Reviews | Counteract

Kodaline live at the O2 Academy in Birmingham

December 3, 2015 Francis Smith

Review: Kodaline resonate at Birmingham’s O2 Academy

The Irish act demonstrated their evolution as well as their ability to remain humble after being shoved into the limelight.

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November 26, 2015 Francis Smith

Review: Marcus Joseph intrigues at The Island Bar

Marcus Joseph headlined a night of varied performances – spoken word, hip hop and jazz – with a captivating set of loose jazz.

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December 1, 2015 Francis Smith

Review: Christopher Owens defies convention at the Hare & Hounds

It’s refreshing to see an artist rip up the rule book by choosing the setlist as he goes and this ensures tonight is rewarding for both himself and the lucky gig-goers.

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December 1, 2015 Francis Smith

Review: Mumford & Sons bring versatile sound to Birmingham

Marcus Mumford and co are calm and cocksure in an arena and have the Grammy awards to prove it.

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November 30, 2015 Francis Smith

Review: The Blackbyrds electrify the crowd at Birmingham’s Hare & Hounds

Well turned out and smiling from ear to ear, the reformed line-up proceed to intoxicate the Sunday night crowd, now packed at capacity into the Hare & Hounds main room, making every soul dance, or tap their feet at the very least.

Courtney Barnett at the Wulfrun Hall in Wolverhampton

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November 28, 2015 Francis Smith

Review: Aussie slacker Courtney Barnett brings self-deprecating witticism to Wolverhampton

Courtney Barnett brought her unique style of feedbacked guitar and down to earth, witty, rambling lyrics to the Wolverhampton’s Wulfrun Hall

Marina and the Diamonds at the O2 Institute in Birmingham

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November 28, 2015 Francis Smith

Review: Marina and the Diamonds performs euphoric set at the O2 Institute

Marina sings out the verses with impressive vocal strength, echoed by her adoring fans.

Meat Wave at The Sunflower Lounge in Birmingham

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November 26, 2015 Francis Smith

Review: Meat Wave fill crowd with awe at The Sunflower Lounge

Guitar refrains hammer down across the stage whilst drumbeats thunder from the backline. Vocals carry soaring melodies over a storm of rolling riffs.

Chvrches at the O2 Academy in Birmingham

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November 26, 2015 Francis Smith

Review: CHVRCHES outdo themselves at Birmingham’s O2 Academy

Pulsating synths vibrated through the crowd and pixie-like frontwoman Lauren Mayberry sang out the verses with piercing clarity. She skipped across the stage dancing to the electronic rhythms provided by Martin Doherty and Iain Cook.