Francis Smith, Author at Counteract – Music | News | Food | Travel - Page 202 of 219

Friday, August 7, 2026

The Staves at the O2 Institute in Birmingham

November 2, 2015 Francis Smith

Review: The Staves declare Birmingham their “winning city” in stunning live performance

Nooses, cups of tea and Lenny Henry; sister folk act, The Staves, bring the unexpected to their most recent show in Birmingham.

SLTP

October 31, 2015 Francis Smith

Review: SLTP step it up a notch at JJM Studios gig

With the new material out the way, SLTP hope to use the evening as a stepping stone to better things.

Metz at the Hare & Hounds in Birmingham

October 31, 2015 Francis Smith

Review: Metz bring a set of well-rehearsed spontaneity to the Hare & Hounds

The live experience fully lived up to what was expected; a loud, ferocious sound that inevitably makes everyone that appreciates them excited.

Foxes at the O2 Academy in Birmingham

October 30, 2015 Francis Smith

Review: Foxes brings a playful performance to the closing night of her tour

Foxes is everything you’d expect from a popstar; bright, engaging and infuriatingly catchy.

Radkey at the Hare & Hounds in Kings Heath, Birmingham

October 29, 2015 Francis Smith

Review: Radkey serve up hedonistic punk revival at the Hare & Hounds

“Ladies and gentlemen… start freaking out” instructs Radkey’s bassist Isaiah J. Radke III. Some freaking out then ensues.

Nothing But Thieves at The Rainbow in Birmingham

October 29, 2015 Francis Smith

Review: Nothing But Thieves show their potential at a sold-out Rainbow Courtyard

Having received a huge amount of hype and radio one play, Nothing But Thieves commenced on a completely sold out UK tour.

October 29, 2015 Francis Smith

Review: An emphatic return for Turbowolf at the O2 Academy

Genre-defying Bristolians Turbowolf brought their noisy shenanigans to Birmingham’s O2 Academy with supporting acts Loom and Beasts in tow.

October 28, 2015 Francis Smith

Album review: Victories at Sea – Everything Forever

Influences such as Factory Floor and The Chameleons are evident but with a masterpiece such as this; Victories at Sea need not be compared.

Sundara Karma at The Sunflower Lounge in Birmingham

October 28, 2015 Francis Smith

Review: Sundara Karma’s sold-out Sunflower Lounge show leaves crowd clamoring for more

For their first-ever headline tour, there was no stopping this four piece from Reading infecting the eager crowd.

Songhoy Blues at the Hare & Hounds

October 27, 2015 Francis Smith

Review: Songhoy Blues bring dance moves and smiles to a sold-out Hare & Hounds

As soon as Songhoy Blues came on stage, the full capacity venue came to life, and it was very clear to see why.