Francis Smith, Author at Counteract – Music | News | Food

Billy Talent at the O2 Institute in Birmingham

Billy Talent have revealed details of the follow-up to 2012’s Dead Silence and announced their first UK tour in over four years.

live

May 13, 2016 Francis Smith

Review: Travis show a darker side at Birmingham’s O2 Academy

Frontman Healy, resembling an out-of-work art lecturer, thinks nothing of scissor kicking around the drum-stand during the stomping jangle of ‘Selfish Jean’.

live

May 13, 2016 Francis Smith

Review: The Heavy kick off UK tour in style at Birmingham’s O2 Academy

Tonight, upstairs at the O2 Academy, there is a room absolutely packed into a near sell-out to see the first night of the UK tour for the neo-soul rebels from Bath.

Yak at The Rainbow Courtyard in Birmingham

live

May 12, 2016 Francis Smith

Review: YAK incite Birmingham crowd with chaotic performance

YAK have been upon the tip of many people’s tongues lately and received outstanding critical reception for their new album – so anticipation was high.

live

May 12, 2016 Francis Smith

Review: Chastity Belt let it all hang out at the Hare & Hounds

The night can be characterised as two slacker-rock bands trying to out-slack each other.

Benjamin Francis Leftwich at The Rainbow Courtyard in Birmingham

live

May 6, 2016 Francis Smith

Review: Benjamin Francis Leftwich returns with intimate Birmingham show

Following a few years away, 26 year-old musician Benjamin Francis Leftwich returned with a spring tour, just before the release of his second studio album

features

May 2, 2016 Francis Smith

Premiere: Listen to the debut track from new Birmingham band, LCKD

LCKD have been causing quite a stir in Birmingham over the last few months – and not just only for what their band name means.

music

May 2, 2016 Francis Smith

Glastonbury Festival drafts in Birmingham company APS to manufacture 200,000 reusable steel cups

Hockley-based manufacturing company APS have been drafted in by Michael Eavis and co. to help launch the sustainable pint cups for this year’s festival.