Hi friends, hope everyone is well, so back in May I was at Muthers recording studio watching a showcase of new talent. Having arrived fashionably late I caught the end of the set by The Skeme, a brave bunch of fresh-faced youngsters doing their thing, as part of the Digbeth Rising initiative. This event is useful to let bands get a taste of what it is like to perform in front of an audience, and it gives the public a chance to see what the future holds for the music industry. Many people have that dream of becoming an artist but to slog it out in this manner takes some guts. These guys are more than capable of playing their instruments, probably were really nervous but the music was great, a heady mix of guitar driven Alt-Rock, with songs ‘Secret Hideout’ and ‘Dagger In Your Heart’ that got the crowd moving and a-grooving, the vibe reminiscent of the likes of Echobelly and The Soup Dragons. Indie style possibly with a hint of Shoegaze, but it was the stonking cover of ‘Reptilia’ that had me sold. Well done lads, hope you continue to create music and would love to see you again.
Headlining today were Road Closed, a name that is quite apt as roadworks are ingrained in Brummie culture and conscience. A cute little acoustic segment from Tyler, the tie- dye bassist sets off this little firecracker and with a couple of well-placed covers, these guys knew what they were doing. A tantalising mix of the old with the new, they knew how to engage with the bustling student crowd. Singer Leo, he of the awesome black shirt acknowledged Mental Health Awareness Week, showing an awareness and insight into the world around them. They care, and so should we all. Funky shirts brightened the stage, drummer Amar and guitarist Jaimie, (apologies if names have been spelt incorrectly) colourfully entertained a crowd that obviously had seen them before, parents and family members should be proud of the bands tonight. The song ‘Slow Dance’ replete with funky and chunky frets, infectious and ideally placed after ‘Waste A Moment’ the KOL cover. With a debut album imminent, I feel exciting things are just on the horizon.
It’s time to make some noise my friends, and more importantly make some room, the new breed is snapping at the heels of a fickle industry. Original music is alive and kicking with musicians throwing themselves into the bear pit and coming out fighting. A thoroughly enjoyable night, although there is an untouched quality here, in need of further development and exploration. The possibilities, as they say, are endless. With a rousing cover of ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ to finish the evening and set our hearts ablaze.
Tonight, was for the fledgling bands, the hope for a better future, the torch to light the way forward, and we will see more of these bands do fantastic things with the correct backing and support. For now, though, Nirvana on my mind, as we all made our way out into the night.
Azra Pathan
Digbeth Rising at Muthers Studio, Birmingham 14th May 2022