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Low are not a band to rest on their laurels. Only one year on from their last appearance in Birmingham, we have yet another great new album and almost a completely new set, mostly taken from the new record. And yet again it’s a sold out gig. “We enjoy playing here”, Alan Sparhawk tells us, and he sounds like he really means it. |
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“It’s not easy being a Pere Ubu fan”, acknowledges David Thomas at the end of tonight’s gig. Pere Ubu have their own book of rules when it comes to music and performance and it proves to be an interesting and challenging evening of experimental rock. |
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Tonight Frank Turner and his band The Sleeping Souls start their short run of headline shows across the UK at Manchester Academy. The tour is to celebrate the release of his highly anticipated fifth studio album ‘Tape Deck Heart' (out on 22nd april 2013) . Gig Junkies' very own Jay got to shoot the folk/punk hero's show. We hope that you like what he saw. Were you there? We would love to hear what you thought of Frank's gig... |
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Fickle Twin suck on the septic teat of Anger-Core/Bellicose Snot-Splatter, Depth-Charged Bass and tantrum-fixated guitar Feed-Cack. Distortion being the default setting sound-mix - one suspects they may have got their gear as a job-lot from next door's burnt-down Cash Converters' fire-sale. If not possibly during the actual fire itself. |
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Rachel Zeffira is one half of Cat’s Eyes, the other half being Faris Badwan of The Horrors. The duo released the ‘Cat’s Eyes’ album, generally considered to be one of the most interesting and best of 2011. However, now she is also a successful solo artist, having released her debut album, ‘The Deserters’, in December of last year. An awkward time to release a record, as this one came too late to be considered for albums of the year. It’s a beautiful, tranquil and melancholy album, that is spending a lot of time on my CD player. So I am very eager to hot-foot it up to Manchester to catch one of Rachel Zeffira’s few current gigs. |
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The House of Love emerged with real promise in the late 1980s, with a great new guitar sound and terrific songs, only to prematurely split after making some magnificent records. I never saw them back in those heady days, but fortunately the key members are now back together on the road for a short tour making great music again. |
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British Sea Power are another of those bands (like I am Kloot, that I reviewed recently), who have been around a while, made several well-received albums and have a cult fan-base. Their strong following is evidenced by tonight's sold-out performance in Birmingham. Interest has also been bolstered by their brand new album, 'Machineries of Joy', which is one of their best. Whatever the views on their albums, BSP's gigs are renowned, with the band putting on spectacular, passionate shows that totally connect with their audience. So I am very much looking forward to this. |
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Simple Minds flatly refuse to give up and go away. Na no. Stadia shows may be a few years ago (although arenas are a' beckoning later in the year) this is the second time in just over 12 months they've played a mid-sized venue, playing all their hits from days gone by. And by all accounts it's a great idea - tonight's gig is totally sold out. |
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Critically acclaimed Eels have been around for a good while and have made ten studio albums. Mark ‘E’ Everett is essentially ‘the Eels’, but he now has a long lasting and musically accomplished band, who deliver tight (but thoughtful) garage rock. The subject matter for Eels songs has sometimes been pretty heavy (like family deaths and mental disorder). However, with current line-up, the mood has definitely lightened and E seems as happy as he can be with the world, at least for the present. |
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Fred Perry has always had a unique relationship with British subcultures over the last 6 decades. Once a notable symbol for sport it is now firmly placed on the shoulders of those who frequent the coolest gigs in town. Fred Perry undoubtedly represent heritage- but their also at the forefront of the up and coming too. |
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The lights dim and the sound of the Van Halen song Jump blasts through the Academy's speakers before a load roar from the crowd greet the band. Proceeding to launch into The Spirit Of Jazz, The Gaslight Anthem are incredibly tight and they are on top form. Brian Fallon and the guys seem to be throughly enjoying themselves tonight throwing in light hearted jokes and humble talk in-between songs. |
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Tonight is Emeli Sandé's second night in Birmingham on her sold out tour celebrating the release of ‘Our Version of Events’ - Special Edition. Gig Junkies' very own Katja got to shoot the beautiful songstress' show. We hope that you like what she saw. |
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Tonight the third Jagermeister Music Tour made its way through the snow to the O2 Academy in Birmingham. Headlined by the mysterious Swedish cult known as Ghost, with French metal goliaths Gojira and the hottest band on the British metal scene, The Defiled. Gig Junkies' very own photographer Lee Allen got to shoot the gig, we hope you like what he saw. Were you there? We would love to hear what you thought. Tweet us @GigJunkies, or post your comments on our Facebook page and we'll put your thoughts, right here alongside the photos. |
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Skunk Anansie hit the stage at 1000 mph and don't let up! Since 1994 they have melted faces and stomped crowds in to submission. Iconic front woman Skin may have gained some hair but has lost now of her aggression and charisma seemingly charming and scaring in equal measure. Between bouncing around the stage and crowd surfing the length of the Wulfrun she doesn't give up for a single second. Tonight they sound incredible and rip through a set containing songs old and new and its clear why they still have such rapid devoted fans. |
