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There's a revolution going on. A revolution on your doorstep!
For a long time there's been whispered rumours that the West Midlands actually has some incredible local bands doing the rounds. It's been a well-kept secret for a while amongst those that know, but the secret's out.
Hundreds of local bands are currently playing the Midlands gig circuit and some of those bands are about to finally get the recognition that seems to have passed Birmingham bands by in recent years. Editors started it, but watch out for bands like The Enemy, The Big Bang, Sunset Cinema Club and Beat Union, who look set to take on the big boys in 2007. And there's plenty more where they came from. Just check out the bands listed amongst the friends at MySpace.com/birminghamrocks for further proof of what the area has to offer.
Tonight's little Christmas bash hosted by Zoot Promotions and the Catapult Club takes place at Birmingham's Academy 2 and has 5 more of the best local bands playing storming sets to a packed crowd.
Despite being first on, Untitled Musical Project are magnificent. Bringing the punk spirit of '76 crashing into the 21st century, this young threesome have talent, energy and attitude in spades. They're followed by Coventry's The Ripps who recently made it into Rock Sound's "Hot 100 for 2007" and their punchy songs demonstrate why, fusing gritty punk energy with infectious pop choruses which should see their debut album "Long Live The Ripps", due in February, being one of the highlights in the new year.
Birmingham's Deluka are another band whose star is rising and tonight they play a blistering set which includes ace new single "Stop Stop" and the majestic "I'll Wait". No retro indulgences here. Deluka take all that's good about modern indie rock and push it further with elements of electro, new wave & rock n' roll thrown into the mix. And in Ellie Innocento they have a star in the making.
Originally from Telford but now nicely settled in the Second City, Murdoch know a thing or two about how to make guitar music that makes you wanna dance. With fans including Ian Brown and a certain Mr N Gallagher, plus gigs with Editors, Maximo Park and Long Blondes, the band are also picking up attention in all the right areas.
Tonight though, there's one band who look most likely to be one of the major players in 2007 and that's The Twang. With a record deal freshly signed and the adoration of the NME amongst others, there seems to be a genuine sense of "something's about to happen" surrounding this cheeky fivesome who are single handedly resurrecting the sound of Madchester, throwing in some smart-arse lyrics and injecting the lot with bravado, attitude and, more importantly, fun. The crowd love 'em and they bring the evening's live entertainment to a fitting conclusion. This is meant to be a party after all.
By the looks of things, 2007 is shaping up to be a momentous year for the West Midlands music scene. Make sure you're there to witness it.
Words & photos - Steve Gerrard www.rock-photo.com
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