Reviews | Counteract

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live

Emily Doyle October 25, 2018October 29, 2018 Black Mekon, Hare and Hounds, King Brothers

Review: King Brothers and Black Mekon tear up the Hare and Hounds

King Brothers joined their Birmingham counterparts Black Mekon for a night of sweaty garage blues in Kings Heath.

live

Emily Doyle October 27, 2018October 28, 2018 heavy lungs, Idles, O2 Institute

Review: IDLES spread joy at sold-out Digbeth show

Idles played a triumphant sell-out gig at the O2 Institute Birmingham on October 26th, with support from Bristolian noise-punks Heavy Lungs

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live

Rhiannon Davies October 22, 2018October 28, 2018 Dusky Grey, Emma Blackery, Lily Alhberg, O2 Academy

Review: Emma Blackery ensured a Sunday night to remember in Digbeth

YouTuber turned popstar Emma Blackery delivered a spectacular performance at the O2 Institute in Birmingham as part of her ‘Villains’ tour.

live

Richard Franks October 28, 2018October 28, 2018 Digbeth, Julian Casablancas, The Mill, The Strokes, The Voidz

Review: A mixed night for The Voidz in Birmingham

The Voidz, featuring Julian Casablancas of The Strokes, came to Birmingham on Saturday 27 October.

live

Giles Logan October 24, 2018October 27, 2018 Jon Spencer, Melvins, O2 Academy

Review: Melvins & Jon Spencer shake up the O2 Academy

Grunge legends Melvins begin their UK tour and celebrate Dale Crover’s birthday at Birmingham O2 Academy with garage rock icon Jon Spencer.

releases

Samuel Lambeth October 26, 2018October 27, 2018 Babyshambles, Johnny Borrell, Olympus Sleeping, Razorlight, The Cribs, The Futureheads, The Moldy Peaches, Two Door Cinema Club

Album Review: Razorlight are reawakened with new album ‘Olympus Sleeping’

The Britrock whipping boy Johnny Borrell and his band are back, but will Razorlight’s fourth album provide much-needed redemption? Sam Lambeth finds out.

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festivals live

Nick Owen October 22, 2018October 27, 2018 Bay Waves, Dama Scout, Doe, Dream Wife, Goat Girl, Hare and Hounds, Menace Beach, Mush, Snail Mail, Speedy Ortiz, The Hungry Ghosts, The Orielles, Warmduscher

Review: The Orielles and Dream Wife headline All Years Leaving Festival

Set over two days, All Years Leaving offers lucky punters the chance to check out sets some of the most exciting bands touring the UK in 2018

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live

Samuel Lambeth October 23, 2018October 25, 2018 Birmingham, Pavement, Stephen Malkmus, The Asylum

Review: Stephen Malkmus sparkles hard at Birmingham Asylum

Former Pavement frontman and current Jick Stephen Malkmus brings his off-kilter indie back to Birmingham, in support of album Sparkle Hard.

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reviews

Sophie Hack October 19, 2018October 25, 2018 cave girl, kaleidoscope, Liquid Cheeks, paul cherry, The Lizards, The Night Owl

Review: Paul Cherry showcases ’70s yacht rock’ in Digbeth

Chicago’s Paul Cherry filled Digbeth’s The Night Owl with mellow synth and alt rock during a tender performance.

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live

Luke Charnley October 20, 2018October 24, 2018 Birmingham, Dark Horse, Moseley, Odd Soul, Salute the Sun

Review: Odd Soul dazzle during comeback show at Moseley’s Dark Horse

Odd Soul brought neo-soul bangers to the Dark Horse in a crowd-pleasing performance, featuring old and new hits.