This
is the first gig I have reviewed for what seems
like an eternity, have to say it's feeling great
to be back!
First band up on this lovely sunny evening in
Birmingham are The Dirty Youth, just after 6:30pm.
Entering to a calming string track, that calm
is quickly broken with a marching guitar riff
and drum beat and opening track 'Narcissistic
Cannibal'. Fronted by
the energetic Danni Monroe, this quintet from
Wales pack a serious punch sound wise with very
slight hints of Paramore, though only now and
then and with more attitude. Ending on a cover
of RATM 'Killing In The Name', mixed with Will
Smith's 'Boom Shake The Room' is a pretty brave
way to go, however the crowd seem to really enjoy
it. The room is pretty much full already, and
very much warmed up for Glamour of the kill.
Entering the stage to huge cheers, Glamour of
The Kill take the Acadamy in their grip and squeeze
every last drop of breath out of the mixed crowd
from the off, with set opener 'Break'.
Second
Chance' is the third track in, taken from the
guys second album, 'Savages' released last year
and what a killer track it is, with easy to sing
along to 'woah- oh -oh's' and impressive riffs
along with the sight of the band enjoying every
god damn second of it!
Mid set includes 'Only One' and 'If Only She Knew'
track opener from first album 'The Summoning',
which is so darn catchy, everyone is singing and
having a blast. Then for something a little different,
a cover of 'Love Gun' by Kiss.
'Live
for the Weekend' another new track from the latest
album is up next to the delight of the crowd,
even the girl stood next to me is doing some bizarre
sideways dance on the spot next to me. Music video
for 'A Freak Like Me' has just been released by
the band, which is the next track commanding the
room tonight.
Finishing on 'Feeling Alive' (I know I am after
witnessing this!), I can see the first few rows
going for it, but what of the rest of the room....only
one thing left to do, call a 'Wall of Death' yes!
Ridiculously
awesome performance from these guys tonight .
The academy 2 is currently full to the brim with
folk eagerly awaiting the arrival of headliners,
Heaven's Basement, none the wiser that the band
are running 10 minutes behind as they enjoy random
conversation with complete strangers, about beards
and the close proximity of the bar and toilet....told
you, random!
A
little after 8:45pm Heaven's Basement storm the
stage with 'Welcome Home' and the entire room
is once again singing their hearts out.
The last time I saw these guys was back in 09
supporting Papa Roach and with previous vocalist,
Richie Hevanz, It's pretty amazing to see how
this band have grown and changed over the years,
the following they have is really huge and deservedly
so.
'Can't
Let Go' is up next with it's melodic guitar and
easy to sing along lyrics, it's the type of music
everyone, old and young can really get behind
and enjoy. Next track up is 'Fire, Fire', which
sees the room erupt even more, with the stage
presence of frontman Aaron Buchanan becoming increasingly
energetic as the night goes on, it's exhausting
but fun to witness.
A brief pause for conversation and banter with
the crowd from Aaron and it's straight into 'Heart
Breaking Son Of a Bitch' and
the ridiculously dirty groove induced 'Straight
To Hell' the crowd are going mental!
Continuing on with the fast pace of 'Nothing Left
To Lose', 'Paranoia' and then taking it down a
notch with acoustic track, 'The Price We Pay',
As we head to the latter end of this evenings
show, Aaron goes for his well known crowd walk
during 'Jump Back' much to the delight of the
adoring fans, then it's back to the stage for
'Reign On My Parade' and set closers, a cover
of The Stones, 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' and 'Executioner's
Day'.
A very, exhaustingly sweaty and entertaining evening
had by all, good times!
The Dirty Youth 3/5
Glamour Of The Kill 5/5
Heaven's Basement 5/5
Review By Jude Onions
Photos By Robert Lawrence
|
