Reviews | Counteract

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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.

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Samuel Lambeth December 11, 2018December 17, 2018 Birmingham, Johnny Borrell, O2 Institute, Razorlight, RedFaces

Review: Razorlight rip it up at Birmingham’s O2 Institute

Razorlight make a triumphant return to the Second City, playing a clutch of classics and new cuts from their commendable new LP.

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Giles Logan December 13, 2018December 15, 2018 face to Face, Flogging Molly, Lost In Stereo, O2 Academy, The Bronx, Wood and Nails

Review: Flogging Molly head up a hardcore Fireball party in Birmingham

Flogging Molly unleash havoc and burn up the O2 Academy in Birmingham on Wednesday 12th December as part of the Fuelling the Fire tour.

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Rhiannon Davies December 13, 2018December 13, 2018 Album, Birmingham, Encore, Horace Painter, Jerry Dammers, Lynval Golding, single, ska, terry hall, The Specials, Torp Larsen, two-tone

Review: The Specials return with enchanting new single ‘Vote For Me’

Ska and 2 Tone legends The Specials return with brand new single ‘Vote for Me’, ahead of the release of their brand new album Encore in February 2019.