All was not quiet on this New Years Day; our American cousins finally made it back over here after all the trials and tribulations of these past few years. They held us close to their hearts, we belonged to them, words that meant so much in a world that is filled with hate.
To overcome the struggles, singer Ash Costello, with glowing and flowing red and black locks, crept across the stage, watching each and every one of us. Her presence is magnetic, the band support her tenacity with their own efforts and endurance, there is power and promise in her voice and in their creative endeavours.
The anthem for us girls ‘Shut Up’ was thrown into the crowd like a stick of dynamite, it allowed for a ferocious and feral hoedown, culminating in the audacious ‘shut up and let me speak’ our frustrations over flowing, we implore that many more people will add their voice.
With an invitation to bring the noise, well that’s an offer you cannot refuse, so we screamed, we yelled and hollered the place down to the ground, we used what dregs of energy we had left to raise ourselves up and over the top, illuminating the ‘Gangsta’ within and feeling ‘So Sick’ that even our ‘Skeletons’ came out for a rumble.
The metal gods were appeased with a blunt force trauma cover of ‘Fucking Hostile’ and with our ‘horns up’ we raged on, tonight was one battle we would win.
Birmingham proved to be her ride or die audience, we did not shy away from her demands, we acted and reacted in true metal style, heads banged, pits were availed, arms waved until our shoulders were detached from their sockets, a wonderful sight, which I’m sure looked much better from the stage.
Her observations led her to address those of us positioned at the back of the room, wanting to give us all a minute or two, she began to promenade gracefully amongst the fans. It was a proper band meets fans moment that was soundtracked by the sweet serenade that is ‘I’m About To Break You’ the excitement was palpable, we naturally created a pathway to allow for a trouble free mooch, up close and personal.
Be still my half black heart, fit to burst, come on do your worst, from last to first, it’s a New Years Day we will remember for a long time to come.
Azra Pathan
New Years Day – O2 Academy Birmingham 30th January 2025