What?: Music to get your soul dancing
Where?: O’Neill’s, Broad Street
Who?: Greg Bird & Flamingo Flame [ambient disco]; Oh Stockholm! [folk pop]; Ollie Armstrong [indie acoustic]
How much?: Nothing! Just bring yourself and have a good time
So you can probably tell I’ve been scurrying the internet this past year trying to follow what’s happening in Birmingham’s bustling music scene. Thought I’d give you a bit of a roundup of who I think you’ll want to watch this coming year.
Troumaca
Out of the ashes of the oh-so-nearly-massive Scarlet Harlots (what is it with Brum bands and not getting mainstream recognition?) have risen Troumaca; a sickeningly talented five-piece band that have spawned their own ‘tropical dub soul’ sound. Check the video for their single ‘Fire’ and you’ll understand why they’re going to be big this year. It’s universally diverse; it’s authentically Birmingham.
The Carpels
I saw these boys play at The Rainbow and they did not disappoint. A lot of hype has been following The Carpels this year after they were snapped up by One Beat records and 2012 will tell exactly whether they live up to the potential they’re threatening. All the ingredients are there - Dylan Williams could be the best frontman of a generation. If you’re not on board with them already you need to get there. Quick.
Victories at Sea
This band is still relatively new to me. What I do know is that they’ve nailed the best of the 80’s electronic revival so prevalent in 2011 and fused it with a formidable indie-anthem sound. If Birmingham, nay the UK, isn’t shaking to the sound of Victories at Sea this year I shall be a bitter man. (Side tangent: have been informed they’re only playing their own gigs in Birmingham. Break-the-rule-for-Impact lads.. !)
Other tips from me. As always, I’m a huge fan of the prodigously talented Malpas. If they finally release their long overdue album it could be a great year for the electro-folk act from Kings Heath. Calories‘ talent is undeniable and it’s obscene that wider accolade continues to evade them. Could 2012 be their year?
And of course, I will be keeping a close ear to the ground for anything produced by catalyst-of-cool Greg Bird & Flamingo Flame, as well as maverick rap-preacher Benjamin Blower & The Army of The Brokenhearted.
Sound.
Reviewed by Joel Starkey:
Eclectic was certainly the name of the game for last Friday’s Impact.
The four act line up did not disappoint a huge crowd in bringing their own flavour
and energy to the night’s proceedings.
‘The Rebel Army’ got the ball rolling, boasting theatricals, audience
participation and military garb. What more could a venue want from an
opening act? This intriguing love-child of Zack de la Rocha and Che
Guevara delivered his hip-hop in style.
Percussive Russian dolls. Bin. Facial hair. Captain Hook on accordion.
These were potent and engaging elements that formed ‘Benjamin Blower and the
Army of the Broken Hearted’. Although they would not look too out
of place playing at the Mos Eisley cantina on Tatooine, their
energetic folk sound certainly filled O’Neill’s with merriment. I may
never again see a saw being bowed like a fiddle with such conviction. This act
was loved by all.
The Conservatiore based outfit ‘Ska Fell Pike’ bought yet another
ingredient to the pot: a snazzy, modern ska sound. Everyone loves ska,
it’s the jelly babies of the music world. These musicians, however,
steered clear of the trap of ska-mediocrity and confidently delivered
brass and horn laden covers and originals alike.
The grand finale of the night saw ‘California Gypsies’ bringing a
blend of lilting guitar riffs, nice busy bass and a beatboxing drummer
(not to mention an electric cello). These Camden lads performed a
succession of powerful, integrated rhythms without over-crowding their
well structured ensembles, balancing a chirpy indie sound with some
real rock ‘n’ roll moments.
Another momentous musical melange.
Impact is back. Friday 14 October 2011 will see the legendary gig night return to O’Neill’s, Broad Street with an audacious lineup that promises to take expectations to a new high.
Camden Town-based California Gypsies top the bill with their energetic brand of anthemic indie-rock. With the London lads’ debut single hitting the top 5 of the Amazon Indie Chart and their innovative take on popular chart songs garnering interest from a Lucozade advertising campaign, great things look set to come in 2012. A rare appearance in Brum, this is a set not to miss.
Gravelly folk-singer Benjamin Blower brings his Army of the Broken Hearted to O’Neill’s. Anybody familiar with the lyricist’s sharp critique of modern society will know his performances are as likely to take place in a crowded shopping area as they are a normal pub venue. With an insistent sound drawing on rap and folk influences, expect to be converted to the cause.
Rounding off the lineup are The Rebel Army and [Becky Waite ska band]. Vincent Gould, one half of acclaimed electronic duo Waler, brings his military hip hop experiment to the event with anticipation running high. Conservatoire-based [Becky Waite ska band] promise to get the party started with their brass-fuelled ska tunes.
Entry is FREE. Doors open at 8pm. For regular updates and event details visit our Facebook page.
Stick around Birmingham long enough and you’ll hear the word ’sound’ frequently used. It basically means ’safe’, or ‘nice one’.
But sound isn’t something that’s been readily associated with Birmingham. Discussions around ‘music’ and ‘Manchester’ readily throw up a host of bands synonymous with that city’s culture. In contrast, for all its outstanding contribution to UK music (Black Sabbath, Steel Pulse, Ocean Colour Scene, The Streets, Editors, etc.) Birmingham has never really found a definitive ’sound’.
Until now.
Musical innovation is rife in Birmingham’s underground scene. An outstanding wave of new bands headed by the likes of The Carpels and Tantrums are drawing together the disparate beats and sounds of Birmingham’s diverse musical heritage into something genuinely exciting.
Birmingham in 2011 sounds urban, it sounds alternative, it sounds like nothing else out there. Check it out before it takes the mainstream by storm.
Apart from its ‘does-what-it-says-on-the-tin’ title, few people apart from those who regularly attend would know what a typical Monday Night Football session looks like. Here, for the first time, we give the exclusive low-down.
‘We play hard … but we play fair’ is the official mantra. Each game begins with the players assembling to be addressed magisterially by the ever-inspiring Gus Rosier. This lays the ground-rules and sets the tone for the match. An open invite to either of Oasis’ Sunday services (‘I dare ya’) is faithfully issued before the match gets underway.
No clashing of egos or dirty tackles; Monday Night Football is about promoting healthy and friendly competition. In its 6-year history it has drawn players from a range of backgrounds and ages, with the ratio of Oasis attendees to non split 50-50. Abilities vary and matches are played in a great spirit.
How successful is Monday Night Football? Well, something must be right for the same lads to keep turning up. People often speculate: if Jesus had grown up in our generation where would he have hung out? I reckon he would have been at Monday Night Football. And he probably would have been pretty decent too …
For more information please contact football@theoasischurch.com
It’s been a busy week. You’re tired. Surely one church meeting a week is enough – why go to a small group as well? Becky Webb takes up the challenge:
“Small groups make so much sense to me; they are the place to get connected, share the highs and lows of life, and build community. When I walk into my small group I love the anticipation that hangs in the air; it’s time to do life together – time to catch up, and drink tea, and find out how each other’s weeks have been; time to meet with God in a real way during the midweek madness of work or home life; time to get stuck into Sunday’s passage and help one another apply it in a meaningful way; time to pray together, to worship together.
Being part of a small group makes me feel known and provides me with people who look out for me on a Sunday, ask how I am doing … and then wait to hear the answer. It helps join the dots from Sunday to Sunday, because a lot can happen in six days. They are a place to grow; a place to be challenged and changed by God’s Word; a place to be valued and supported, and to grow lasting friendships; a place to grow in the gifts God has given His church and encourage each other.”
To find out how you can get connected to an Oasis Church small group please contact admin@theoasischurch.com.
Starting new in Birmingham this term? Congratulations! You’ve made it to the City of Dreams – where clubs disguise themselves as custard factories and gig venues as churches.
We asked 8 students past-and-present for their take on the hotspots the Freshers’ guides won’t tell you about.
*
Name(s): Sophie and Jet
University: Birmingham
Course(s): Medicine, Physiotherapy
The Gun Barrels,
Bristol Road, Selly Oak
‘It’s the place to be when there’s a big match on and is always overflowing with students.’
‘Amazing cheap hot chocolate! And cheap tasty food!’
*
Name: Bryn
University: Conservatoire
Course: Music
The canal!
‘It’s a great place to walk or go for a run, especially in the city centre.’
*
Name: Clare
University: Birmingham City
Course: Nursing
Teamworks Indoor Go Karting
Fazeley Street, Digbeth
‘It’s great fun! Prices from £20 and they do occasional student events.’
*
Name: Tim
University: Birmingham
Course: Geography
Basketball courts
George Road, Selly Oak
‘It’s a great place to meet random students, play basketball and enjoy an ever-changing graffiti backdrop!’
*
Name: JJ
University: Conservatoire
Course: Music
The Yardbird,
Paradise Place, City Centre
‘It’s where all the jazz cats meet. There’s a lot to be learnt watching the musicians there.’
*
Name: Lizzie
University: Birmingham
Course: Biomedical Science
Symphony Hall
Broad Street, City Centre
‘Last minute Symphony Hall tickets – bargain!’
*
Name: Mike
University: Birmingham
Course: Medicine
Villa Park (on a week night),
Trinity Road, Aston
‘While there is no guarantee of top quality football, you will get football!!’
*
Disagree with our choices? Email your suggestions to admin@theoasischurch.com.
As I enter The Bridge’s new office it’s clear that things are in a state of flux. Boxes line the walls and the room is tense with flurried activity. Within minutes I am holding a cable, trying to help get the printer online. So what has changing location actually meant for The Bridge? I caught up with Beth Throssel and Jim Nichols to find out.
‘This whole house needed to be re-done,’ says Beth thoughtfully. ‘The kitchen needed to be re-done. Two toilets have been done. Two bathrooms have been done. The whole house has been re-painted.’
That’s a lot of transition in a short space. I wonder how the residents have coped with the change.
‘They’ve been absolutely amazing,’ enthuses Beth. ‘More hardworking than if we’d paid someone. They’ve been amazingly supportive to the staff and workmen that have come in.’
The Bridge’s journey to the present house began earlier this year after a number of changes forced the project to radically re-think its future. It’s evidently been a big shift.
‘Yeah, on a number of levels,’ agrees Jim. ‘Going from one big 15-bed house to a number of smaller 6-bed houses makes the whole thing more about having little communities than one big melting-pot.’
‘For me I think it’s really exciting because we couldn’t be called a hostel anymore,’ says Beth. ‘We’re creating homes not houses – and I find that really exciting.’
So how can people get involved in supporting The Bridge?
Beth explains: ‘What we would love is for every resident, if they want one, to have someone who is just their mate; who they can go and have coffee with and is also a link in the church.
‘We are so blessed with the fact that nearly all the residents are going to church. And it is time for people to jump on this opportunity and really welcome them into the church family.’
‘If you’re serious about spreading the gospel, you’ve got people who are hungry on the doorstep,’ quips Jim.
‘Absolutely! Yeah.’
For more information on getting involved in The Bridge please contact jim@thebridge.uk.net
‘It absolutely challenged my beliefs in a very non-confrontational way.’
Meaning of life? It was all in a day’s work for the employees of one city-centre law firm. Work-based Alpha ran successfully from January to March of this year, leading one attendee to comment, ‘It absolutely challenged my beliefs in a very non-confrontational way, which I really appreciated.’
At Oasis Church, Alpha is all about discussing ‘life, the world, and the universe’ which means anything in fact – with no question too ‘out there’ to discuss. Each of the 9 sessions begin with a fine evening meal, followed by an engaging talk from the course speaker Gus Rosier and lively discussions in small groups.
The Alpha Course is attended by thousands of people in the UK every year and is run in 163 countries. The course offers guests an opportunity to discuss their questions on the meaning of life in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Our latest Alpha Course will be running at Edgbaston Cricket Ground from 13 October 2010. For more details contact the church office on 0121 628 0001 or email alpha@theoasischurch.com
