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.