A performance to remember
For some bands, it is months before they return to a big venue, years even. However, for Dog is Dead this was their first time playing O2 Academy, Birmingham, and they were making sure they weren’t forgotten in a hurry.
Outside, the crowd was a sea of over-sized glasses, chinos, and girls wearing Beatles and Smiths t-shirts, all waiting patiently to get out of the cold night. The venue itself was small but stylish and filled with many empty spaces, and the first to arrive began to make their way inside.
There was definitely a theme of young talent on stage, starting with the oddly named Jellybean Rebellion, whose angry vocal style would be a large contrast to those who later step on the stage. The band played a range of upbeat tracks, including the song ‘Take Your Hat Off’. Any band exposed to this scene of music should be willing to take their hats off to the crowds that gather at these gigs. Although the people in the audience weren’t moving, they were listening intently. Something many other subcultures fail to do in terms of support acts.
Next to take to the stage was Boat To Row. The five piece folk band had a lovely array of instruments, with the lead singer changing from guitar to mandarin between songs. This was when the crowd finally started to move, dancing and singing along to melodic tunes, as they were thanked profusely for coming down to watch the show.
Finally, the main event, starting with a sudden entrance. The synth played and symbols crashed as Dog Is Dead opened with ‘River Jordan’. The tiny room was now full of people, moving from the bar towards the stage to get a good glimpse of the Nottingham band.
There’s something extremely special about seeing upcoming talent and this band was no exception. Things began to take shape four songs in as the saxophone was revealed and their hit single ‘Young’ began to play. The chilled out harmonies finally encouraged the crowd to begin moving properly.
Although hard to place in a category, Dog Is Dead seemed liked chilled out, indie music, mixing in the electrical sound of the synth for a futurist effect. Keeping their high energy throughout, the boys played a range of up-beat tracks, including their newest single ‘Two Devils’ soon to be released on the 5th March.
The band finished and suddenly left the stage, returning shorty as the hungry crowd cried out for a final encore. People cheered, reaching for camera phones and friends as the unmistakable intro of ‘Glockenspiel’ began. It was clear this is what many people had been waiting for as the crowd danced and moved with more energy than ever before.
The show ended dramatically, as both keyboardist and a fan from the crowd stage dived into the enthusiastic sea of bodies waiting to catch them below. Overall, Dog Is Dead put on an exciting, energetic show and will definitely not be forgotten for their time in Birmingham.
Words by Sophie Sparham
View an accompanying live photo gallery of Dog Is Dead live at O2 Academy, Birmingham.
Outside, the crowd was a sea of over-sized glasses, chinos, and girls wearing Beatles and Smiths t-shirts, all waiting patiently to get out of the cold night. The venue itself was small but stylish and filled with many empty spaces, and the first to arrive began to make their way inside.
There was definitely a theme of young talent on stage, starting with the oddly named Jellybean Rebellion, whose angry vocal style would be a large contrast to those who later step on the stage. The band played a range of upbeat tracks, including the song ‘Take Your Hat Off’. Any band exposed to this scene of music should be willing to take their hats off to the crowds that gather at these gigs. Although the people in the audience weren’t moving, they were listening intently. Something many other subcultures fail to do in terms of support acts.
Next to take to the stage was Boat To Row. The five piece folk band had a lovely array of instruments, with the lead singer changing from guitar to mandarin between songs. This was when the crowd finally started to move, dancing and singing along to melodic tunes, as they were thanked profusely for coming down to watch the show.
Finally, the main event, starting with a sudden entrance. The synth played and symbols crashed as Dog Is Dead opened with ‘River Jordan’. The tiny room was now full of people, moving from the bar towards the stage to get a good glimpse of the Nottingham band.
There’s something extremely special about seeing upcoming talent and this band was no exception. Things began to take shape four songs in as the saxophone was revealed and their hit single ‘Young’ began to play. The chilled out harmonies finally encouraged the crowd to begin moving properly.
Although hard to place in a category, Dog Is Dead seemed liked chilled out, indie music, mixing in the electrical sound of the synth for a futurist effect. Keeping their high energy throughout, the boys played a range of up-beat tracks, including their newest single ‘Two Devils’ soon to be released on the 5th March.
The band finished and suddenly left the stage, returning shorty as the hungry crowd cried out for a final encore. People cheered, reaching for camera phones and friends as the unmistakable intro of ‘Glockenspiel’ began. It was clear this is what many people had been waiting for as the crowd danced and moved with more energy than ever before.
The show ended dramatically, as both keyboardist and a fan from the crowd stage dived into the enthusiastic sea of bodies waiting to catch them below. Overall, Dog Is Dead put on an exciting, energetic show and will definitely not be forgotten for their time in Birmingham.
Words by Sophie Sparham
View an accompanying live photo gallery of Dog Is Dead live at O2 Academy, Birmingham.
