Eleanor Sutcliffe Archives

March 9, 2018March 9, 2018

BPREVIEW: All Time Low @ Genting Arena 15.03.18

All Time Low will be performing at the Genting Arena on the 15^th March – opening the show by performing their sophomore album, So Wrong, It’s Right, in full. Support will be coming from Southampton based Creeper.

Doors open at the Genting Arena from 5pm (Forum Live) and 6pm (Arena Bowl), with All Time Low scheduled to perform from 8pm onwards. Tickets are currently on sale from £37.63 plus booking fees – as presented by SJM Concerts/Gigs and Tours. For direct gig information, including full showtimes, venue details, and online ticket sales, click here.

This will be the first UK tour for the Baltimore band since they released their latest album, Last Young Renegade, which scooped the Rock Sound Award for Album of the Year in 2017. A far cry from the more summer-y beats of So Wrong, It’s Right – their most recent LP explores a darker side to All Time Low’s style, winning over their fans with tracks such as ‘Dirty Laundry’.

It’s clear All Time Low have come a long way since releasing their debut studio album, The Party Scene, back in 2005. Their steady climb to pop-punk stardom has included performances at festivals such as Warped Tour, Reading and Leeds, plus more albums than you can shake a muddy greenfield stick at.

But the band’s last album did mark a significant shift as All Time Low left their long time label, Hopeless Records, to release Last Young Renegade through the Atlantic subsidiary, Fueled by Ramen. Their latest tour announcement hasn’t been without its obstacles either – with the withdrawal of Pierce The Veil as a co-headliner following allegations of sexual misconduct against the band’s drummer, Mike Fuentes, the status of the UK leg seemed in doubt.

But All Time Low soon rectified the situation by announcing that, as opposed to bringing in another headliner at such short notice, they would instead fill the time by performing their 2007 album So Wrong, It’s Right in full – alongside recruiting the support of ‘horror punk’ four piece, Creeper, on their UK dates.

And with popular tracks such as ‘Dear Maria, Count Me In’ and ‘Remembering Sunday’ hailing from the album in question, fans are in for a nostalgic treat at the Genting Arena and across the UK.

‘Dirty Laundry’ – All Time Low

For more on All Time Low, visit www.alltimelow.com

For more on Creeper, visit www.creepercult.com

For more from SJM Concerts/Gig and Tours, including further event listings and online ticket sales, visit www.gigsandtours.com

For more from the Genting Arena, including venue details and further event listings, visit www.gentingarena.co.uk

March 3, 2018March 2, 2018

THE GALLERY: Morrissey @ Genting Arena 27.02.18

Words & pics by Eleanor Sutcliffe

I never truly clicked with Morrissey’s music, I’ll admit – as a youngster, my dad was much fonder of playing me bands such as The Clash and The Jam as opposed to the man in question.

However, I can remember my best friend in sixth form playing me a handful of tracks from Viva Hate and they’ve been imprinted in the far corners of my brain ever since. So, when the opportunity arose to catch Morrissey at the Genting Arena, performing tracks from his latest album Low in High School, I knew I had go. Back to school it was. Plus, it’s not often you get to see musicians of this standing so up close.

And up close it was. Making my way through the sea of blue jeans and quiffed hair, I picked up my pass and waited to be escorted through to the photo pit. Swarms of fans, who all somehow looked identical, were buzzing into the arena. But not to catch a support act; a video was being played on stage showing highlights from Morrissey’s career.

I’ve taken lots of photos of artists over the years – from shows in tiny rundown venues, to sold out arena concerts with thousands of people. But standing at the front of Morrisey’s near Genting Arena crowd, I don’t think I’ve ever shot a show where an audience has been this absorbed and entranced by a performer.

So, as the curtain drops and Morrissey glides on stage, I am expecting his near 15,000 strong fans to go hysterical. But instead, it’s a subdued sense of wonder that encompasses the room for the following hour or so. Yes, some scream and shout as he wanders over to them, clutching their hands while singing Elvis Presley’s ‘You’ll Be Gone’ – but the majority stand still and stare in blatant wonder. As someone who is used to crowd surfers and mosh pits, it’s a bit bloody odd. But it’s odd in the best way. Tonight is true appreciation.

Morrissey’s setlist reflects the man himself too – uncompromising; a complete mixed bag of covers, newer releases, and some of his earliest work. The show itself is as blatantly political, with a video screen at the back showing brutal animal cruelty during ‘The Bullfighter Dies’ which causes even the hardest of men in the room to wince.

A tribute to the likes of Geoff Bent, Roger Byrne and David Pegg is played during ‘Munich Air Disaster 1958’, while clips of police brutality are aired for ‘Who Will Protect Us from The Police?’ Each track is interspersed with a picture of Morrissey deep in thought, a cigarette poised between his fingers.

Yes, for me some parts of the evening drag slightly. Morrissey’s newest work doesn’t send the room into stupor quite like ‘I Started Something I Can’t Finish’, and there’s something slightly nauseating watching him sing ‘When You Open Your Legs’.

However, tonight’s show at the Genting Arena is, overall, a success. It’s annoyingly impressive. Morrissey makes the stage his own in a way that few ex-front man ever can, with a five figure crowd united in ardent appreciation. And whomever your musical idols may be, from whatever era, that’s something not many will ever achieve.

Morrissey @ Genting Arena 27.02.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe – Birmingham Review

For more on Morrissey, visit www.morrisseyofficial.com

For more from the Genting Arena, including full event listings and online ticket sales, visit www.gentingarena.co.uk

February 21, 2018February 21, 2018

BPREVIEW: Morrissey @ Genting Arena 27.02.18

Words by Eleanor Sutcliffe

Morrissey will be performing at the Genting Arena on the 27^thFebruary, as part of his first full UK tour since 2015 – giving Birmingham fans the opportunity to hear tracks from his latest album, Low in High School.

Doors open from 6pm, with tickets priced from £40.50 – as presented by SJM Concerts/Gigs and Tours. For direct gig information, including venue details and online ticket sales, click here.

Low in High School is Morrissey’s eleventh studio album, and crept its way into the UK charts back when it was released last November. In typical Morrissey fashion, however, it wasn’t the music that received the most attention but the album’s cover art. True, if you want to be noticed then by all means emblazon your latest album with a photo of a child holding a sign exclaiming to axe the monarchy. And an axe. Anyone else might think twice about the consequences of being so outspoken. Not Morrissey.

Which is exactly why his fan base is so loyal. There’s no hiding behind a false persona with this man – what you see is, blatantly, what you get. It’s something that’s carried him through the years from when he fronted the Smiths right up to the blossoming of his solo career. Morrissey‘s fiercely outspoken attitude and carefully crafted aesthetic of a social recluse resonates with fans across the world.

Granted, Morrissey‘s solo career has also been a bit of a roller-coaster. Solo albums such as his debut Viva Hate and the 1994 release Vauxhall and I received unanimous acclaim from even the most hardened critics, while others such as Kill Uncle were described by the musician himself as being saturated with ‘session musician embalming fluid’ and subsequently fell at the very first hurdle.

But endorsed by some of music’s most loyal fans, it’s never a dull moment when you see this man on stage. The live shows themselves can create a touch of controversy here and there with Morrissey‘s personal and political thoughts coming off stage in more than just lyrics, and I’m intrigued to see what he brings to the Genting Arena. A strong portfolio of new tracks and fan favourites, no doubt. But, I mean, anything could happen. It’s Morrissey.

‘Spent the Day in Bed’ – Morrissey (from his latest album, Low in High School)

Morrissey performs at the Genting Arena on Tuesday 27^th February, as presented by SJM Concerts/Gigs and Tours. For direct gig information, including venue details and online ticket sales, visit www.gentingarena.co.uk/whats-on/morrissey

For more on Morrissey, visit www.morrisseyofficial.com

For more from SJM Concerts/Gigs and Tours, visit www.gigsandtours.com

For more from the Genting Arena, including full event listings and online ticket sales, visit www.gentingarena.co.uk

February 17, 2018February 17, 2018

THE GALLERY: Don Broco @ O2 Academy 15.02.18

Words & pics by Eleanor Sutcliffe

First up at the O2 Academy tonight are Yonaka, who set the bar high for the evening ahead. Their set is simply flawless, with the Brighton based four piece delivering an eclectic mix of fiery vocals and hip-hop beats.

Singer, Theresa Jarvis, weaves her way across the stage in sky high platform black heels, as she belts out tracks from their Heavy EP – including ‘Gods and Lovers’ and ‘Run’. However it was their new track, ‘Fucking with the Boss’, that I find myself humming on the way home. Yonaka’s music is the perfect mix of heavy riffs, thunderous drums and tough vocals that will worm its way into your brain for weeks to come.

Next in support tonight is Man with a Mission, who stroll onto stage donning matching wolf masks before launching into their track ‘Emotions’. Lead singer, Tokyo Tanaka, flings himself back and forth across the O2 Academy to upbeat tracks such as ‘DANCE EVERYBODY’ and ‘Dead End in Tokyo’, before a very risky but ultimately successful cover of Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’. Brave boys. Or wolves. Or space cadets, or whatever is actually under there.

Then it’s time for the ‘big show’…. The last time I saw Don Broco was across town at the O2 Institute 2, where the room physically shook from fans bouncing around in time to a pretty full on performance from the Bedford four piece. Magnify that feeling by ten, and that’s what tonight is like. Don Broco confidently steal the already quite valuable evening with an energetic, euphoric performance – one that quite simply blows most other live shows I’ve recently witnessed clean out of the water.

Debuting the tracks off their latest album, Technology, it’s clear Don Broco’s most recent release had gone down a treat with fans. Grimy tracks such as ‘Pretty’ and ‘Porkies’ result in the center of the O2 Academy’s main room morphing into a surging mass of bodies, as fans are catapulted into the arms of security. But it wasn’t just a walk through the Technology track list, as the band treat the fervent fans at their feet to a varied setlist that includes songs from as far back as ‘Priorities’ to the crowd favourite ‘Thug Workout’ – the latter of which results in me being dragged into the mosh pit. Fighting my way through a throng of sweaty bodies back to safety, I decide to brave the rest of the set from the sanctity of the balcony.

But watching from above, it is clear to see why exactly Don Broco have managed to climb their ladder to success. Outside of an absurdly strong back and current catalogue (Technology‘s a good ‘un) their crowd interaction is top notch, with singer Rob Damiani checking in regularly to ensure everyone is surviving in the thriving circle pits forming across the room. At Birmingham Review we are asked to look for a counterpoint, to pick out the pros and cons of the evening and give a balanced report from every gig we cover. But sometimes it’s just not possible. Try as I might, I can’t pick a single fault in Don Broco’s performance tonight.

So suck it objectivity, you’re getting moshed aside for a bit of performance perfection. It’s got to happen sometime. And having seen Don Broco for the first time back in 2015, playing at the Cardiff Student Union as part of their Automatic tour, it’s heartwarming to watch a band go from such strength to strength.

Don Broco @ O2 Academy 15.02.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe – Birmingham Review

For more on Don Broco, visit www.donbroco.com

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Man with a Mission – supporting Don Broco @ O2 Academy 15.02.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe – Birmingham Review

For more on Man with a Mission, visit www.mwamjapan.info

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Yonaka – supporting Don Broco @ O2 Academy 15.02.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe – Birmingham Review

For more on Yonaka, visit www.weareyonaka.com

For from Kilimanjaro Live, visit www.kilimanjarolive.co.uk

For more from the O2 Academy (Birmingham), including full event listings and online ticket sales, visit www.academymusicgroup.com/o2academybirmingham

February 13, 2018

BPREVIEW: Imagine Dragons @ Genting Arena 24.02.18

Words by Eleanor Sutcliffe

Imagine Dragons will be performing at the Genting Arena in Birmingham on Saturday the 24^th February, with support from Grouplove and K. Flay.

Set times are yet to be confirmed, with tickets currently priced from £41.58 (plus booking fee) – as presented by Live Nation UK. For direct gig details, including venue information and online ticket sales, click here.

It’s a busy time for Imagine Dragons. Following the release of their third studio album, Evolve, they announced a world tour in support – so a full diary for the Las Vegas alt/pop rockers, but sweet relief for their fans who had been waiting patiently for new material after the band announced a self-imposed hiatus for 2016.

Was it worth the wait? Despite going platinum in America, peaking at No2 on the Billboard 200 and No1 on the Top Rock charts, and hitting Top 10s across Europe – including No3 on the Official UK Charts, Evolve has received mixed reviews from critics on both sides of the pond.

But their new album title is rather fitting for the alternative rock band who first stormed to international success back in 2012. Their debut album Night Visions, was released and took over the rock charts across the world, sneaking it way into the Top 10s in the UK, USA, Australia and Canada to name a few.

Birthed from this album was the track ‘Radioactive’, which became the genre’s best selling track of 2013 and was coined by Rolling Stones magazine as ‘The biggest rock hit of the year’. After scooping the award for Billboard’s Best Breakout Band of 2013, it soon became clear that the only way was up for the dynamic Las Vegas quartet.

Evolve, whatever publication you’re reading, is the band’s third top five album stateside, and it’s not hard to see why Imagine Dragons have enjoyed such continued success. Their music is a tactical mix or rock and electronic production, wrapped up and presented with astounding live performances – grabbing and building an audience from a cross section of genres.

It’s heavy enough to please even the most hardcore of alternative rock fans, but can still be found playing in many more bars and clubs with a pop tinge that takes it comfortably into the mainstream. Drawing influences from bands such as Nirvana, Arcade Fire and Muse, Imagine Dragons are always a breath of fresh air.

‘Whatever It Takes’ – Imagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons come to the Genting Arena on Saturday 24^th February, with support from Grouplove and K Flay – as presented by Live Nation UK. For direct gig info, including venue details and online ticket sales, visit www.gentingarena.co.uk/whats-on/imagine-dragons

For more on Imagine Dragons, visit www.imaginedragonsmusic.com

For more on Grouplove, visit www.grouplovemusic.com

For more on K. Flay, visit www.kflay.com

For more from Live Nation, visit www.livenation.co.uk

For more from the Genting Arena, including full event listings and online ticket sales, visit www.gentingarena.co.uk