Overpass
Birmingham-based ‘Overpass’ were the first band to grace the stage, providing a set full of songs with an air of nostalgia, like the feeling of listening to your favourite indie anthem for the first time. They have been opening for Inhaler on their UK tour, providing the perfect introduction to what can only be described as a night of proper good tunes.
Once the band began, the crowd became alive, fueled by the power of solid riffs and uniquely energetic melodies. Contagious dance moves surfaced within the crowd as the ensemble generated a state of vibrancy, lighting up the room and enticing their observers to join them in a realm of light-heartedness and excitement. There’s a clear sense of musical chemistry between the quartet. With a graceful stage presence and appreciation for the crowd, they represent a refreshing take on indie rock that is authentic and hard to ignore.
Headlining The Mill in Birmingham on the 28th of April, Overpass are soon to be embarking on a new chapter of opportunities.
Feet
With theatrical dance moves that light up the room, FEET produce sonic electricity with each performance. Each song displays a narrative of fun and youthful energy with lyrics that provoke curiosity, pushing the boundaries of conventional indie-rock with every riff and bellow. They are pioneers, spearheading a whole new take on live performance with their individualism.
The setlist included their latest single ‘Changing my mind again’, a prime example of the band’s sonic evolution into their new era of sound, giving us a brief insight into what’s to come with album two. It was great hearing some familiar tracks from ‘What’s inside is more than just ham’, FEET’s mischievous first album full of eccentricities that capture the same energy as their live performances exceptionally well. This included ‘Chalet 47’ and ‘English Weather’, both of which sparked a surge of activity within the growing sea of spectators; they are captivating, grasping the attention of those in the crowd like moths to a flame.
You’ve got to see it to believe it! FEET truly are a band you don’t want to miss seeing live.
Inhaler
Inhaler fans were in for an absolute treat. With this filled with being the last show of the tour, the band were on top form, performing the perfect mix of old and new, grasping the attention of the crowd with their charismatic stage presence. Within a moment, the lights illuminated the previously empty stage and the band emerged from the right-hand side. The crowd erupted with excitement and the band began, staring off with a rousing version of ‘These are the days’ to wet the appetite of their hungry admirers.
The next song was a firm fan favourite.‘My honest face’ was previously used to close the show and so it was refreshing to see it near the beginning of the set, peaking excitement levels and forming a mosh pit in the middle of the floor.
Lead singer Elijah had the crowd eating out of his hand and the audience singing along with every word. The set consisted of classics from their first album ‘it won’t always be like this’ and new gems from their second album ‘cuts and bruises’. It was the perfect mix of old and new and a true representation of just how good the band’s discography is.
It was great to see the diversity of the crowd. Teenage girls hanging over the barrier at the front of the stage and all age groups in the audience really appreciating the musical talent of these Irish boys. The atmosphere was electric from start to finish and each of the 15 songs of the set were met with the raucous applause they deserved. Having left the stage following cheer up baby, the familiar chants for ‘one more song’ emerged from the sea of expectant faces, it was clear to see the crowd were still hungry for more. Minutes passed and anticipation grew stronger when suddenly the lights shone down, revealing the return of the four Irish lads. They began their encore with an enchanting rendition of ‘If You’re Gonna Break My Heart’, soon followed by ‘It Won’t Always Be Like This’ which finished the set perfectly, ending the night with the class and sophistication this band are projecting.
This band made up of Elijah Hewson on vocals, Ryan McMahon on drums, Josh Jenkinson on lead guitar and Robert Keating on bass are going places. They are going global. They are preparing for world domination. Catch them in a smaller venue while you still can. You won’t regret it.
Words & images: Liv Green