Review Publishing Archives - Page 29 of 53 -

June 1, 2018May 31, 2018

SINGLE: ‘All the Best’ – Quinn 01.06.18

Words by Ed King / Pics by Bryony Williams

On Friday 1^st June, Quinn release their latest single – ‘All the Best’. Phew, where to begin…

Firstly, ALL HAIL SAM LAMBETH. This is unashamedly sycophantic, and mainlines into the comfortable narcissism that turned that fresh faced indie kid from the ‘Near to You’ video into the canine caning rockstar you can see to your left.

But sod it. Some people are born performers and Mr Lambeth’s ‘brainchild’ is a joy to behold if for no other reason than he’s at the front of it.

Secondly, I’m going to try far too hard in this review. Might as well admit it. Centre stage stadium pretensions aside, Sam Lambeth is a better music writer than I am and it pisses me off no end. Actually, to clarify, the fact he doesn’t write for Birmingham Review is what really flicks the nads, but it’s all pretty much the same to my ego.

So, with that in mind, let’s copy/paste something from the ‘All the Best’ press release:

‘All the Best’ represents the best of Quinn’s past and the exciting future they are set to embark upon – Lambeth’s knack for driving melodies are wrapped around soaring synths, pounding Balearic beats and subtle sampling. “We took a conventional rock song and messed about with it, but on some different coloured wrapping paper and tried to give Quinn a new identity,” Lambeth said. “I’ve always loved pop in its purest sense, and hearing Beck’s record Colors made me realise you can have it both ways.”

Couldn’t have put it better myself. Hush ego, hush. But Quinn’s latest single is catchy as hell. Like some metaphor involving an airborne virus and a big thumbed sports star, the boy writes a mean pop hook and no mistake. And whilst I wouldn’t use White Isle rhetoric to describe it, ‘All the Best’ is a clear windows down summer winner. Cars, floppy hair, mirror lens sunglasses etc, etc…

No pretensions, ‘All the Best’ won’t win an Ivor Novello, but it sends an army of smiling earworms marching down your lug holes from the first happy clappy riff until the somewhat unfortunate fade out. Lambeth’s vocals have seldom sounded stronger too. But with ball-out-of-the-park-regular Ryan Pinson in production it’s an unsurprisingly well polished chill pill. Apart from the fade out. I don’t like fade outs. But that’s me.

Lyrically, ‘All the Best’ – as the Bible of sugar coated indie decrees – is about unrequited love with a gracious smile and confident nod to the unknown. The irony is that behind this creative love in was a somewhat public clusterfuck of a fond farewell, one we won’t dwell on but is a) worth mentioning considering the song’s premise, and b) another feather in the cap of a man who seems to be endlessly chasing somebody’s summer. Refer to paragraph one.

OK, time for a counterpoint. There’s always a counterpoint. Hang on. Need to get my right click on the go again here…

When it came to the next project, Lambeth had one rule – don’t repeat yourself. “Our last EP, Crush, was a homage to the hazy melodies and fizzy fretwork of the ‘90s, and thus was very guitar driven,” he said. “For where I was headed next, I knew it had to be completely different. It was time to experiment.”

Different, sure, but completely..? And if you’re old enough, ‘Words that Say’ by Mega City Four. But this is what Sam Lambeth does with Quinn to such Technicolor effect, and there’ll be plenty of time for that dub step opera with the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. Fuck it, it’s summer. We’ve got convertible cars to drive down the M4.

And to surmise with more open ended plagiarism, if it ‘aint broke…

‘All the Best’ – Quinn

Quinn release their latest single, ‘All the Best’, on Friday 1^st June. For more on Quinn, visit www.facebook.com/quinnrocks

May 23, 2018May 23, 2018

BPREVIEW: Captain Süün + The Hungry Ghosts, Brain Food @ The Sunflower Lounge 24.05.18

Words by Ashleigh Goodwin

On Thursday 24th May, The Sunflower Lounge welcomes psychedelic quartet Captain Süün – with support from Birmingham’s ‘trash country’ The Hungry Ghosts, and ‘swirling psych-soaked four-piece’ Brain Food.

The Sunflower Lounge opens its doors at 7.30pm, with the event having an age restriction of 18+ as presented by Red Dawn Events. At the time of writing all limited/discount advance tickets have sold out, but you can still buy a special offer pair of tickets for £9 or general admission singles for £6 – both including booking fee. For direct gig information, including venue details and links to all online ticket sales, click here.

Bristolian garage psych band, Captain Süün, have worked tirelessly since their formation in 2016 – playing numerous shows over the past couple of years, alongside truly creative artists from across the UK such as The Wytches, Cegvera and Yo No Se.

Having signed to Stolen Body Records after ‘a raucous set at Bristol Psych Fest’s’ in 2017 the band are now releasing their Beach Burrito EP, with The Sunflower Lounge gig the first of three dates to support the launch. Captain Süün’s official release show for their Beach Burrito EP is being held on Friday 25^th May at The Trap in their hometown, where The Hungry Ghosts will once again be joining them on stage.

But no strangers to the second city, their refined and crafted sound has already made ‘a mark upon the Birmingham music scene with many local acts pledging their love for Captain Süün’ – boasting an infectious formula of skillful songwriting, warm fuzz, and a mixture of droning, brooding riffs and surf guitars.

And the future is seemingly bright for the four-piece beyond the UK too, as Captain Süün embark on a European tour next month to promote their Beach Burrito EP – before returning to their hometown in July to once again play at Bristol’s Psych Fest, alongside Night Beats and the French trio Dusty Mush.

Second on the bill are self-professed ‘slaughterhouse blues’ five-piece, The Hungry Ghosts, bringing the main support of the night. The last time The Hungry Ghosts joined Captain Süün in Birmingham was when the two bands completed the line up for Table Scraps’ Autonomy album release party at the Hare & Hounds back in March, as presented by This Is Tmrw.

The Hungry Ghosts’ completely identifiable sound combines contemporary rock and blues, against an alternative country and western background – no small feat, but one done to captivating effect. Drawing from an array of genres and inspirations The Hungry Ghosts deliver a truly distinctive body of work, which makes for not only a dynamic live performance but a hypnotic one too. But after the release of their double A-side, ‘Lazaro/Amerkia’, back in July 2017 – through Brum based record label Setting Son Records – the band have been busy playing shows across the UK, and of course in Birmingham.

Brain Food we’re a little less clued up on, but have been instructed on good authority that the ‘progressive psychedelia’ Birmingham based four piece ‘should be taken as part of a balanced diet, and is made using one part Liam Mckeown (Vox, Lead Guitar), one part Jakob Cusp (Rhythm Guitar), one part Wills Carrot (Bass), and one part Connor Doyle (Drums).’ Sounds promising, and possibly good for your digestion, but one we’ll have to get back to you about after having seen them on stage.

Meanwhile, back in the West Country…

‘Beach Burritio’ – Captain Süün

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ut0vvLc-uE

Captain Süün perform at The Sunflower Lounge on Thursday 24^th May, with support from The Hungry Ghosts and Brain Food – as presented by Red Dawn Events. For direct gig information, including venue details and online ticket sales, visit www.thesunflowerlounge.com/event/captain-suun-the-hungry-ghosts

For more on Captain Süün, visit www.facebook.com/captainsuun

For more on The Hungry Ghosts, visit www.thehungryghosts.co.uk

For more on Brain Food, visit www.facebook.com/brainfoodofficial

For more from The Sunflower Lounge, including full event listings and venue details, visit www.thesunflowerlounge.com

May 22, 2018May 25, 2018

ELEANOR’S PICK: Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) @ NEC 28.05.18

Words by Eleanor Sutcliffe

Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) comes to the NEC in Birmingham on 28^th May. For a direct event information, including venue details and online ticket sales, visit www.gentingarena.co.uk/whats-on/slam-dunk-festival

As one of the most anticipated dates in the UK pop punk calendar, it’s safe to say Slam Dunk Festival are taking no prisoners with this year’s line up. With a bevy of bands and artists descending upon the NEC in just under a week’s time, I took it upon myself to comb through the roster and select a number that I personally love.

Holding Absence / Rock Sound Breakout Stage

Birmingham favourites, Holding Absence, are set to make their Slam Dunk debut this year on the Rock Sound Breakout Stage. Having recently announced the departure of guitarist Feisal El-Khazragi, it will be one of their first performances without him in their line up. But with Holding Absence recently nominated for Best British Breakthrough Band at the 2018 Heavy Metal Awards, plus playing a string of dates supporting Being as an Ocean across Europe in June, they’re certainly not letting El-Khazragi’s departure slow them down.

Represented by Sharptone Records – who bought us the likes of Don Broco, Miss May I and We Came As Romans – the Cardiff based band also recently toured and released a co-EP with Loathe titled This Is As One, which earned them numerous positive reviews from critics for tracks such as ‘Saint Cecilia’.

Holding Absence perform at 3:30pm on the Rock Sound Breakout Stage. For more on Holding Absence, visit www.holdingabsence.com

‘Saint Cecilia’ – Holding Absence

_________

PVRIS / Jägermeister Main Stage

Having recently performed at Coachella, PVRIS will be returning to Birmingham hot off the heels of the American leg of their All We Know of Heaven, All We Need Of Hell tour – promoting their latest album of the same name.

Lynn Gunn’s dreamy vocals, combined with the band’s heavy rock influences, have earned them a dedicated fanbase and won them Rock Sound’s Artist of the Year Award back in 2017. Here’s hoping PVRIS also perform some tracks from their debut album, White Noise, with songs such as ‘St. Patrick’ and ‘My House’ being on my personal wish list.

PVRIS perform at 8:15 pm on the Jägermeister Main Stage. For more on PVRIS, visit www.pvris.com

‘Anyone Else’ – PVRIS

_________

Taking Back Sunday / Monster Energy Main Stage

Returning to Slam Dunk for the 3^rd time, Taking Back Sunday were in the first wave of bands to be confirmed to at perform this year’s festival.

Having released their 7^th album, Tidal Waves, in September 2016, and parting ways with their original guitarist Eddie Rayes last month, it will be interesting to see if we get to hear any new material from the group. Although I’m hoping to hear classic tracks such as ‘You’re So Last Summer’ and ‘MakeDamnSure’ as well as songs such as ‘You Can’t Look Back’ from their latest album live.

Taking Back Sunday perform at 8:05pm on the Monster Energy Main Stage. For more on Taking Back Sunday, visit www.takingbacksunday.com

‘You’re So Last Summer’ – Taking Back Sunday

_________

Astroid Boys / Impericon Stage

The Impericon stage will be hosting hardcore grime band Astroid Boys, who have always delivered impressive shows in Birmingham. Growing steadily since their formation back in 2012, they were bought to my attention after being featured in BBC Radio 4’s documentary Operation Grime, which tailed them on a tour across the UK.

Astroid Boys‘ music is not for the faint hearted – expect brutal lyrics addressing issues such as racism, mashed with hardcore and grime influences to create a sound you probably have never heard before… but will just as probably want to listen to again.

Astroid Boys perform at 2:20 pm on the Impericon Stage. For more on Astroid Boys, visit www.astroid-boys.com

‘Foreigners’ – Astroid Boys

_________

As It Is / Signature Brew Stage

Announcing the August release of their latest album, The Great Depression, only a few days ago, Brighton based As It Is will be headlining the Signature Brew stage this year.

A band who’ve amassed a dedicated fan base with tracks such as ‘Dial Tones’ and ‘Hey Rachel’, their material is catchy, easy to listen to and fun – however it’s unfair to assume they lack a more serious side. Their latest release, ‘The Wounded World’, delves into a much darker side of their ever-expanding noise, having been cited by the band as a ‘new era’ of their music which expands on ‘the societal romanticisation of depression’ and ‘the disrepair of present-day human connection’.

As ever with this band, though, As It Is approach their subject with the respect and sensitivity it warrants – referencing their new material as a means for them to work to create a positive change for mental health.

As It Is perform at 8:30pm on the Signature Brew Stage. For more from As It Is, visit www.asitisofficial.bandcamp.com

‘The Wounded World’ – As It Is

_________

Luke Rainsford / The Key Club Acoustic Stage

The Key Club Acoustic Stage is hosting a stellar line up of bands and artists, including Birmingham’s Luke Rainsford – combining upbeat guitar with gut wrenching vocals, making music that is hard hitting but a real treat to listen to.

Having toured the UK extensively since the release of I Feel At Home With You in February 2017, and having recently released his latest EP, I Just Don’t Deserve To Be Loved, in April 2018, Rainsford’s music deals with difficult issues such as loss, bereavement, low self esteem and mental health. Good, honest stuff.

Luke Rainsford performs at 4:15 pm on The Key Club Acoustic Stage. For more on Luke Rainsford, visit www.lukerainsford.bandcamp.com

‘Home Safe’ – Luke Rainsford

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltnvyxgWovs

_________

Stand Atlantic / Rock Sound Breakout Stage

Australian trio, Stand Atlantic, will also be making their Slam Dunk debut this year, having recently toured with other performers such as ROAM and Knuckle Puck. With their latest EP, Sidewinder, reaching an impressive #10 on Rock Sound’s Top 50 Albums of 2017, and having been cited by Kerrang! as one of the hottest bands of 2018, Stand Atlantic are proving they’re a force to be reckoned with.

Claiming influences from Blink-182 to The 1975, they’re certainly considered a mixed bag musically too – but in the best possible way. Trust me. Go and listen to ‘Coffee at Midnight’. You can thank me later.

Stand Atlantic perform at 6:00 pm on the Rock Sound Breakout Stage. For more on Stand Atlantic, visit www.facebook.com/StandAtlantic

‘Coffee at Midnight’ – Stand Atlantic

Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands) comes to the NEC in Birmingham on 28^th May. For direct information on Slam Dunk Festival 2018, including details on all the events happening across the UK, visit www.slamdunkmusic.com

For a direct info and online ticket sales for Slam Dunk Festival 2018 (Midlands), visit www.gentingarena.co.uk/whats-on/slam-dunk-festival

For more from the Genting Arena, including full events listing and venue details, visit www.gentingarena.co.uk

May 21, 2018May 21, 2018

BPREVIEW: RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World Tour @ Symphony Hall 27.05.18

Words by Eleanor Sutcliffe

On Sunday the 27^th May, RuPaul’s Werq the World Tour will be coming to the Symphony Hall – stopping off in Birmingham for the second date out of seven across the UK and Ireland.

The show starts at 9pm, with an exclusive VIP Meet & Greet from 7pm. Tickets are priced from £32 to £128 – as presented by Voss Events, World of Wonder, and VH1. For direct gig information, including venue details and links to online ticket sales, click here.

Also appearing at the Symphony Hall on Sunday 27^th May will be Ginger Johnson, the ‘nightmare in nylons’ storyteller who will be reading Glamorous Gran and other Stories – ‘a lively collection of original children’s stories inspired by the lives of LGBTQIA+ people and their experience of the world’.

A free event, taking place in the Symphony Hall Level 3 Foyer from 3pm, Ginger Johnson’s Glamorous Gran and Other Stories is suitable for ‘switched on kids’ aged 7 years and up. For direct event information, click here.

Lady Miss Ikea will also be DJing before and after the RuPaul’s Werq the World Tour show in the Symphony Hall Cafe Bar, playing ‘the most glamorous deep, house, disco and wildest pop – as well as tracks that you love from your favourite RuPaul Queens’. Again a free event, Lady Miss Ikea starts her first set at 7:30pm – for direct event information, click here.

Following a string of sold out shows in 2017, the only official tour for the popular reality TV series, Ru Paul’s Drag Race, is making a stop in Birmingham at the tail end of the city’s Pride Festival (how fitting). With a total of 63 shows across the globe, and 36 of those in Europe, Sunday 27^th May is Birmingham’s opportunity to see some of drag’s finest queens perform in all their glory on stage. Hosted by fan favorite judge Michelle Visage, the show will feature performances from Kim Chi, Latrice Royale, Sharon Needles, Kennedy Davenport, Detox, Valentina, Violet Chachki and a surprise guest from Drag Race Season 10.

RuPaul’s Werq the World Tour is quite possibly one of the most prominent drag shows to ever land in Birmingham, showcasing the TV phenomenon that has helped push drag from underground art to mainstream pop culture. And whilst drag events have become a more prevalent fixture on Birmingham’s event calendar – with national promoters such as Klub Kids and Eat Sleep Drag Repeat selling out shows at both mainstream and LGBT+ venues, alongside ferociously creative new events, showcasing both local and national talent, from collectives such as Dragpunk and Opulence – a show of this size coming to the Symphony Hall is unassailable step further into the limelight.

RuPaul’s Werq the World Tour line up is diverse enough to give its audience a taste of all manner of drag too. Take Sharon Needles, for example, whose both ‘simply divine’ and ‘ghastly runway look’ won her the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar in 2012 at the end of Drag Race Season 4.

But if macabre isn’t strictly your style, then Kim Chi – who was the first Korean drag queen to appear on American television – offers up her self-described ‘bionic dolly’ aesthetic, celebrating all things ‘cute, fun, weird, and exotic’.

Then there’s Violet Chachki, whose drag, burlesque and acrobatic performances ‘blend strip tease, aerial acrobatics and fetish aesthetics – while also distorting the gender binary’. Chachki’s confidence and ‘indomitable, high self-esteem’ saw her win Drag Race Season 7, as well walk for Moschino in their Fall 2018 Collection at Milan Fashion Week and become one of the first drag artists to represent a major fashion brand for Betty Paige Lingerie.

Also appearing on RuPaul’s Werq the World Tour will be Latrice Royale – a plus sized queen who from Compton who is also an ordained minister, Detox – another LA queen who has appeared in music videos with Ke$ha and Rihanna, Kennedy Devenport – whose numerous pageant titles include Miss D’Elegance International 2013 and Miss Gay Orlando 2016, and Valentina – whose spectacular looks have appeared in Elle Magazine Mexico, Paper Magazine, and Vogue.com as well as being the face of Mexican fashion designer Benito Santos’ latest collection.

From kawaii to couture, RuPaul’s Werq the World Tour presents one of the most impressive drag line ups the city has seen, with each queen having worked their way to drag royalty with grit and determination. Here’s hoping, amongst the undeniable glitz and glamour, we witness some of that fire on stage at the Symphony Hall on 27^th May.

RuPaul’s Werq the World Tour comes to the Symphony Hall in Birmingham on Sunday 27^th May – as presented by Voss Events, World of Wonder and VH1. For direct show information, including venue details and links to online ticket sales, visit www.thsh.co.uk/event/rupauls-drag-race-werq-the-world-tour

Lady Miss Ikea will be DJing before and after the RuPaul’s Werq the World Tour show in the Symphony Hall Cafe Bar – with her first set starting at 7:30pm. For more information visit www.thsh.co.uk/event/dj-lady-miss-ikea

Ginger Johnson will also be reading Glamorous Gran and other Stories for free in the Symphony Hall Level 3 Foyer from 3pm, suitable for children (and adults) aged 7 years and up. For direct event information, visit www.thsh.co.uk/event/ginger-johnson-presents-glamorous-gran-and-other-tall-stories

For more both the Symphony and Town Halls, including venue details and further event listings, visit www.thsh.co.uk

May 18, 2018

THE GALLERY: Rita Ora @ O2 Academy Birmingham 16.05.18

Words & pics by Eleanor Sutcliffe

You can tell a lot about a show by the queue outside the venue.

Tonight, it is an endless horde of teenage girls and their parents. Not my usual rock show, granted. However, I was their age when Rita Ora dropped her single ‘RIP’ back in 2012, so I can understand their excitement. And it’s rare for a pop star of Ora’s size to play such a small venue (if, of course, you can count the 3000 capacity O2 Academy main room as ‘small’).

First on stage is Kara Marni, who delivers a no-frills five track performance including a mashup of ‘Wild Thoughts’ by Rihanna and ‘Shape of You’ by Ed Sheeran.

Marni’s standout song tonight, however, is ‘Love Just Ain’t Enough’ taken from her debut EP of the same name; her vocals dance effortlessly over subtle R & B beats, amalgamating into a set that is short but nevertheless incredibly impressive.

Next up we have Raye, who bounds onto the stage clad in a black hoodie and shorts. Her energy is seemingly endless as she bounces back and forth to tracks such as ‘Cigarette’ and ‘Decline’, which both send the crowd into what can only be described as group ecstasy.

Personally, even whilst watching most of it through a camera lens, I enjoy Raye‘s set much more than I anticipated – and even find myself dancing along to her track, ‘Confidence’. Once my professional duties are done, of course. But a great performer and one to watch/watch out for if you get the chance.

But now it’s the main event, the artist this sold out O2 Academy crowd have all come out to see. Admittedly, I am slightly dubious about the show that Rita Ora will deliver tonight – her absence from the UK touring circuit for several years, plus the ‘smaller’ venue choice, were all seemingly red flags to me. However, as the set kicks off with a flourish I couldn’t have been more mistaken.

Opening to one of her latest tracks, ‘Your Song’, Rita Ora weaves her way across the stage along with four backing dancers – all in front of an LED screen showing lyrics to the crowd. Production wise, Ora spares nothing for her fans tonight, from a dancer being constrained in a Perspex box during ‘For You’ to a slightly amusing routine involving numerous industrial fans and chiffon scarves for ‘Body On Me’. The show pushes exactly what is possible for a performer (and production team) to achieve on the O2 Academy’s main stage.

It isn’t all theatrics, however; from dedicating her track ‘Lonely Together’ to the late Avicii, to debuting a new slower number titled ‘Soul Survivor’, Ora’s high octane performance is interspersed with slower material including a more laid back, heavier version of her hit single ‘RIP’. But the highlight of the night is when she pulls a group from the audience up on stage to celebrate one of their birthdays. Seeing a star being this genuine and dedicated to their fans is a breath of fresh air.

Finishing her set with ‘Anywhere’, another track from her eagerly awaited sophomore album, it’s clear that Rita Ora’s time out of the spotlight has been well spent. And with a whole host of new material ready for her fans to hear, I’ll be surprised if she graces the stage of a venue this ‘small’ again. Next stop, surely an arena tour.

Rita Ora @ O2 Academy Birmingham 16.05.18 / Eleanor Sutcliffe