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Brum Notes are fast gaining a rep for throwing some of the best monthly parties in town. So when they announced their latest issue launch show, featuring a kicking set of rock groups and a DJ set from one of the city’s most popular exports JAWS, they pretty much cemented their name alongside the word ‘unmissable.’

First up were Caves – a.k.a. Joe Daly, accompanied by Jaws/Spearmint 6’s Eddy Geach. As for what happened to the other band members? “Jason’s a heroin addict, Adam’s a prostitute, I’m just trying to keep this going.” And we’re certainly glad that he is. Tight drum rhythms and sprawling guitar riffs enthralled the crowd as they were treated to new songs, songs from past groups “for nostalgia’s sake,” and even “an actual Caves song,” before the set drew to a close.

Whilst some bands wear the hearts on their sleeves, and others are prepared to show you their souls, when Bad Moon took to the stage, they were prepared to show the whole room what they had inside of them. Literally. Frontman Jordan Crawford threw up mid-set (“there’s a first time for everything”). To choruses of “what you gonna do?” from the crowd, the band blasted through tracks old and new, thoroughly entertaining (and momentarily repulsing) those gathered before them.

“This set is dedicated to the contents of Jordan Crawford’s stomach!” And so Bad Apes began their set. The three piece wasted no time in winning over their audience, powerful distorted guitars swirling and entwining with heavy percussion, and rough and rowdy vocals. Pausing briefly to congratulate Bad Moon on their choice of “chunky” breakfasts, and to pass a slice of pizza amongst themselves, they played with an undeniable energy to an audience who lapped up every note.

Then finally, it was the turn of God Damn, who had the crowd in uprawr and crowdsurfers in the air before the first song was over. Dark and dirty refrains resounded around the room along with heavy heart-thudding drumbeats and screeching spine-tingling vocals, as various members of Wide Eyed swung from the rafters. After a bit of self promotion for their Nirvana-logo-stealing merchandise and a plea for a lawsuit – because “what better press can you have, really, than Courtney Love taking a dislike to you?” – all too soon their set was drawing to a close. Ignoring shouts of “five more!” “six more!” “twenty more!” they ended with raucous riffs, pounding rhythms, and heaps of feedback, which continued to echo as they cleared the stage.

After a show as action-packed as this one, Brum Notes have left themselves with a hard act to follow. Only time will tell if it lives up to expectations, but at this rate, we doubt anyone will be disappointed.

#God Damn #Bad Apes #Bad Moon #Caves #Brum Notes Issue Launch #live #published #counteract

Band: Two Fathoms Band Members: Neil Ward Hometown: Birmingham Sounds Like: Chris T-T, Ben Marwood, Frank Turner. Online: Facebook | Twitter | Website

There’s something incredibly powerful about solo performances. When a single person in a spotlight can hold the attention of an audience as well as (or even better than) a group of performers, you know you’re on to something good. And for that, you need look no further.

Two Fathoms is the alias of Neil Ward – a solo artist from our very own city of Birmingham. He’s made his name performing in towns and cities from here to New York and back again. Armed with nothing but an acoustic guitar, he’s found his fair share of fans, friends, and followers. Infectious melodies and ingeniously woven lyrics define his sound, telling stories that can either charm their way into your heart or win you over with their witty sense of humour (see ‘Who Gives A F*ck About Love?’ in the player below for your new favourite knees-up sing-a-long).

We’re as excited by free music as the next person, so if you like what you hear, why not take the time to download Two Fathoms’ mixtape EP here.

<a href="http://neilward.bandcamp.com/album/mixtape-1" data-mce-href="http://neilward.bandcamp.com/album/mixtape-1">Mixtape #1 by Neil Ward</a>

#Two Fathoms #Neil Ward #Band Of The Day #Feature #Published #Counteract

Band: Superfood Band Members: Dom Ganderton (vocals/guitar), Ryan Malcom (guitar), Emily Baker (bass), Carl Griffin (drums) Hometown: Birmingham Sounds Like: early Blur, Pavement, Peace Online: Facebook | Twitter | Website

If you’ve had your ear to the ground, or the radio, or pretty much anywhere else recently, chances are you’ll already be aware of this four piece. Starting out as Baby100, before being briefly billed as Junnk, Superfood unleashed their debut track – after months of live shows that did everything to build the hype – live on Zane Lowe’s BBC Radio 1 show. Not bad going for a band who were still playing pub venues.

And they certainly prove themselves worthy of the hysteria. Debut single, also entitled ‘Superfood’ (below), features loud and distorted guitars, baggy drum beats, and possibly the catchiest chorus you ever will hear. Whether you play it once, or you play it a hundred times (and we do recommend playing it a hundred times), you’ll soon find it impossible cook anything without singing-a-long. Superfood picnic, anyone?

#Superfood #Band Of The Day #Feature #published #Counteract

Band: Carousel Circus Band Members: Craig Gould (vocals/guitar), Aimee Strange (vocals), Kevin Bishop (guitar), Craig Francis (piano), Becky Walker (saxophone), Liam Marley (bass), Eddie Clifford (drums) Hometown: Birmingham Sounds Like: Beautiful South, Fleet Foxes, The Levellers Online: Facebook | Twitter | Website

When a band describe themselves as “a travelling, working circus full of adventure and camaraderie,” you know to expect something a little extraordinary. And that’s exactly what Carousel Circus are. Their music takes a dash of country and a sprinkling of blues, before placing it over a solid folk base. Dual harmonious vocals craft pleasingly enticing melodies,

In their time together, Carousel Circus have supported various names – from Ocean Colour Scene to N-Dubz, and from Bez (of Happy Mondays fame) to Hawkwind. With a number of shows and festival appearances set for the summer, Carousel Circus are well on their way, “drowning in imagination, yet sailing with a fresh solitary charm.”

When the imagery’s this grand, it’s hard to turn away. You can listen to Carousel Circus below.

#Carousel Circus #Band Of The Day #Feature #Published #Counteract

Band: The Making Band Members: Dan Oakey (guitar/vocals), Matt Pownall (guitar/vocals), Scott Ridgway (bass), Tom Lowe (drums/backing vocals) Hometown: Telford Sounds Like: Antics, Biffy Clyro, Drenge Online: Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter

The Making are a band that have been, er, making (excuse the poor wordplay) music for a few years now. They’ve come a long way since their early days. What started out as a fairly typical home-brewed guitar group has grown into something a little more multi-layered. Think grunge laden riffs, punky vocals, indie-infused melodies, and you get The Making.

The band’s latest offering, ‘Signals’ (below), sees dirty and distorted guitars combine with heavy and steady drum beats, accompanied by a hefty and hooky sing-a-long chorus. Chiming refrains meet melodic backing vocals that continue to echo long after the track ends.

You can next catch The Making at the Numa Bar in Wolverhampton, on May 10.

#The Making #Band Of The Day #Feature #Published #Counteract

If you were to look up ‘hype band’ in the dictionary, what would you get? Ignore, for a moment, that dictionaries don’t explain phrases, and most don’t contain pictures. Instead, think of Palma Violets. We all know who they are by now – since making the front cover of NME before releasing any material, they’ve since recorded and unleashed their debut album to a mixed set of reviews (read our thoughts on it here). When it comes to their latest single, however, there hasn’t been much debate.

There’s an infectious guitar riff that you can’t help but feel slightly lifted by, distinctive organ melodies that are typical of the band’s sound, along with the crooning/coarse dual vocals that have already won over so many hearts. What makes ‘We Found Love’ so (for lack of a more appropriate description) loveable, is its instant sing-a-long vibe.

The track’s got enough “la la la”’s to make it accessible to even the drunkest of crowds. Which is ideally what you want to be a part of when you hear it; darkened venue, sunny (okay then, rain-drenched) festival field, it doesn’t matter – anywhere you can hold a pint in one hand and your dignity in the other, swaying like a loon whilst you try to remember the words you’re shouting along to. That’s ultimately what Palma Violets are all about. And when they do it well, they do it very well indeed.

#Palma Violets #We Found Love #Release #Review #Published #Hooting and Howling

As they hit the road on their first official tour of the UK, the brothers Loveless – a.k.a. Drenge – have recorded something brand new, uploaded it online for your listening pleasure, and made it free to download and keep. It’s certainly sounding good so far.

‘Necromance Is Dead’ is a potent punch of purring power. Clocking in at under two minutes, it doesn’t exactly have long to make an impact, but make an impact it does nevertheless. A vigorous drumbeat combines with snarling guitars, forming a dynamic background to frontman Rory’s raw and rough vocals. Half way through the tracks short duration, it transforms into a steadily surging rock and roll rhythm, which soon gives way to screeching and anarchic energy.

Whilst they may only have a few recordings to their collective name, what we’ve heard of Drenge’s repertoire so far practically reeks with promise. Catch the duo as they continue to tour the country to hear more of what they’re made from.

Download ‘Necromance Is Dead’ here:

#Drenge #Necromance Is Dead #release review #release #published #hooting and howling

With plans for a debut album set for later this year, their first EP set for June 10, and a free show at The Yardbird late next week, Evil Alien are certainly a band that have been keeping themselves busy. And it’s not just their music that’s occupying their time. “I’ve said it a few times; we’re a bit like Fleetwood Mac with all of the line up changes – but without the love interest, or hair do’s!” Thankfully, they seem to have settled firmly within themselves, and they took time out of their busy schedule to talk to us about the band, Birmingham, and actual aliens.

“Evil Alien is just the two of us,” Glenn Smith explained. “Myself and the mercurial David McCabe. We write and record the tunes, deal with the videos and lay down all of the groundwork. We then have two other alien soldiers; Kristian Smart (synths) & Sebastian Maynard- Francis (drums) who play out live with us.”

As for the name, they certainly chose one that tells a story. “I’ve always been fascinated by conspiracy theories, so the David Icke one that there was evil alien’s amongst us running the world was of particular amusement.” The theory in question states that a reptilian (or alien) race once interbred with the human race, and that the decedents of this bloodline continue to rule the world to this day. The deciding factor in the band choosing this as their moniker? “I remember an ex-girlfriend derogatorily saying I looked like one… I guess it was fate.”

Hailing from our own city of Birmingham, the band feel very much connected to their home-town “It’s a huge influence, we’ve got a really industrial vibe from being stuck in our bunker studio in Digbeth.” “There used to be a galvanising plant across the road. The steel used to echo down the street.” But it’s not all positive comments. “The one thing I do hate is the term “B Town.” It sounds like a midland comb amateur football side or something.”

One of the most striking things about Evil Alien is their focus, not only on their music, but on the aesthetics – the artwork and videos that accompany their tracks. “Visuals and artistic freedom are major factors,” they discussed. “It’s all a big piece of art so it’s important that it comes out the way we want.” “Everything we put our name to we try to make it as good as we possibly can, but without compromise. Sometimes to our detriment.”

As well as creating their debut EP, ‘Factotum,’ Evil Alien have also been working on a film score. “It’s a short film, directed by Tom Werber (who also directed the music video for the bands single, ‘Higher Than The Sun’). It’s called ‘FUMES’. The film is nearly done now & we’re buzzing to be involved. It’s got sort of a bleak armageddon, break down of society vibe. Which, to be fair isn’t as far fetched as it sounds. Especially in the current climate.”

You can next catch Evil Alien at The Yardbird, performing a free show alongside The Grafham Water Sailing Club (“The name is mental, in a good way though. It sounds like they should all be decked out in Paul & Shark!”) on May 5. Their EP, ‘Factotum,’ will be available via the bands website and as a digital download from June 10.

#Evil Alien #Interview #Published #Counteract

As far as the cost to value ratio is concerned, five pounds for five bands is a pretty stellar deal. So at the O2 Academy on Wednesday night, whilst Frank Turner packed out a show in the main room, the smaller room filled with fans and friends alike, eager to see and hear some of the best new music the night had to offer.

Stereojets were first under the stage lights, mixing covers of Fall Out Boy and Blink 182 classics along with their own originals, inciting mini-moshes from members of the crowd. With their drummer aptly dressed in an Animal t-shirt, The Sunset Limited were next, their rocky refrains and echoing vocals drawing smokers in from the cold and drinkers away from the bar with ease.

It wasn’t until the third band, however, that the audience really became engaged. If you’re a fan of Peace, then you’ll definitely want to keep your eyes on these guys. Taking to the stage for their debut show to the tune of TLC’s ‘No Scrubs,’ Sugar performed their set with an all-natural swagger. Delicious sounding guitars wasted no time in winning over the audience, whilst the band wasted no time in adopting rock star personas, sharing on stage kisses and throwing items of clothing into the crowd (which were promptly caught and worn).

Leopard followed, suitably equipped with leopard print guitar straps, headbands, and wristbands. Their set centred on debut single, ‘Breathe,’ and included a bizarrely enjoyable mash-up of Jay-Z’s ’99 Problems’ and Will Smith’s ‘The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air,’ complete with heavy guitar riffs. Whilst they might not have been on the circuit long, they certainly know how to entertain.

Headlining the night were Lovats. Whilst a number of the compliments floating around the room through the bands set may have had more to do with their frontman’s distinctive hair colour, the group played a set that proved them to have more than appearance in their favour. New single, ‘Over,’ and old favourite ‘Fiction,’ were clear highlights, and the band drew the show to an impressive finish, as people piled out the venue in search of more cheap drinks.

#Lovats #Leopard #Sugar #The Sunset Limited #Stereojets #review #live review #published #counteract #live

Before this band ever came to be, founding members Tony and Joseph played alongside each other for two years, performing as session musicians for Jeremy Jay. Eventually, they broke away to start their own project, and so Paradise was born. Carving out their existence in their own small corner of East London (in Joseph’s bedroom to be precise), together they create dreamy, low-fi pop music, using droning soundscapes to create a sound you can easily drift away with.

With the addition of friends Jordan, Luke, and Ross, Paradise toured across the country for the first time in February, supporting Swim Deep at a number of their dates. Disregarding hype to develop their sound, this a group that putting all their efforts where it really matters – the music.

You can stream Paradise’s debut single, ‘Endless Wave’ (released last November), below.

#Paradise #Endless Wave #Band Of The Day #Feature #Published #Counteract

With summer quickly approaching, there’s nothing we want more than songs that meld with the heat and make us feel like the sun will never fade. Enter Swim Deep, with their new song, “Simmer.” It’s deliciously floaty pop-psych melodies will have you reaching for your shades in seconds. You can stream it below.

“Simmer” is the B-Side to the bands next single, “She Changes The Weather,” set for release on 13th May. The bands debut album, ‘Where The Heaven Are We,’ will follow on 29th July.

#Swim Deep #Simmer #News #published #venture

Picture the scene: the sun shining down from a clear blue sky as you arrive at the pub, with friends, for an afternoon of live music, with the added good vibes of donating money to charity with the ‘entrance fee’. You leave the band on the makeshift stage to begin their set, and head inside to buy drinks, before making your way back outdoors to find a nice seat and – “WOKE UP THIS MORNING; CANCER. HAD A CUP OF TEA; CANCER. WENT FOR A WEE; CANCER. CANCER’S KILLING ME.”

So was my introduction to Mik Artistik – and you can find the aforementioned song here if it’s peaked your interest (though, personally, I think you’re better off giving this track a try). Hailing from the city of Leeds, he’s been referred to as “one of the city’s most colourful characters” – and not just for his choice in shirts. He’s appeared as an extra on Emmerdale, had a cameo appearance in Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights, sold portraits drawn on paper bags, and made his name performing with his band, Mik Artistik’s Ego Trip.

If you want to know what to expect musically, think John Shuttleworth (and if you don’t know what to expect from him, click here). Day-to-day comedic musings, set to simple melodies, accompanied by energetic performances are what makes Mik Artistik such a loveable character.

He’s a Glastonbury regular, so no doubt you can expect to find him in one of the festivals muddy green fields over the course of the event. If you want to know where else he’ll be performing, check his website for further details, and keep up to date with his musings on twitter.

#Mik Artistik #Mik Artistik's Ego Trip #Introducing #Feature #published #hooting and howling

If you caught our big Birmingham write up at some point over the last month, you’ll be familiar with Foes. “So face-meltingly heavy and in-your-face that within 20 seconds of listening to them, they will have inhabited your entire being and subsequently drag your soul down to the underworld.” The latest song to surface from their depths, ‘Tu Casa,’ has left us even hotter under the collar than before.

The track opens with a vigorous drum beat, before dirty-yet-delicious distorted guitars and a driving bassline practically force the track through your ears and firmly into your skull. Everything about ‘Tu Casa’ practically screams with a delirious energy, from the distinctive vibrato vocals and the unignorabley catchy chorus, through the roaring layers of scuzzy refrains, right to the drumbeat with enough power to punch through your very core, it leaves you powerless against its prowess.

Lyrics like “and if truth be told, I’d die for you” resound over the anarchic layers of melody and rhythm. When the music’s sounding this good, there isn’t much we wouldn’t do to hear it again. Well played, lads.

#Foes #Tu Casa #Birmingham #Release Review #published #Hooting and Howling #release

Lovats are a band that have been together for almost a year now. In that time, they’ve played shows at numerous local venues, and put out demos that have earned them the attention of several regional radio stations. Their latest track, ‘Over,’ made its debut online yesterday. With a headline gig at Birmingham’s O2 Academy set for this Wednesday (24th April), now would be the perfect time to cave into your curiosity and find out what this band are all about.

Bubbling guitar riffs and a driving drumbeat rippling with fills introduce the track. Clear cut lyrics resound over catchy refrains, before layered backing vocals introduce the chorus, which is completed with heavy percussion and loudly distorted guitars. An instrumental solo resonates at the ¾ mark, showcasing the same tight performance skills that first earned the group recognition with their early recordings. It fades into a toned-down bridge, building up to an explosive clamorous final chorus that really cements itself in your mind.

#Lovats #Over #Birmingham #Release Review #published #counteract #release

Luke Wylde and The Japes are an indie-folk group hailing from somewhere between Birmingham and Wolverhampton. The band, fronted by singer-songwriter Luke Wylde, released their debut EP last November, and have been garnering the attention critics and crowds ever since. They’ve been featured on BBC Introducing, as well as on BBC Radio Shropshire every day for a month, and played a number of successful live shows.

Their music is a concoction of optimism and adventure. Upbeat rhythms, pop-infused melodies, and harmonious dual vocals entwine to construct fresh and full-sounding folk. The title track from their debut EP, ‘Ghost,’ showcases them at their most delightfully infectious.

You can catch Luke Wylde and The Japes at The Sunflower Lounge tonight (April 19,) and The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, on June 15.

You can stream their debut EP, ‘Ghost’ below.

#Luke Wylde and The Japes #Birmingham #Feature #Band Of The Day #Published #Counteract

“I wish I was better at being okay” are the opening lyrics of Charlotte Carpenter’s new EP. If this release is any indication, she’s well on her way to being fantastic. Delicious vocals extend beyond layers of guitar melodies, reaching out of the music and into your heart, before leading you through touching tales of emotion.

‘Blame It On Anything’ is the EP’s opener; an acoustic-led track that features a lamenting steel guitar. Charlotte’s vocals are calm and comforting as she sings of heartache and loneliness, giving the listener a sense of being let inside her world. And from then on, you’ll be hooked. ‘Turn To Dust’ is easily a standout track – evolving rhythms change and contrast with an infectious appeal, whilst the lyrics resound with beautifully poetic descriptions.

‘What Became Of Us’ is a melodically optimistic track looking back at a relationship gone wrong. Poppy refrains and spirited vocals paint a compelling picture that holds your interest from start to finish. The EP closes with its title track. ‘In The Night’ boasts catchy acoustic riffs, building rhythms, and a captivating vocal performance that’ll give you the chills before leaving you stunned and spellbound.

If we were to sum up ‘In The Night’ in one word, we’d have to settle with spirit. There’s a real sense of character here, along with a real sense of strength and determination through everything you hear. It feels like the product of someone who has really poured themself into what they’re creating, and we can’t wait to see how she grows.

#Charlotte Carpenter #In The Night #Release Review #Published #Counteract

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