The second city gets a lot of stick. From outsiders mocking the accent, to constantly being asked about relations to the Peaky Blinders, Birmingham deserves more love.
People forget it gave inspiration for The Lord of the Rings, has more canals than Venice and gave birth to Cluedo. But better than that, its music scene can rival any other city.
In the ‘70s we had Ozzy Osbourne beheading chickens in the name of metal, and then the noughties saw Mike Skinner push things forward with The Streets. The name may have been ridiculous, but even the 2013 B-Town era helped Brum make a good name for itself once again. Everyone was lovesick for Peace and letting Swim Deep make their suns shine.
It’s not just the big names Birmingham has to be proud of though. The city has some of the best new talent to offer. Here are some of the acts you need to check out…
Exhailers
Who: Disjointed, fuzzy alt-rock that skits in and out of normality
For Fans Of: The Wytches, Wand
Best Track: New Boy
The Americas
Who: Blues rock n’ roll that “you can ride a motorcycle to”
For Fans Of: The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton
Best Track: ‘Something’s Gonna Happen’
The Lizards
Who: 60s psych updated with a hint of Britpop to liven up the reverb
For Fans Of: Pond, early King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
Best Track: ‘She Goes Down’
Violet
Who: Carefree indie pop with some heavy shoegaze thrown in
For Fans Of: JAWS, Blossoms
Best Track: ‘Feel’
Nonsuch
Who: Soft grunge uniting with their psychedelic influences
For Fans Of: The Babe Rainbow, Ulrika Spacek
Best Track: ‘Golden Light’
Table Scraps
Who: DIY garage-punk trio boasting earworming riffs and sludgy basslines
For Fans Of: The Cramps, Thee Oh Sees
Best Track: ‘Sick Of Me’
The Surrenders
Who: Four piece with a fresh take on classic rock and soul
For Fans Of: Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones
Best Track: ‘Sun Song’
Lady Sanity
Who: MC with heavy hip-hop hooks, and helping women make a name for themselves within rap
For Fans Of: Missy Elliot, Kendrick Lamar
Best Track: ‘Can’t Say’
As Mamas
Who: Duo with an ear for bluesy rock
For Fans Of: The Black Keys, Gary Clark Jr.
Best Track: ‘The Lights Are On But Everyones Wasted’
P.E.T
Who: Bubblegum thrash punk trio
For Fans Of: Bikini Kill, Queen Zee
Best Track: ‘Tommy’
Words: Becky Rogers
@beckyrogers29
Header photo: Andy Hughes
@AndyHPhoto
Latest posts by Becky Rogers (see all)
- COMPETITION: Win tickets to see Christine and the Queens at All Points East 2019 - April 23, 2019
- LIVE: IDLES @ DM’s Boot Room, London, 25.03.19 - March 27, 2019
- The Japanese House and more added to Standon Calling 2019 line-up - March 22, 2019
