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October 2019: 10 gigs in Birmingham for less than a tenner

This weather has been a bit naff, hasn’t it? It all seems a bit dreary this month, but don’t fear. Birmingham has come through with an incredible amount of cheap, and even free, local gigs. We tried to rattle it down into just ten, all for under a tenner.

The Cosmics + Mutes + Exhailers

Who: Birmingham/Irish psych punks
When: 3rd October
Where: The Night Owl
Tickets: Free

Kaleidoscope is your go-to place for the bands you need to know about, and the artists you need to support. This month belongs to The Cosmics, the reigning monarchy of the psych scene, still touring off the back of their debut EP. They’re joined by the post-punk Mutes and the sludge psychedeliacs Exhailers.

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Shanghai Blues + The Pines + Genevieve Miles

Who: Rip-roaring contemporary rock and roll
When: 4th October
Where: The Victoria
Tickets: £7

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You may recognise Shanghai Blues, seeing as if they’ve supported the likes of Marsicans, The Rifles, Palace and more, not to mention critical acclaim in Clash, NME and the Evening Standard. Believe it or not, they’re only just getting started.

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THYLA + Party Hardly

Who: High octane Brighton indie revellers
When: 8th October
Where: The Sunflower Lounge
Tickets: £8

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Hotly tipped as one of the hottest acts in the UK by NME along with other accolades, Brighton’s THYLA are the perfect ying and yang of dream pop and venomous indie. This is a rare chance to catch one of UK’s rising stars is such a small venue, which they will outgrow incredibly soon.

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Punch The Sky + The Rin Tins

Who: Thrilling, energetic and modern brass band
When: 11th October
Where: The Dark Horse
Tickets: Free

Celebrating the launch of their new album ‘For All I Know, When I Sleep I Could Be A Bear’ with a free party are Punch the Sky, the all singing, all thrilling brass outfit with a double headline slot with Bristol’s The Rin Tins. Tongue in cheek and always seeking thrills, Punch The Sky and The Rin Tins will get everyone moving.

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Bad Girlfriend + Wolf Orchestra

Who: Venemous garage trio headlining JD showcase
When: 16th October
Where: The Sunflower Lounge
Tickets: Free

On the eve of Jack Daniels’ presents Biffy Clyro show over at Digbeth Arena, the Tennessee whiskey brand will be hosting a night of new music at one of Brum’s best small venues, The Sunflower Lounge. Headlining the night are Stooges-infused, hilarious yet venomous garage trio Bad Girlfriend, with heavy riffs and tongue-in-cheek quick wit. Plus there’s a free Jack Daniels and coke for everyone, so what’s not to love?

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Boat to Row + Rosie Tee + Odmansbox

Who: Birmingham’s beloved folk outfit
When: 18th October
Where: The Night Owl
Tickets: £7

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After crowdfunding for their newest record, whilst hitting a few bumps on the way, Boat to Row have amassed fans who find sentimentality in their work. Now, the multi-instrumentalist quartet are launching their new album ‘Rivers That Flow In Circles’ with supports Rosie Tee and Odmansbox.

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Cave Girl + Homeowner

Who: Birmingham’s glam-zillas launching their debut EP
When: 25th October
Where: Minerva Works
Tickets: £6

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“Gender is over, gender is dead”. That’s the mantra every Cave Girl fan chants whenever these psych, glam, retro cosmic rockers take the stage. Now, the DIY shredders are here to show the world their debut EP, with support from Homeowner – creator of “songs that celebrate the mundane.”

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Only Sun + Flares + Outline + Dancing On Tables

Who: Tropical indie pop
When: 30th October
Where: The Castle and Falcon
Tickets: £7

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There’s no stopping Only Sun, after releasing a new song and video every month last year, the tropical indie magicians aren’t letting up. Now on their biggest headline tour to date, expect addictive riffs, catchy rhythms and your new favourite track from Only Sun.

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Violet + Phil Madeley + Myles Newman + Souki

Who: Britpop and grunge becomes atmospheric and multi-faceted
When: 30th October
Where: O2 Academy
Tickets: £7.90

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‘Heaven Adores You’ and Birmingham adores Violet. The Brum quintet have been on the circuit for many years under many different guises, finally coming to full evolution along with the ornate, climactic and well versed ‘Pure Blue’ EP. It’s always impressive when a local band hits up an O2 venue, and we can’t think of a band more deserving right now.

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Fruit Tones + Leather Party + Mr Strange

Who: Killer Wave return with a Halloween garage special
When: 31st October
Where: The Night Owl
Tickets: Free

Promoters Killer Wave are bringing a Frankenstein’s Monster of psych and garage for a free Halloween shindig, fronted by the “tropically hot” garage outfit Fruit Tones. Combine that with Leather Party, Mr Strange and DJs playing indie, garage and psych all night, and that’s a terrifyingly good Halloween party.

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Sophie Hack

PR, events and social media by day, lover of all things geeky and retro. Can often be found scribbling notes at the back of the gig.