I have a pretty dreadful record when it comes to catching support acts. When I think about it it’s a pretty irrational thing, I mean, I’m all in favour of value for money and live music for live music’s sake and a support act gives you both. So what’s the problem? I’ve probably missed out on a few corkers down the years who’ve gone on to big things too.It’s probably because too often the support act is an afterthought, called up at the last minute. Or maybe their label’s paying the main act to drag them around on tour. Or maybe they’re the support act because they’re actually not really that good. Anyway, I didn’t catch the name of the support act for this show but they were limp and insipid to the point of unbearableness. I’m glad I only caught the second half of their set. Continue reading “Feist @ The Glee Club, 22/07/07”
Operator Please @ Birmingham Barfly, 8/09/07
It’s a funny business going to a gig specifically to review it, especially when you only have a fleeting familiarity with the band you’re going to see. Often instead of losing yourself in the music, jumping around like a loon and enjoying yourself you’ll stand there trying to make a note of what was played when and forming enough of an impression to put it into words. It doesn’t feel right, like you’re taking a joke apart to point out why it’s funny. Anyway, I say this because I’m pretty sure my experience of Operator Please was pretty different to that of most others who saw them. The show, scheduled before the Barfly’s regular Saturday night indie-fest, was a ‘Levis One To Watch’ showcase. There was a reasonable crowd of people meeting up and getting the first drinks of the night in. Continue reading “Operator Please @ Birmingham Barfly, 8/09/07”
Hadouken!/Does It Offend You, Yeah? @ Birmingham Academy 2, 12/06/07
“Over 14’s? I reckon I can pass for that” – message on the Hadouken! fan forum. Yep, the kids were out in force for this one and that, for any grumpy old men out there, was no bad thing. There was a palpable sense of excitement in the venue and when Does It Offend You, Yeah? took to the stage the screams of delight were louder than I’d ever experienced for any support band in this place. Ever. Continue reading “Hadouken!/Does It Offend You, Yeah? @ Birmingham Academy 2, 12/06/07”