Live reviews | Counteract

The 1975 Birmingham Jordan Curtis Hughes @ jordhughesphoto

Luke Charnley January 24, 2019January 29, 2019 Birmingham, No Rome, Pale Waves, The 1975

Review: The 1975 enthral at explosive Arena Birmingham show

The 1975’s show at Arena Birmingham brought all of their love-em-or-hate-em tendencies together and put them on blast for 2 hours.

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Joseph Lockley January 23, 2019January 29, 2019 kvelertak, Mastodon, Mutoid Man, O2 Academy Birmingham

Review: Mastodon bring blood and thunder to Birmingham’s O2 Academy

Looming like fearsome titans on the foggy stage, Mastodon conjured bolts of crushing metal and melody to impress an awestruck Birmingham crowd.

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Emily Doyle January 24, 2019January 29, 2019 blood ceremony, O2 Institute, Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats

Review: Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats bring seventies doom to Digbeth

Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats brought their trademark brand of heavy psych to Digbeth’s O2 Institute, with Blood Ceremony as support.

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Luke Charnley January 22, 2019January 23, 2019 Ben Howard, Birmingham, Hater, indie folk, Symphony Hall

Review: Ben Howard’s Symphony Hall show is an exercise in atmosphere and patience

Ben Howard wrapped up his UK run with a special show at the Symphony Hall on 21st January, with indie darlings Hater providing support

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Millie Finn January 20, 2019January 22, 2019 Mike Skinner, murkage dave, O2 Academy Birmingham, The Manor, The Streets

Review: The Streets storm through boisterous Birmingham homecoming

Local legend Mike Skinner retuned for three homecoming shows over the weekend, with Friday night’s set kicking off with Turn The Page and ending with a dislocated shoulder.

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Stephen Pennell January 6, 2019January 10, 2019 Citylightz

Review: Citylightz revel in their biggest headline show to date

Wolverhampton’s Citylightz played their biggest Birmingham show to date on Saturday 5th January – and it went down a storm

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Millie Finn December 16, 2018December 23, 2018 Mona, O2 Academy, Sugarthief, The Twang

Review: The Twang smash annual Christmas homecoming show

Brummie fondness filled the O2 Academy on Saturday 15th December as The Twang smashed their annual Christmas show in Birmingham.

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Luke Charnley December 17, 2018December 23, 2018 Chartreuse, Hare & Hounds, Hers, Mildlife, Peace, Sofar Sounds, Sorry Grace, Sunken, This Is Tmrw

Review: Chartreuse stun a sold out Hare & Hounds at debut headline show

Chartreuse’s first headline show is a dazzling display of musical virtuosity and an extremely promising sign of what’s to come.

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Sophia Lega December 10, 2018December 19, 2018 Catch Fire, Luke Rainsford, The Sunflower Lounge, Wurlitzer

Review: Luke Rainsford masters an emotive set at hometown gig

23 year old local singer-songwriter Luke Rainsford ended his year on a high with a breathtaking performance at The Sunflower Lounge on Sunday 9th December.

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Millie Finn December 15, 2018December 17, 2018 Martha Reeves and The Vandellas, O2 Academy, Ocean Colour Scene

Review: Ocean Colour Scene return home for spirited O2 Academy show

Moseley legends Ocean Colour Scene returned to Birmingham’s O2 Academy on Friday 14th December, spirited and comfortable in the place they call home.