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january 2010

DELPHICThe sound of the new decade

the maccabees

includes full giglistings for januaryp27-30

the sunshine undergro

und

brum's best bands of t

he decade

albums of the month

plus!

goodnight lenin

Brum Notes MagazineThe Moseley Exchange149-153 Alcester RoadMoseleyBirminghamB13 8JPinfo@brumnotes.comTo advertise contact:advertising@brumnotes.comEditor: Sean OMuirContributorsWords: Tom Pell, James Collins, Andy Roberts, Vyvian Raoul, Rommy Stelfox, Ross CottonPictures: Steve Gerrard, Katja Ogrin. Design: Andy AitkenWebsite: Cellar Door All content Brum Notes Magazine. Views expressed are those of the author, not necessarily Brum Notes Magazine. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of content, Brum Notes Magazine will not be held liable for any errors or losses claimed to have been incurred by any errors. Advertising terms and conditions available on request.

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contents

Brum notes Magazine: issue 4, january 2010

NEWS4-5: Where can you find Chesney Hawkes, Fyfe Dangerfield and 2ManyDjs together? On our news pages, thats where.

FEATURES6-7: Birminghams Best Bands of the DecadeWe reveal the top 10 bands to have emerged from the West Midlands music scene during the annoyingly-named decade of the Noughties. 8-9: Goodnight LeninEmerging Brummie folkers talk kitchens and home-made videos.

10-11: The MaccabeesAs if conquering 2009 wasnt enough, these boys have big plans for 2010. 12-13: The Sunshine Underground The Shropshire lads attempt to explain where the heck they have been for four years. 15-18: Delphic2010s hottest prospect talk up their debut album and pose for some pretty pictures in our exclusive photo shoot.

REVIEWS20-23: LiveRelive stunning shows from the likes of Yeah Yeah Yeahs

and White Lies. 22: RecordsThe new year begins in style with offerings from Delphic, Fyfe Dangerfield, Chew Lips and The Sunshine Underground. Plus where to pick up some top notch free tracks.

LISTINGS27: Gig GuideYour comprehensive guide to gigs throughout January, plus our tips for the best shows and club nights to shake off the January blues and blow that ill-advised no drinking resolution.

newspage four

FREE MUSIC FOR GALLERY DINERSVisitors to Birminghams Cafe Ikon will be able to enjoy free live music as they dine every Wednesday throughout January. Between 7-9pm, Birmingham based guitarist and composer, Jamie Fekete will be playing fl amenco and gypsy jazz guitar. Fekete tours with tG Collective and Th e destroyers, and teaches extensively.Cafe Ikon, which is part of Ikon Gallery in oozells Square, re-launched in September with a new menu following a refurbishment.

Ever fancied trying your hand at DJing for a room full of happy clubbers? Well, now you can - for two songs at least. Music For Th e People (M4tP) is a new sort of club night, aimed at those who want to have direct control over the music being played. Following a successful fi rst night in december, M4tP will be going monthly from January 15, upstairs at Th e Victoria in John Bright Street, Birmingham.Clubbers get to choose two songs of their own to play,

any era and any genre, on Cd, vinyl, or plucked from the giant jukebox. Promoter Rich, AKA dJ Bees, said the night was inspired by the long running Peoples Republic of disco club in Brixton.Th e concept is simple, he said. every person that comes along to the night brings with them their favourite two tunes on either Cd or vinyl. All the music gets given a ticket number, with the next tune to be played being decided by a number drawn out of a hat as the

night progresses.Th is ensures that a huge variety of music is played, meaning that the night doesnt get defi ned by a single genre, the emphasis is just on having a good time and dancing to your favourite tunes.We will play anything and everything, from rock and indie to dance, techno, drum & bass, pop, reggae, ska or soul. We dont care about the label a particular track has been given, we just care about good music.M4tP is free on January 15 and February 12.

EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE THE DJ

TOP BOMBINGRemix kings 2ManydJs have been added to the bill for this years Snowbombing festival. Th ey join the likes of editors, Friendly Fires and Vitalic for the Austrian snow and music showpiece, running from April 5-10.

Th e fi rst UK exhibition by folk-inspired artist Clare Rojas will be launching in Birmingham next month.City centre gallery Ikon, in oozells Square, will host the collection by the San Francisco-based painter and print-maker from Febru-ary 3. her work is characterised

by fl at areas of colour and a homespun style.her paintings will form centrepieces in a larger installation that is the entire exhibition, with the gallery walls covered by a patch-work of painted panels. kons tower Room will contain paintings on antique banjos, drawing together Rojas mu-

sical and literary interests. A concert is also planned to combine with the exhibition opening, featuring Rojas performing songs under her alter-ego Peggy honeywell.We Th ey, We Th ey, the new exhibition by Clare Rojas runs from February 3 to March 21.See www.ikon-gallery.co.uk.

BRUM DEBUT FOR FOLK-PAINTER

Strawberry Tree, 2009, by Clare Rojas

CUSTARD DININGA new restaurant and bar has opened for business on the former Rooty Frootys site in digbeths Custard Factory. Matthews of Birmingham is now taking bookings after a successful launch last month.

CHESNEY HAWKEDIronic gig-goers alert, student favourite Chesney hawkes will be taking to the stage in Wolverhampton for a special acoustic show. Th e one and only will be at Th e Little Civic on February 19. tickets 10.

MOSELEY SNEAKTh e latest addition to Moseleys shopping scene, Mojo Sneakers, has opened its doors.Th e store in St Marys Row off ers urban retro clothing and will be unveiling the hottest in sneaker fashion.

news

DANGERFIELD DAYGUILLEMOTS FRONTMAN RETURNS WITH DEBUT SOLO ALBUM AND HOMECOMING LIVE SHOW

Birmingham-born musical virtuoso FYFe dANGeRFIeLd returns to his home city this month to showcase tracks from his debut solo album. Th e Guillemots frontman and classically trained multi-instrumentalist will perform at Th e Glee Club in Th e Arcadian on January 18 as part of a mini-tour to accompany the release of Fly Yellow Moon on Geff en UK on

the same day.Th e album was written by Fyfe in snatched mo-ments over a 12-month period and recorded in just fi ve days, produced by Adam Noble in Urchin Studios, London, where Guillemots recorded breakthrough eP I Saw Such Th ings In My Sleep. he met up with ex-Suede guitarist Bernard Butler to mix a couple of songs on a 1960s mixing desk but the rest of the tracks

remained as they were from the fi rst recording session. It often sounded best this way, said Fyfe. Capturing the moment

the were recorded and not being painted over too much. Tickets are 11. See the album review on p23.

best bands of THE decadeBIRMINGH

AMS

As a new decade begins, there has been plenty of reminiscing on the one just gone. Bloggers, Twitterers, Facebookers and Brum-mie music-lovers in general have been getting stuck in themselves, casting a teary-eyed glance over the best bands to emerge from the West Midlands over the past 10 years, through an online debate led by The Blue Whale Blog. The scores have been totted up and Brum Notes Magazine can now reveal your top 10...

#2: sunset cineMa cluBDesigner Pete Stanley from ThePlasticAshtray.co.uk says: Its hard not to get excited about Sunset Cinema Club; awesome musicianship, quirky, individualistic approach to their own music and they remind me so much of The Minutemen. I think great bands all have the same way of looking at music and playing gigs. Ive never seen them play a bad show or not smile while they are playing. They must be the only band Ive seen who dont take themselves too seriously.

#3: My dad Hitla / i aM ZeitgeistThe ingenuity of Radiohead, the anger of The Clash, the awkwardness of Nirvana, the almost believable pseudo-mystique of The Beatles, a singer that may have believed he was Jesus at some point, a guitarist with a death-wish discharging him-self from hospital with a broken back, a bassist that could smoke Bob Marley under the table and a drummer who was driven to near-insanity hanging around with the other three My Dad Hitla were complete madness permanently on the verge of true genius, says Andy Roberts, of The Blue Whale Blog.

#4: caloriesSunset Cinema Clubs Greg Haines says: If youve never been in a crowd shouting Everything is beautifuuUUL-IN-IIIITTTTSSS-OWN-WAY! then you dont know anything about Birmingham bands and need to sort it out ASAP. CALORIES are to this scene what Darth Vader is to Star Wars, theres just something awesomely simple and intimidating about their current set of massive pop songs.

#5: untitled Musical projectTrying not to be biased when talking about Brum bands can be tough, says music promoter Matt Beck from This Is Tomor-row, but I feel with all the bands on this list I would go and buy their music regardless of where they were from. I first bought an UMP 7in in Brighton not knowing they were based in Brum and have loved them since. Shouty, screamy, often raucous and ramshackle with songs that were over in the blink of an eye. They were Brums best punk band and are sadly missed.

#10: Mistys Big adVentureWhimsical, thought-provoking lyrics, with a vocal delivery reminiscent of the Divine Comedy, explains fan Steve Bridgeman. Theyre certainly the most glamourous band on the list, with lovely ladies on keys, sax and trumpet, and an Erotic Volvo whatever one of those is on dancing duties.

#9: tHe Big BangJP White, ex-The Gravity Crisis and Silversuit says: Frighteningly intimidating on stage, sound as a pound off it, these were by far the best live act of the list, and certainly for their first two years were top of the tree.

#8: Mr noBodyHands down the best live band I have ever seen, says Liam Cole of Kidnapper Bell. Their sound can be described a product of their wide range of influ-ences, however at their core a superb songwriter in the form of James Brough. A sad loss that these guys are no longer playing gigs together.

#7: tantruMs At present the city is a bit dry of real great songs in consistent supply, but these dont have one dud in their set, says JP White.

#6 Miss HalliwellVitriolic blogger Jeff Stuka says: Personnel changes have been many over the years but the musical ambition and creativity of Matt Miles Perhower remains constant and their profile continues to grow.

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#1: 35 secondsBack to Greg Haines from SCC to describe their appeal, in his own unique way: I followed them as a fan and I played for them as a fan, he explains. You couldnt fi nd a more eclectic mix of characters in any band; its a miracle that they ever sat down and wrote anything together, but the end result was obviously what 35 Seconds were all about. Not many bands can juggle forward thinking, epic, heartfelt and cho-ruses without folding up into their own arse holes but 35 Seconds achieved just this with every single song. The fact that they were never snapped up by a label of any kind is a good case for having the entire music industrysent to a concentration camp to keep them from spreading their idiot genes any further into the populace. Compiled by Andy Roberts of www.bluewhalestudios.wordpress.com.

B493 Pub_Leaflet.indd 2 8/7/09 00:22:39

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Rollicking folk, tight-knit harmonies and olde worlde charm. Isnt that all a bit 2009? Not so, accord-ing to Birminghams new boys on the alt-acoustic block GoodNIGht LeNIN, who have been weaving a web of intrigue to start the new year. And look out, theyre coming to a kitchen near you.

goodnight leninWe have a lot to thank YouTube for - dogs on skateboards, fat kids on roller coasters and an endless supply of softcore titillation for bedroom-bound teen-aged boys. But beyond all that it has proved a valuable stomping ground for new bands keen to show off their live capabilities. For Birmingham band Good-night Lenin, a simple recording of them singing acoustically in their kitchen has had an almost viral effect on their bur-geoning popularity, creating whispers of excitement from many would-be fans before they had even seen them set foot on stage under their new guise.originally it just came from me and John Joe (McCreedy, mandolin, violin and vocals) on our own just playing guitars and we just sat up on the side playing and one of the lads there filmed it, explains vocalist and guitarist John Fell.We liked it and said we wanted to do something a bit different and so just did it again one night after a few drinks. If they look familiar to the more eagle-eyed Bir-

mingham scenesters out there, then there is a rea-son for that. Goodnight Lenin are, for the most part, a new incarnation of indie-rock nearlymen The Allies, whos split saw four ex-members reunit-ing and remoulding into four-fifths of the melodic beast that is Goodnight Lenin. But the modesty of the new bands dIY kitchen videos belies a burning

ambition to deliver their music on a much grander scale.hopefully those videos will be the rare footage in years to come if we get to the level where people are interested in rare foot-age, continues John. We did the kitchen vid-eo and weve been getting just a ridiculous number of offers just from that.Were playing at the Moseley Folk Festival in September and that was kind of the minimum we wanted to achieve. Were going to keep January fairly free and play a lot

of kitchens, just be a band and have a bit of a party.The harmony-soaked modern folk of Good-night Lenin has earned inevitable comparisons with the likes of radio darlings Mumford & Sons and American beard-lovers Fleet Foxes, while raising a cynical eyebrow or two from onlookers who have ob-served a marked change in sound from The Allies

to Goodnight Lenin. But John insists they draw their influences from beyond the obvi-ous comparisons and the band are determined to carve out a reputation of their own. We split up for about a year after The Allies and when we got together again we wanted to sound a bit different, he continues. We are not traditional folk. There is folk in there, but with just a bit more of an American influence, with dylan and elvis Perkins. We are not going to get

away from comparisons to Fleet Foxes when we do harmonies. I dont personally like Mumford & Sons that much, which is strange when people say we are so similar. elvis Perkins is the main guy for me. I listen to some albums and say I want to do something along those lines, and people expect it to be Fleet Foxes and Mumford & Sons, but

its definitely elvis Perkins in dear-land.obviously after The Allies it helps that we already are involved in the music scene and a lot of people throw

things to us to help us which is great and people are hearing us and people coming out who weve never spoken to which is a good sign. We didnt want to rush anything out and the kitchen video showed what its all about which is music stripped to its bare bones. hopefully the plan is to record in March to do a single and send that out and show people that were marketable. Goodnight Lenin support First Aid Kit at The Rain-bow on February 22.

Hopefully those videos will be the rare footage in years to come if we get to the level where people are interested in rare footage.

RETURN OF THE MACCS

You might not expect to see Roots Manu-va and The Maccabees on the same bill, let alone the same track.So on the face of it this unlikely collaboration in the November release of Empty Vessels may have sounded incongruous. But both artists have a history of making things happen, and always on their own terms, so in reality it sounds anything

but. In fact the track, a re-working of previous single No Kind Words, sounds like it was always intended, with orlando and Rodney coming on like slightly messed up messiahs over a tune that already had a driving, hip-hop drum beat.It was sort of weird, recalls hugo White, one half of the bands sibling guitar team.

Basically when we recorded No Kind Words we had this thing of it always being this hip hop drum beat and it felt like it would lend itself to that. And we all love Roots Manuva and I think Felix [White, brother and co-guitarist] pounced upon that and tried desperately to get in touch with him to try and get him to come and do something

with us. That sort of didnt happen, yknow, we got in touch with his management, blah blah blah, no-one got through to us and about six months later or some-thing we got a phone call from this guy and it was Roots Manuva, it was Rodney, on the phone, just like saying, whats this song you wanna do? And then within a cou-ple of weeks we did the

After conquering 2009 with one of the albums of the year and hailed by some as one of Britains finest modern bands, the MACCABeeS could be forgiven for taking some well-earned time off. But instead they will be storming into the new decade headlining next months Shockwaves NMe Awards tour, with a soon-to-be-released 12 inch version of their unlikely collaboration with rap leg-end Roots Manuva in tow. Guitarist Hugo White talks to Brum Notes Magazine about their year of triumph.

page ten

song, yknow?I think its interesting to do things like that and show that it does lend itself. And I think No Kind Words is in the same kind of vein as a lot of Roots Manuva stuff.The record will be re-leased in physical 12 inch form on February 1, kick-ing off a busy month for the band as they take to the road for yet another headline tour, this time leading the likes of fellow indie darlings Bombay Bicycle Club, The Big Pink and The drums on the annual NMe Awards live carnival.Clearly theyre not afraid of trying new things and their second record, Wall of Arms, is further testa-ment to this. Although it has the same spirit, that same sense of abandon, as their debut Colour It In, Wall of Arms is much more atmospheric. The same peaks, the same driving beats, but theres something new there as well. We sort of felt wed done a lot of that jaggedy, thin sounding music and we made a conscious effort to embed stuff more and have a bit more depth to everything, explains hugo.Some of this depth comes courtesy of the Markus dravs produc-tion. hesperformed the same trick for Bjork, the latest Coldplay album and that master piece of the soaring song, Arcade Fires Neon Bible. If that

difficult second album is sink or swim then Markus dravs is the ever attendant lifeguard by the side of the pool.Markus was pretty amazing at helping, hugo continues.It was his call to get the brass section in and things like that really worked out.Theyve gone further for sure but they havent lost the essential essence of The Maccabees. It is just as sensitive, just as profound and has all the same urgency. A lot was expected of this album and that hasnt been lost on them, something which is obvious from the attitude they took to the making of it. We wanted to sort of disappear a bit and not see anyone we knew so we got a house in Paris and did it in a small stu-dio, which was amazing.We did the last record in London really, and we wanted to do this one where we didnt see any of our friends and kind of separate ourselves. I mean, it doesnt sound very Parisian and it doesnt have much Paris-ian influence but we did it in Paris.Its nice to be in a dif-ferent place and not feel stuck in the sameit sort of changes your mindset.Whilst they clearly took the task in hand very seriously, they appear undaunted by any weight of expectation. Rather, it seems they enjoy the

page eleven

challenge and this is probably because eve-rything they do is their own; theyre doing it as much for themselves as for anyone else. They dont just write the songs, they design the cov-ers and shoot the vid-eos - manage the whole aesthetic - so the experi-ence cant help but feel personal. In some respects, its just as important as the music, hugo adds.If youre doing the music then its important that you represent it; weve always thought it was important to keep it com-ing from within the band rather than just hand-ing it over to an outside

person and saying, do the artwork. Its just, really, making sure that its our thing.

Words by Vyvian Raoul

The Maccabees headline

the Shockwaves NME

Awards Tour at the O2 Academy Birmingham on February 11.

Empty Vessels, by The

Maccabees featuring Roots

Manuva is released as a

12 inch single on Febru-ary 1. Available for digital download now.

Hugo White on stage at the O2 AcademyPic by Katja Ogrin

Well, well, well, where the bloomin hell have you lot been? After a near four year hiatus, The Sunshine Underground are back with their follow up to 2006s Raise The Alarm, the ominously titled Nobodys Coming to Save You. Presumably from the weather.We caught up with lead singer Craig Welling-ton to see what the boys have been up to, and to find out what a group of Telford lads are do-ing flying the flag for Leeds-based music.Our drummer Matt came up years and years ago to a music college here in Leeds and we were still at home in Shrewsbury and Tel-ford, explains Craig.It was in the early stages of the band and wed only written about two songs, but felt there was enough there to go

with it and we realised that meant a move to a big city.Not content with the Leeds label, journo hacks around the country have bandied the group around in the same breath as The Kaiser Chiefs and Franz Ferdinand.I guess when we came out, they were just the bands that were selling records I guess, con-tinues Craig. Ive always thought that we did our own thing really. I can un-derstand Franz Ferdi-nand a little bit, as they have got that slight club sound to some of their songs, but thats where it ends. As for the Kai-sers, I cant see it really.Carving out their own niche shouldnt be too much of a stretch considering the diverse, punky, funky grooves that have become

synonymous with TSU, grooves that are still present on the new album.

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SUNSHINE HIT MEIts more than four years since Shropshire-raised, Leeds-based dance-rockers THE SUNSHINE UNDERGROUND last invaded our stereos with their ahead-of-its-time blend of sharp guitars and club floor grooves. But while the musical landscape has shifted somewhat since their debut days, they are ready to return and sound as fresh as ever.

Its defi nitely a progres-sion, thats why it took so long. We just wanted to make an e ort to make sure it sounded di erent from the fi rst record.Th ere are heavier mo-ments, quieter moments, sort of a mixed bag really. It always sounds like us,

but hopefully us going into new directions.And while these new directions have been pursued, the four of them havent exactly been sitting around twiddling their thumbs. A real e ort has been made to keep fans in-volved, or, as Wellington puts it, simply to make sure people know were still out there, making a record! Th is process has in-volved leaking tracks in various stages of com-pletion via the bands Myspace throughout the year, and asking fans where they wanted the band to tour. Th e group also recently posted an acoustic video of new track In My Arms on their website. Stripped back and exposed, the idea was to leak the songs without giving everything away. Th e lit-tle teases.We do all that stu ourselves and we really enjoy it. Facebooks a big one for us too, and weve just started out on Twitter. Its good to get involved with the fans. When we were putting

a tour together, we let them come forward with places to play and stu , and wed never really had that interaction before.But now, after theyre at last back in the world of albums, reviews and col-laborations, who would TSU borrow to rival the cheeky little pinching of Johnny Marr by fellow Yorkshire-ites the Cribs?Graham Coxon. Hes just a legend. Well have him. Or Th om Yorke. We could have a superband! Get loads of them in. If you do an interview with him any time, send him over. Tell him were up for that. Its an open door!We will Craig. We will.

Words by Tom Pell.

Th e Sunshine Under-grounds second album Nobodys Coming To Save You is released on February 1 through City Rockers/EMI. Read the review on P24. Th e band play the Coven-try Kasbah on February 13.

Forget about the dreaded second-a l b u m - s y n d ro m e, for epic dance-pop pioneers Delphic it seems their debut has been difficult enough. Not that youll hear too many complaints mind. The band openly admit recording hotly anticipated debut Acolyte has been something of an arduous process.But it has certainly been worth the wait as they have produced what is sure to be one of the albums of 2010, despite it only being January, blending the influences of the 90s rave scene with the post-punk

sensibilities of some of their more guitar-oriented influences. The chugging guitars of doves and the beats and production values of Chemical Brothers, dancefloors of the hacienda and the pop melodies of hot Chip can all be heard creeping into what is an engaging album.But this is no derivative wannabe record, its an original creation which wears its influences proudly on its sleeve, but moves them on to create something fresh and hopefully lasting for the new decade. With the album all wrapped up and ready

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OUT OF THE SHADOWS

Manchester trio DELPHIC are ready to unleash their stunning debut album Acolyte, a devastating blend of epic guitars and infectious dance beats. Get ready for the sound of 2010. Exclusive pictures by Steve Gerrard.

for its January 11 launch, synth-slinger and vocalist Richard Boardman insists they are itching to get out and show what they can do in the live arena as well. The album was quite an arduous process but now thats all done were just ready and raring to go, he explains. We all live in a flat together in Manchester and wed written most of it there and some of it in the Lake district and then we thought: lets go and record it. Wed done most of it ourselves in a little studio in our flat but we wanted to record some of the live stuff properly so we went into a studio. Quite arrogantly we thought we could do it ourselves without a producer but we were quite taken aback and it was more difficult than we thought. having taken the decision to bring in

support from an outside producer, the move proved trickier than expected, even when working with some of their own personal heroes. We did something with the Chemical Brothers tom Rowlands but that didnt work out, Paul from orbital but that didnt work out either, we went round a few producers. We had all known each other for so long and had this core group of three and it was difficult to let anyone else into that group. Chemical Brothers are heroes of ours and we couldnt even let them into the group. Luckily we got put in touch with ewan Pearson and he helped us realise the final stages. It was arduous but brilliant as well and really good fun learning how everything worked.It was very weird

these are people that have had an influence on our record and we look up to but at the same time were trying to look forward and sometimes working with your heroes isnt necessarily the best thing to do. What they had done was brilliant but it was still difficult letting someone else into the group. I think one of the difficulties was they are primarily creatives and songwriters as well. What we needed was someone who wasnt necessarily a songwriter.ewan was brilliant as hes more a dJ and remixer so he let us be the songwriters.Working with ewan, a Berlin-based producer and dJ, inevitably meant trips to Germanys capital of cool and the chance to explore the citys unique dance music scene. hes got a studio in Berlin and we recorded quite a lot of it out there

in Berlin, continues Richard. It was really fun, a lot of that Berlin techno sound seeped into the record and we got to go to a lot of cool techno clubs as well. Wed finished most of it toward the middle of the summer and took a bit of a breather from it to have that space to not listen to it and then come back to it and make little changes. one of the tracks Acolyte is the focal point, the whole album

was based around that, it was this 10 minute epic instrumental and was a real bastard to write.to finish it was really exciting but relief was probably the most over-riding feeling. Were just itching to get it out there.It is delphics ability to blend the genres of guitar and dance music which has earned them attention from many quarters and Richard admits it was a conscious decision to try and create

a unique sound of their own. Its what we always set out to do, he explains.Wed all been in bands before where wed done slightly more indie stuff, we all really liked Radiohead, and it had probably gone a bit pedestrian indie, 18 and trying to get a record deal and just trying to satisfy other people. Strangely, my dads a lawyer and, he doesnt play them, but he has a collection of vintage

page seventeen

synths so we got some of them and bought a few extra bits of gear ourselves. Wed always been into dance music as kids but we got swept away with guitars when The Strokes came along so we wanted to go back to what we were always into. Matts got a wicked guitar sound and always had that big, epic, post-rock sound with loads of pedals and combining that with electronic music was always the plan, to create these big, epic soundscapes. translating these epic soundscapes to the live stage is another string to delphics electro bow and the band are looking

forward to being able to perform material which they hope will be more familiar to the audiences on this months headline tour, following hot on the heels of the album launch. Not that they are strangers to the big stage, having toured with the likes of orbital and performed at festivals around the world, but touring their own album will be a completely fresh challenge. We mess around with the set lots and its all joined together with a full band so we kind of play along with the arrangement loads, its really good fun. Its hard when people

dont know them and we mess around with tunes but once the album is out there it will be good fun to do that.They are all good. Its really good fun to play on a huge stage, in Japan we played in front of about 8,000 people and then we came back playing in a small, sweaty club which was equally good if not better. The gigs are geared towards a big rave so it really suits a really intimate, small set-up but on the other hand it really suits big stadiums as well. Its like two different worlds.

Words by Sean OMuir

Acolyte, the debut album by Delphic is released on January 11. They play at the Little Civic in Wolverhampton on January 20.

live

PRAMVivid, DigbethDec 11

After 10 years of Capsule events, who can help celebrate better than home grown Brummies Pram?equipped with a clarinet, trombone, thumb piano and other trinkets, Pram are ready to take us to their world.Smoke fills the room and the audience begins to wonder whats next. Backing visuals imitate a live seance, while harsh crackles and an accordion are thrown into the intense mix. The high pitched, ghostly theremin sends shivers down spines, as though spirits are rising in this now acute venue.Flashes of images and emotionless masks add a subliminal experience to an alien sound, creating both confusion and delight.Merging stirring jazz, western, electro, salsa and Indian music, Pram really know how to surprise. even old tracks such as Metaluna have changed arrangements, while Sam owen shows off her talent during Cinnabar by switching between glockenspiel, keyboard, clarinet and flute within seconds.A new track, featuring a vibraphone and Sams gentle hums, explores the feeling of sadness. With images of the sunken titanic and emotional faces, it seems that Pram have matured since their soundtracks to childrens nightmares.They now invoke the reality of tragedy, leaving the audience astonished and tearful with the outcome.Words: Ross Cotton

page twenty-one

When the Yeah Yeah Yeahs come to town it is more than just a live concert, it is a psycho-logical kaleidoscope of colour and music.And that is exactly what came crashing into Birminghams 02 Academy in front of a sell-out crowd. The New York three-piece, Karen O, Nick Zinner and Brian Chase, hit the city hard playing tracks off their recently released album Its Blitz! as well as a few old favourites.And despite a slow start, the band fly through classics such as Phenomena, Gold Lion, Y Control and an incredible stripped-down version of love song Maps. In fact the only time the band slow down is to allow the iconic and sometimes delirious Miss O, to indulge in several outfit changes. Along with some of the favourites were newer songs such as the 80s synth-pop inspired Heads Will Roll, Skeletons, Dull Life and Zero, all from Its Blitz! The album, produced by Dave Sitek and Nick Launay, has been described as a glance back-ward as well as a step forward for the band. While the album does feature heavily on synth sounds and atmospheric washes rather than overdriven guitars the songs mix effortlessly with those from Fever To Tell and Show Your Bones. Where the previous albums were out-and-out thrilling Its Blitz! is thrilling in a more drawn out and experimental way. Every song the band plays, whether new or old, goes down incredibly well with a very loud, appreciative and loving crowd. And its a very hard thing not to love the Yeah Yeah Yeahs when the band themselves look as if theyre having so much fun doing what they do.Words: Rommy Stelfox Pics: Katja Ogrin

YEAH YEAH YEAHSO2 Academy, BirminghamDec 9

page twenty-two

WHITE LIES02 Academy, BirminghamDec 5

Just like the iconic indie frontmen of the 1980s, harry McVeigh didnt give away much tonight. even during their big moments - Farewell to the Fairground and to Lose My Life - he seemed unmoved and stood on stage like a modern mes-siah - your own personal Jesus - legs apart, shoul-ders set wide and one fist clenched behind his back. All this confidence made it easy to see how this would work in a stadium. during A Place to hide comparisons to The Killers came easily - and maybe this makes it a mite middle of the road. Then again, all

clad in black they looked likemusical mercenar-ies, guitars for hire,and, at times, it didnt seem like they were playing instru-ments so much as brandish-ing weapons.Aptly, the last song of the encore - and the whole tour it emerged - was death. For the first time all night a huge grin cracked across McVeighs face as he beat a fist against his chest and implored the throng, you sing it! A completely un-necessary appeal; they were already echoing his every ut-terance with full voice, rapt and adoring. In this peak, this petit mort, all the earlier swagger was vindicated and, when it had finished, the crowd lay back, sweaty and exhausted but completely satisfied.Words: Vyvian Raoul

Pic: Katja Ogrin GOODNIGHT LENIN,Hare & Hounds, Kings HeathDec 8

out of the ashes of The Al-lies, come a Northfield five piece that are as far away from the unfortunately infa-mous concrete streets of the south Brum constituency as you may expect, sonically speaking. The grimey city sounds typically associated with the locale such as tantrums and Scarlet harlots are bypassed in favour of a more earthly patter coloured with chimes of mandolin and pure, micro precision four part harmo-nies.Think Band of horses performing Simon and Garfunkel tunes, in fact, a version of Cecilia is given a robust airing that envel-ops the room in a warm, melancholic glow. Another cover, Kings of Leons Four Kicks is given a subdued melodic makeover, but falls short as arguably the weak-est number of the set. Yes it displays a creative approach to reworking the song, but its Goodnight Lenins own songs that really illustrate a flair for captivating the ears.Crook In The Creek and Wenceslas Square, cur-rently doing the rounds on Youtube, mesmerise the audience and convince us all that their craftsmanship and conviction is both solid and accessible enough to connect with the masses Mumford & Sons, you had better watch out.From a local perspective, there has not been a native band in a long time gracing

the hallowed stages of Bir-mingham that have sounded so immediate and (almost) ready to shift units on a large scale. All this without compromising the integ-rity of the art given time they might just become our Crosby, Stills and Nash.Words: Andy Roberts

COPY HAHOThe Victoria,BirminghamDec 14

Where can we go for a party afterwards? asked Copy haho repeatedly, seemingly itching to get out and enjoy Birminghams nightlife. Alas, it was a cold, wet Monday night so they had to make do with the mini-party that heralded the return of pioneering promoters This Is tomorrow. despite a somewhat disappointing turn out, those that braved the weather enjoyed a night to remember. hold Yr horse Is made an incredible amount of noise for a three piece and were full of charm between songs. Likewise, Copy haho continued the charm offensive and were determined to inject some party spirit into the room, no doubt buoyed by the Jagermeister they were slugging on the stairs. Like Pavement with a Scottish drawl, they delivered powerful chunks of geek rock. The angular Wrong direction and energy of Pulling Push Ups were highlights and bode well should the promised debut album emerge. Words: James Collins

Continuing the indie-dance theme showcased on delphics debut, fellow genre-benders The Sunshine Underground return after a four year absence with their long-awaited second album. And they are certainly pulling no punches,

delivering a knock-out, relentless record of pounding rock. It starts off in style with the excellent Coming to Save You and immediately rolls into the psychedelic mantra of Spell It out, before future single Weve Always Been Your Friends continues the winning groove formula. Its a breathless opening and while the rest of the album doesnt quite maintain the standards, it is a welcome return.

You wont find many hot tips for 2010 lists that dont feature delphic in there. And for very good reason. Their long-

DELPHICAcolyte(Chimeric/Polydor)

recordspage twenty-four

Weve been banging on about Chew Lips here at Brum Notes Magazine for quite a while now and this exhilarating debut album proves why. A rollercoaster of electronic pop-perfection, with the hook-laden, distinctive vocals of tigs weaving

tales that flit between sexy and sinister, underpinned by a cacophony of swirling synthesisers and danceable electronic beats. With a clutch of killer choruses on future pop classics such as Slick and Karen, the album also boasts tender moments such as album-closer Piano Song, booming basslines on toro and the slowed-down euphoria of Gold Key. Sassy, sharp and stylish.

CHEW LIPSUnicorn(Family)

THE SUNSHINE UNDERGROUNDNobodys Coming To Save You(City Rockers)

awaited debut is sure to still be in the running come december when it is time to reflect on the albums of the year.Refreshingly, it is a proper album. At a time when the single is king, delphic have worked hard to create an album that needs to be listened to in its entirety. The singles

are certainly there, with tracks such as the excellent hot Chip-esque doubt and the majestically twinkling trance-inspired This Momentary. Less radio friendly but equally engaging is title track Acolyte, a nine-minute, largely instrumental epic, summing up the albums peaks and troughs with its sweeping take on 90s house.

The indie-guitar and dance hybrid may sound oh-so-trendy, but it is an earnest and convincing record that goes beyond the current clamour for synths. Its Mancunian influences are clear, from the hacienda haze to the celebrated guitar bands to emerge, but delphic are going the right way about carving a reputation of their own.

Its hard not to love Lykke Li - gorgeous, Swedish and blessed with a voice that could melt a heart of stone. This stripped-down take on a classic is free of the saccharine sweetness of previous versions, turning it to a haunting, gut-wrench-ing song of angst.

A sexy, swaggering nugget of rock from Birmingham mainstays. Underpinned by an infectiously simple piano riff and swooning harmonies. But dont worry, its less Cold-play and Keane, more vintage Supergrass in-jected with some John Spencer groove.

FYFE DANGERFIELDFly Yellow Moon(Geffen UK)

THE TRAPS

The Honey Drip

(www.the-traps.com)

page twenty-five

LYKKE LIWill You Still Love Me Tomorrow

(www.lykkeli.com)

CALORIESLets Pretend That Were

Older(www.myspace.com/caloriesband)

Seeing as though its January, nobody has any money left and it is generally a pretty depressing month, we thought wed give you a treat to help beat the New Year blues

by pointing you in the direction of some of the hottest free tracks cur-rently knocking around

the internet. Guilt-free music that

wont cost you a penny!Any freebies of your own that you want to share, then email your

suggestions to:info@brumnotes.com.

FREE SONGS!

Get a taste of Birming-hams fourth best band of the decade (see p6) for free. Think Weezer on ster-oids, with a delicious melody and an impos-sibly loud chorus that sits bolt upright and punches you right in the stomach when you least expect it.

Its hard to imagine that Fyfe dangerfield has a lot of spare time on his hands. As well as fronting folk explosion Guillemots, who are already planning their third album, he gets stuck into a range of other projects whether its composing classical

music, performing jazz or writing killer pop songs for his main band. But in between all of this he has somehow find the time to write and record a solo album, and what a blessing that he has. Fyfe is back and hes got soul. Album opener When You Walk In The Room is an excellent marker, with its stripped down, straining vocals. The breezy 60s harmony of So Brand New quickly changes the mood and

the album is littered with everything from simple folk ditties to grand, orchestral arrangements. The delightfully simplistic acoustic guitar tracks such as Livewire, showcase his folk sensibilities, nodding towards influences of contemporaries such as Richard Burke. But it is the ambitious layers of euphoric pop which are the most successful, with tracks such as Faster Than The Setting Sun and the emotion-fulled She Needs Me, in which

Fyfe on his own most resembles Fyfe in his Guillemots role and prove to be the albums highlights. The rapid-fire, five day recording session was designed to capture the original essence of each of these tracks and the end result is a stroll through the musical mind of one of Birminghams most talented modern-day exports. It is an album of delicacy, intimacy and raw emotion, a charming collection of songs from a charming musician.

The New remixes by Zoned Out & G-Corp of the track R GENERATION

Taken from THE PRESSURES OF LIFE, the new album from XOVA.

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Or Mail order from:WWW.XOVALIVE.COM

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Indi- Reggae Fusilers Live from Birmingha

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FRIDAY 8TH JANUARY 2010

THE HARE & HOUNDS

ALCESTER RD, KINGS HEATH

BIRMINGHAM

ONLY 3 ENTRANCE

Every Monday is : Broken Amp- open acoustic evening. Local acts showcased every Monday.

Every Tuesday fortnightly: (12th + 26th) Highway 61 Blues Club. Hosted by Maz

Mitrenko, open electric Jam. All musicians welcome.

JANUARY LISTINGS:Friday 1st: DJs playing Northern Soul, funk and

rare grooves.Saturday 2nd: Tricks n Licks

Wednesday 6th: Chaos acoustic club final gig !Friday 8th: Punkybeats presents 3 live bandsSaturday 9th: 360 + BSN4:20 (SKA/Reggae)

Sunday 10th: Kataleptic + Malacite metal night.Tuesday 12th: Highway 61 blues club - electric

jam, musicians welcome Wednesday 13th: Kid Conventional + Imprint

Zero + The James Lewis BandThursday 14th: Love Music, Hate Racism

charity gig. 5 live bands , see website for detailsFriday 15th: The Jam DRC

Saturday 16th: Tom Peel and friendsSunday 17th: Open Xpress open poetry

afternoon, 3pm startThursday 21st: INcoming student band

showcaseFriday 22nd: Tarantism + Alcohol Licks

Saturday 23rd: tbcThursday 28th : Loop Promotions presents

Friday 29th: Pressure Drop Tempting Rosie club night (Ska)

Saturday 30th: Henrys Children

The Adam and Eve, Bradford St, Birmingham B12 0JD

0121 693 1500

gig guide

Its pantomime season and of course there is an array of second-rate celebrities making their way to the Midlands for weeks and weeks of highly predictable entertainment. But a lot of people seem to love them, so here is the pick of the bunch. Squeaky-voice comic Joe Pasquale and annoyingly-faced miniature singer Ray Quinn will lead the cast of SLEEPING BEAUTY at the Birmingham Hippodrome until January 31. Evil old Paul Robinson from neighbours, aka Stefan Dennis - the voice behind 1989 hit Dont It Make You Feel Good - will join The Krankies at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre for a production of CINDERELLA until January 25. In Lichfield, ALADDIN will run until January 9 at the Garrick Theatre, while Coventrys Belgrade Theatre stages BEAUTY AND THE BEAST until January 9. The panto programme continues with DICk WHITTINGToN AND HIS CAT, whatever that is, running at Stourbridge Town Hall Theatre from January 23 to 30 while continuing the feline theme, PUSS IN BooTS is at Dormston Mill Theatre, Sedgeley, Jan 10 to 16.

tHe regions Most coMpreHensiVe MontHly guide to gigs of all siZes

PICK OF THE MONTH:gigs

cluB nigHts

1. FYFE DANGERFIELD, Jan 18, Glee Club, BirminghamGuillemots frontman branches out with a hometown solo show. Tickets 11, www.glee.co.uk.2. DELPHIC, Jan 20, Little Civic, WolverhamptonManchester indie dance trio showcase material from their stunning debut album in a brand new, intimate venue. Tickets 7, www.wolvescivic.co.uk.3. WAY To BLUE: THE SoNGS oF NICk DRAkE, Jan 23, Warwick Arts Centre, CoventryArtists including Vashti Bunyan, Scott Matthews and Lisa Hannigan present modern reworkings of the legendary songwriters work. Tickets 17.50-27.50, www.warwickartscentre.co.uk.4. THE LATE EIGHTIES, Jan 23, o2 Academy 3, BirminghamTight-knit power pop from Birmingham four-piece. Tickets 5 adv, www.ticketweb.co.uk.5. LED BIB, Jan 27, The Rainbow, DigbethMercury-nominated jazz band renowned for their live performances. Tickets 4, www.birminghamjazz.co.uk.

1. ToTAL CARNAGEJan 15, Custard FactoryRave across three arenas, with more than 30 artists and 20 MCs. Advance tickets 10.

2. M4TPJan 15, The VictoriaBe the DJ for the night, with revellers getting the chance to choose the songs. Free entry.

3. STUPID UNDERGRoUNDJan 30, Custard FactoryAnnual free January party with techno, drum n bass, dubstep and more. Free entry before 11.30pm.

Want your gig or club night listed in our monthly guide?Send details to:info@brumnotes.com

All details correct at time of going to press.Check with venues before setting out.

For latest information and ticket details visit:www.brumnotes.com.

While every effort will be made to ensure the accuracy of listings, Brum Notes Magazine will not be held liable for any errors or losses incurred from errors which may materialise.Be good kids.

page twenty-seven

OTHER ENTERTAINMENT: BETH JEANS HoUGHToN & SToRNoWAYFeb 17, The Glee Club8.50, www.glee.co.ukLoS CAMPESINoS!March 1, The Rainbow9, www.seetickets.comFIoNN REGANMarch 2, The Rainbow8, www.seetickets.comBRIAN JoNESToWN MASSACRE May 16, o2 Academy12.50, www.ticketweb.co.uk.

BooKing aHead

SATURDAY, JAN 2THE LAMBRETTAS, THE UPPER FIFTH, RUDIE & THE REVOLVERS, J60, Sound Bar, Birmingham

WEDNESDAY, JAN 6LITTLE SISTER, Nicoles, Birmingham

THURSDAY, JAN 7THE STICKY LABELS, O2 Academy 3, BirminghamIN FIELDS, ROZ BRUCE, SPARKY, The Actress & Bishop, BirminghamCBSO: VIENNESE GALA, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton

FRIDAY, JAN 8ZOMBIE CLUB, Sound Bar, Birmingham THE MANHATTAN PROJECT, WE ALL NEED HEROES, LOVE KATE KILL GEORGE, HEADTRAP, The Actress & Bishop, BirminghamSONS OF THE DESERT, LITTLE HOLLYWOOD, DAVID BALLARD, The Sunflower Lounge, BirminghamCARVALHO & THE EXTENDED FAMILY, YELITZA, KEIVIY, Hare & Hounds, Kings HeathXOVA. Hare &

Hounds, Kings Heath

SATURDAY, JAN 9CBSO: NEW YEAR FROM VIENNA, Symphony Hall, BirminghamOLD IONS, EVENTUALLY, DINOSAUR JAM, The Flapper, BirminghamBARRYS ATTIC, CASINO ZONE, THE SIEGE, JUNEAU BROTHERS, The Actress & Bishop, BirminghamLUCID DREAM, JESUS DELUX, The Victoria, Birmingham

NAPALM DEATH, Wulfrun Hall, WolverhamptonKATIE DOVE DIXON, THE SIZZLING GYPSIES, Kasbah, Coventry

SUNDAY, JAN 10

ISOLATED ATOMS, I THEE LOTHARIO, CORELLI, SEA FIELDS, The Rainbow, DigbethLEWIS GARLAND & THE KETT REBELLION, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

MONDAY, JAN 11BELCEA QUARTET, Town Hall, BirminghamISOLATED ATOMS, Kasbah, Coventry

TUESDAY, JAN 12

OK GO, O2 Academy 3, Birmingham

WEDNESDAY, JAN 13CBSO: BRAHMS AND SIBELIUS (matinee), Symphony Hall, BirminghamDONT MOVE!, POLLY MACKEY & THE PLEASURE PRINCIPLE, The Flapper, BirminghamTHE MINNIKINS, KTB, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Kings Heath

THURSDAY, JAN 14

MERCHANTS OF MENACE, BITE THE KERB, DIAMOND BLAKK, SILENT JACK, O2 Academy 3, Birmingham CBSO: BRAHMS AND SIBELIUS, Symphony Hall, BirminghamMOTHERLESS, SOUR MASH,

DYSPHORIA, AKRYA, The Actress & Bishop, BirminghamTHE INTERNATIONAL, CHE, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath

FRIDAY, JAN 15

HENRYS CHILDREN, PAN & THE POETS, THE GREAT WESTERN, The Sunflower Lounge, BirminghamRED LIGHT ROOM, A COLD NIGHT FOR..., THE MODERN, 1080, The Actress & Bishop, BirminghamTHE TRUCKERS, The Ropewalk, BirminghamTHE UPPERS, LOW ORDERS, THIEVES LIKE US, The Rainbow, DigbethRICKY COOL & THE HOOLA BOOLA BOYS, TCs, Selly Oak

SATURDAY, JAN 16

VIVIAN GIRLS, VERONICA FALLS, O2 Academy 3, BirminghamTERELLA, EZ & DJ BUZZWORD, FIGURE ONE, KABUKI, The Actress & Bishop, BirminghamTHIS BEAUTIFUL THIEF, CAJOLECAJOLE, THE CARPELS, The

Rainbow, DigbethDONT MOVE, LUCY ANNE SALE, Warwick Arts Centre, CoventryTHE INTERNATIONAL, ANDY & MIKE, Kasbah, Coventry

SUNDAY, JAN 17ROGUE STATES, LINER, NEIL WARD, The Yardbird, BirminghamTHE A CAPPELLA ROGUES, PAUL RAHME, DAVID SOUL, The Custard Factory Theatre, Digbeth

MONDAY, JAN 18

FYFE DANGERFIELD, The Glee Club, Birmingham

TUESDAY, JAN 19

WOLFMOTHER, THE BLACK ANGELS, O2 Academy, BirminghamANAIS MITCHELL

& ERIN MCKEOWN, The Glee Club, BirminghamLYU, BROOKE, LOSING STREAK, The Flapper, BirminghamJOHN MAYER, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton

WEDNESDAY, JAN 20

JAMIE T (Rescheduled), O2 Academy, BirminghamBREATHE CAROLINA, O2 Academy 3, BirminghamXYU PRESENTS, THE MANHATTAN PROJECT, DIAMOND BLAKK, FAULT SOCIETY, The Victoria, BirminghamROLO TOMASSI, SONI-QUELLA, The Flapper, Birmingham

DELPHIC, Little Civic, WolverhamptonELIO PACE, The Robin 2, Bilston

THURSDAY, JAN 21

SIENNA, EVERYBODY LOOKS FAMOUS, THIRD WAY FORWARD, DIRTY MINDZ,

HUNGER FOR THIRST, O2 Academy 3, BirminghamTSIEN, ...AND UPSTAIRS NURSES, HAERKEN, The Actress & Bishop, BirminghamBLACK HEART GENERATOR, JAPANESE VOYEURS, The Flapper, Birmingham

FRIDAY, JAN 22

KITTIE, IT DIES TODAY, FOREVER NEVER, MALEFICE, O2 Academy 2, BirminghamPIT VIPERS, ROCKSALT, THE VINYL, SO CALLED ENEMY, The Actress & Bishop, BirminghamBLACK DOLLAR BILLS, THE BLUEBEAT ARKESTRA, OPEN TO FIRE, The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham JAKERS, The Ropewalk, BirminghamKATE GOES, ANARCHIST COOKBOOK, SONIC DELAYS, EAT YSELF PRETTY, Island Bar, BirminghamAPOCALYPSE NOW PUNK FESTIVAL, The Swinging Sporran, BirminghamNATIONS

WAITING, THE OWSLA, The Rainbow, DigbethTEMPTING ROSIE, TCs, Selly Oak

SATURDAY, JAN 23

THE LATE EIGHTIES, O2 Academy 3, BirminghamCBSO: ELGARS ENIGMA, Symphony Hall, BirminghamLP45, CAPITAL SUN, LITTLE L, The Flapper, BirminghamPAPER TIGERS, UNA ZUKI, PITSELEH, SEMI-SAPIEN, The Actress & Bishop, BirminghamDANDELION KILLERS, Island Bar, BirminghamAPOCALYPSE NOW PUNK FESTIVAL, The Swinging Sporran, BirminghamLITTLE SISTER, Tower of Song, CotteridgeSPOKEN WORD WITH HENRY ROLLINS, Wulfrun Hall, WolverhamptonWAY TO BLUE: THE SONGS OF NICK DRAKE, Warwick Arts Centre, CoventryHAUNTED BY HUMANS, Kasbah, Coventry

SUNDAY, JAN 24

APOCALYPSE NOW

PUNK FESTIVAL, The Swinging Sporran, BirminghamTHE RIVERS PRESLEY SET, DELTA MAID, ALEX MOIR, Hare & Hounds, Kings HeathLIBERTY SLAVES, PSYCHO CIRCUS, LOVECHILD, The Robin 2, Bilston

MONDAY, JAN 25

REEL BIG FISH, O2 Academy, BirminghamTOM PAXTON, Town Hall, BirminghamEVILE, Civic Hall Bar, WolverhamptonROXANNE DE BASTION, Kasbah, Coventry

TUESDAY, JAN 26 TWENTY TWENTY, O2 Academy, BirminghamACOUSTIC SESSIONS HOSTED BY BEN DRUMMOND, The Jam House, BirminghamREAL ESTATE, Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath

WEDNESDAY, JAN 27

IGLU & HARTLY, POLITICS, O2 Academy 3, BirminghamHOLLY WILLIAMS, Kitchen Garden Cafe,

Kings Heath

LED BIB, The Rainbow, Digbeth

THURSDAY, JAN 28

KUPOVTI, The Actress & Bishop, BirminghamNUVRAX PRESENTS JAZZ & SOUL, The Ropewalk, BirminghamANTHONY MILES, GET FRANK, PRE SLEEP MONOLOGUE, The Victoria, BirminghamCHILD ABUSE, DJ SCOTCH EGG, Island Bar, BirminghamHARDCORE SUPERSTAR, BULLET, ELLE DIABLO, The Rainbow, DigbethTHE STEVE GIBBONS BAND, The Robin 2, Bilston

FRIDAY, JAN 29

JAN GARBAREK GROUP, Town Hall, BirminghamTHE ARCADIAN KICKS, THE RULING CLASS, Sound Bar, BirminghamLOOCA, DEAN

JAMES, The Sunflower Lounge, BirminghamBROKEN WITT REBELS, ALLTHEMORE, THE MILITANTS, ESCAPE AVENUE, The Actress & Bishop, BirminghamZICO CHAIN, TO THE BONES, GANG ON GANG, The Flapper, BirminghamFREELANCE MOURNERS, The Rainbow, DigbethTHE REGGAELATORS, TCs, Selly OakEMILIE AUTUMN, Wulfrun Hall, WolverhamptonSICUM, MEZZOTONIC, ROB CARVALHO, THE XTENDED FAMILY, The Public, West BromwichANTONIO FORCIONE, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

SATURDAY, JAN 30

ALL TIME LOW, THE BLACKOUT, YOUNG GUNS, MY PASSIONTWIN ATLANTIC, O2 Academy, BirminghamMUNICIPAL WASTE, VICTIMS, VIOLENT ARREST, O2 Academy 2, BirminghamBARENBOIM PLAYS BEETHOVEN,

Symphony Hall, BirminghamVINNY & THE CURSE, AUROURA PLASTIC MONSTER, The Flapper, BirminghamCAPTAIN HORIZON, SENCE, THE NAKED YOUTH, DREAMERS NIGHTMARES, The Actress & Bishop, Birmingham

MILES HUNT & ERICA NOCKALLS, Little Civic, WolverhamptonLLOYD MCGRATH, Kasbah, Coventry

SUNDAY, JAN 31

HAMEL, The Glee Club, Birmingham TIFFANY PAGE, Sound Bar, BirminghamPOET IN NEW YORK, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Kings HeathBUFFY SAINTE-MARIE, Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton

Tel: 01922 629700

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