Having released their debut album ‘Without Motion’ a couple of weeks ago Bridlington post/punks Feral Family arrive in Birmingham on the first date of an eight date tour of the UK in support of said release.
First up tonight though are HAZE a quintet originally from the Shropshire market town of Shrewsbury who comprise of Harry, Curtis, Ed, Luca, and Miles. The guys are all studying music at the renowned BIMM music institute here in the country`s second city. The band shared a short but really enjoyable set of what appeared to be original numbers with what sounded like `Heartbreaker on the Water`, the really introspective `Glowing Amber` which has just been released on Spotify and ending with what sounded like `Sweet November Rain`. They`re a band who seem to have listened to their parents record collection as the numbers to me were really retro rock influenced and really took you on a wonderfully reflective journey. A band I’ll definitely be looking to catch again.
Next up were local boys Champagne Casuals a four piece who as the name suggests are a mod influenced outfit. Again, it was a short set which included some brand new numbers and some older cuts. One of the newer numbers was `If I get my way` shared amongst `Feel alright` and `It`s all gone`. The older tracks included the amusingly titled `Why do birds wear high heels` and ‘Born Again Tomorrow’ which lead vocalist Alex shared were twenty years old!! It was another really enjoyable set which was kind of Oasis influenced to a degree and presented by a quartet who had a real swagger about them. The band also have a few numbers on Spotify and are playing on the March of the Mods bill, a charity benefit in Birkenhead next month. Another band i`ve earmarked for future shows.
There`s little fuss as headliners Feral Family arrive on stage and this trio open up tonight`s gig with the pounding, thumping `Sold`, before sharing the blistering and quite haunting `Cairo` and the introspective `This Side of Me`.
We enjoy a couple of reflective numbers with `Spice King` and the delightfully powerful `The Mercy`.
There`s a fast paced tempo to `Fractured` before the band close out this forty minute set as they do on the album with `Smother` a thoughtful shimmering submission.
I`ve had the benefit of listening to the band`s debut album so have a kind of idea as to the deeply personal subject matter that the songs contain. Tonight, though was more of a scorching and blistering rock out and it was great to hear these number given a blast in a live situation. I`m sure the fellas will gather a rhythm as the tour progresses and allow themselves to open up and maybe explain the song`s themes.
It was a show that I enjoyed more reflecting back on it as there was a lot to take in and it became quite overwhelming at times.
I hope I can catch the band in maybe a few months to see how they progress as they definitely have something about them.
