uk/

For more on Culture Dub Orchestra, visit http://www.cultureduborchestra.com/

For more on Malarky, visit http://malarkeyband.wix.com/malarkey

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For more on Subvert Soundsystem, visit https://www.facebook.com/SubvertSoundsystem

For more on the Wagon & Horses, visit http://www.wagonandhorsesdigbeth.com/

July 20, 2014July 20, 2014

PREVIEW: Monty Python Live (mostly)

Director: Aubrey Powell
Writing Credits: Monty Python
Cast: John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Michael Palin – with archive footage including Graham Chapman

UK rating: 15 certificate
UK release date: Various

Monty Python Live (mostly) is broadcast across UK cinemas today – being shown at the Electric Cinema tonight, with further ‘encore’s on July 24^th, Aug 3^rd & Aug 14^th.

The final performance from a series of ‘reunion’ stage dates at the 02 Academy in London, presented by Phil McIntyre Entertainments, Monty Python Live (mostly) is exactly that – Monty Python, being performed by the original crew (R.I.P Mr Chapman) on stage live. Mostly. There’s some Terry Gilliam up there too.

The idea is simple and astute – get the Pythons back together, performing the tried and tested classics, run it as a stage show at the country’s second largest indoor arena, film it, screen the same live performance in cinemas across the country. No doubt the DVD-Blue-Ray-t-shirt- breakfast-cereal will be out just before Christmas. If you’re going to do a reunion, do it properly.

And why not, after all there’s been the demand. The Pythons came together for one live date at the O2 Academy London on July 1^st; sold that out, so added shows on July 2^nd – 5^th. After those sold out July 20^th was added as a final farewell. This too, sold out. But you still get the chance to see it at cinemas across the country on special syndications of each live show. Unless of course those screenings have sold out as well. Which most have. As I said, there’s been the demand.

But a Monty Python reunion selling out is almost as predictable as the live show itself – an homage to lumberjacks, parrots (dead), people called Bruce, tinned meat(ish) and overzealous cardinals. Although with Spamalot nearly a decade old there’s probably a heightened sense of ‘show’ in the proceedings.

Reports from the July 1^st opening were equally obvious – ‘I can’t believe I’m watching the Pythons live’, ‘I can’t believe how old they look’, ‘I’m a lumberjack and I’m OK…’ After all, the Footlights was a long time ago.

But none of this really matters – Monty Python Live (mostly) is an arguably overdue exercise in giving the fans what they want (and there’s a lot of them) whilst getting handsomely paid in the process . Which, when you’ve contributed as much as the Pythons have, is no bad thing.

Monty Python’s Flying Circus deserve a golden handshake as absurd as their comedy, and the overwhelmingly complicit ticket buying public have agreed in their thousands. Tens of thousands. It may be contrived, but it’s always original – a paradox worthy of the Pythons themselves. The only tragedy being that they’re one down in number.

Monty Python Live (mostly) – official trailer, click here/image below

Monty Python Live is screened at the Electric Cinema tonight (July 20^th), with further ‘encore’s on July 24^th, Aug 3^rd & Aug 14^th. For further details, including full show listings and times, visit https://www.theelectric.co.uk

For more on Monty Python Live (Mostly), visit http://www.montypythonlive.com/

For more about Monty Python, visit http://pythonline.com/

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For more about the Academy Music Group, including their Birmingham venue, visit http://www.academy-music-group.co.uk/

For more from Phil McIntyre Entertainments, visit http://www.mcintyre-ents.com

July 18, 2014July 18, 2014

BPREVIEW: Boyhood

Director: Richard Linklater
Writing Credits: Richard Linklater
Cast: Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawle, Lorelei Linklater

UK rating: 15 certificate
UK release date: 11^th July

Boyhood opens at the Electric Cinema tonight (Fri 18^th July) with daily screenings until Thurs 24^th July.

Richard Linklater’s bold production follows, in real time, the growth of Mason Jnr (Coltrane) as he goes from 1^st grade (that’s primary school to us) to college – negotiating his parent’s divorce, the onslaught of puberty and all the challenges of family and adolescence.

Starting as the 6 year old protagonist prepares for a new life in Houston, along with his recently separated mother Olivia (Arquette) and his sister Samantha (Lorelei Linklater), Boyhood watches the world from Mason Jnr’s perspective. As times elapses we are reintroduced at pivotal moments, some larger than others, as the four central characters plot point their way through a 12 year story and the minutia of actual life. Mason Snr (Hawke) drifts in, out and in again, as the family’s formative years are delivered in both sporadic and bite sized chunks.

Not known for a sentimental approach to storytelling, please ignore School of Rock, Linklater reportedly avoids the obvious John Hughes moments – letting Boyhood cement its narrative in an unarguably physical reality. The posters on the wall, the changing soundtracks, the subtle encroach of a 12 year story – witnessed all at once during a 166min sitting.

Reviewing Boyhood’s showcase at the Sundance Film Festival in January this year, for Vulture.com, Kyle Buchannan states ‘Boyhood isn’t the film you’re expecting. It’s intimate and elusive, and the landmarks that usually turn up in most other coming-of-age stories are all but absent here.’

Eric Kohn reporting for IndieWire, again from the Sundance Film Festival, calls Boyhood ‘an entirely fluid work that puts the process of maturity under the microscope and analyyzes its nuamces with remarkable detail.’

Alongside further reviews mirroring the sentiments above and fueling whispers of academy recognition, with the admirable deliveries of his previous productions in the bank, it looks like Linklater has indeed done something to be proud of with Boyhood. Or at least, something worth seeing – if for no other reason than to celebrate the remarkable commitment from IFC Films, the Boyhood financiers. But as Chuck D was so eager to warn us…

To watch the official Boyhood trailer, click here or on the link/image below:

Boyhood – official trailer

On a staggered release across the globe, Boyhood has been out in UK & Ireland cinemas since July 11^th and in US & Canadian cinemas from today (July 18^th) – with most of the world catching up by the end of September.

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Boyhood opens at the Electric Cinema tonight (Fri 18^th July) with daily screenings until Thurs 24^th July. For more from the Electric Cinema, including show times, directions and full listings, visit https://www.theelectric.co.uk

For more on Boyhood, visit http://boyhoodmovie.tumblr.com/

July 18, 2014July 18, 2014

BPREVIEW: Hot Club De Swing July Ball @ Hare & Hounds, Fri 18th July

Hot Club De Swing returns to the Hare & Hounds for its July Ball, tonight – Fri 18th July. Doors open at 9pm with admission charged at £7 advance, £10 on the door .

Playing, nay, championing Electro Swing in Birmingham, Hot Club De Swing is the monthly manifestation of the Swingamajig Festival. Or the Swingamajig Festival is the annual manifestation of Hot Club De Swing. Let’s not quibble.

Either way, on the Hot Club De Swing July Ball bill will be ‘some of the best acts’ from the last Swingamaig in the shape of Jenova Collective – a seven piece ensemble who have been ‘through the looking glass in search of their sound,’ which includes Electro Swing, DnB Swing (anyone..?), Giltch Hop and general festive/fruitiness.

Jenova Collective also released their debut EP, Champagne Machine, in Feb on Ragtime Records – a local label that is doing more to promote Electro Swing than… well, any other local label. For more from Ragtime Records visit http://www.ragtime-records.com/

And whilst you had me at the Carroll reference, for something a bit more tangible from Jenova Collective, click on the link or image below:

Jenova Collective @ Electro Swing Revolution, Berlin, 30.5.14

Also playing at the Hot Club De Swing July Ball, for it is July and they’re havin’ a ball, will be DJ sets from C@ in the H@ (say what you see) and Tom ESC – the Electro Swing Circus guitarist.

All in all a fine excuse to don your glad rags, dust off the monocle and spit polish shine those dandy fine shoes. And if you need more, check out the below intro from the Queens & Kings of the Swingers themselves:

Hot Club De Swing – official trailer

**For previous Birmingham Reviews of Hot Club De Swing, read:

Althea Paterson @ Hot Club De Swing, Fri 21^st Mar ’14

Althea Patterson @ Hot Club De Swing Xmas Spectacular, Fri 20^th Dec ’13

Katherine Priddy @ Hot Club De Swing Festival Tea Party, Fri 21^st Jun ’13

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Hot Club De Swing July Ball comes to the Hare and Hounds (Kings Heath) tonight – Friday 18^th July. Doors open at 9pm with admission charged at £7 advance, £10 on the door. For tickets and info, visit: http://hareandhoundskingsheath.co.uk/event-listings/event/?eventID=10031904

For more form Hot Club De Swing, visit https://www.facebook.com/hotclubdeswing

For more on Jenova Collective, visit https://www.facebook.com/JenovaCo

For more about the Hare & Hounds, including contact details and further listings, visit http://hareandhoundskingsheath.co.uk/