Out and About With….Blue Violet
Gig Review
1st May 2022
The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham
Photography by Erin Connolly
Once again I’m back with another breakdown of an amazing night of live music. Not only did I manage to hear two bands perform some of my favourite songs of theirs live, but I also got to discover another cracking local band from Birmingham in person. So, I gathered my things, bid goodbye to the kiddies and boarded the train to take me to what I know accept is my second home, The Sunflower Lounge. Despite the rain, I was very excited for the nights proceedings to get underway.
First up to the stage were Eighty Eight Miles. I’d heard the name over the last few months and seen them appear on numerous line ups across the city. So naturally I was curious to see what they were all about. In a small twist, I actually got to see them perform an acoustic set as their drummer had traded a wet day in May for the sunshine of Lanzarote. With practiced and well rehearsed momentum they struck up into their first song and immediately hooked my attention. T
I really enjoyed the balance between the acoustic and electric guitars as in each song, while the acoustic led the way, the electric guitar would weave in between it creating a nice and natural sound. Add to this the gentle but reassuring bass line and the whole thing felt full and expansive. It might not be the natural state their music takes but even without the drums each song stood up on its own and even felt natural t one played as an acoustic driven three piece. After performing some great original songs, plus two as yet unreleased numbers the band wrapped up their set wit that viral sensation that is ‘As It Was’ (great version of it as well).
So with that over, Eighty Eight Miles got themselves added to my ‘Keep One Eye on Them’ list and exited the stage to a well deserved round of applause (I find it very difficult to describe audiences clapping, they enjoyed it a lot). Next up to the mic was a band I’d literally only just interviewed the week before after listening to their debut album on repeat….Lucky Number You.
As I said, in a twist of fate I interviewed Dan, lead vocalist and guitarist for Lucky Number You, the week before this gig and found out during that interview that he would be supporting Blue Violet on the night. So of course, I took up central position at the front, gathered up all the points in their tracks that had a sing along element, and settled in for their set.
Without a word they struck up into their opening track and recharged the electricity created by Eighty Eight Miles. I very much enjoyed listening to ‘After Care’ when it was released so it was great to hear Lucky Number You perform the tracks in person with so much passion and energy. Each song was performed with flare and such a comfortable attitude that before you knew it you were swept up into the upbeat kick of their music. All three of them kept the whole set tight and well oiled, making the most of their stage presence. I got the feeling that even if they were in front of a single occupant that they would’ve come at the set with the same energy and enthusiasm. I always love seeing a band enjoying the performance just as much as their audience.
Eventually though, and after a reference to a Sunday roast making me quite peckish, Lucky number You announced their final song and drew their set to a satisfying close. Much like before the audience gave an overwhelmingly positive response and there were even a few calls for one more song. I later found out that this was one of their first live shows back. Not to shabby and definitely another one on my ‘Need to see again’ list (getting quite a few of these lists now).
Now it was time for headliner, the band I’d dragged myself out into the rain to see, Blue Violet. After a bit of stage shifting the band immediately dove into the opening track from their new album, ‘White Beaches’. It was even better live than the original track that had pulled me towards this band in the first place. Much like the previous two acts, Blue Violet’s sheer enjoyment of being on a stage once again lifted their performance to a whole new level. Each song was delivered with practiced ease and thoughtful care and attention.
In between songs, Sarah was always so grateful for people coming out to see them perform and gave a well deserved shout out to both support acts. Once again this was a band enjoying the fact that they were out in a new city, playing to new people, and just allowing themselves to get lost in their own performance. Though when listening to the album I got a sense of am ore laid back musician ship their set packed a lot of punch in certain songs and really highlighted each of their abilities as part of the band.The drums, bass, guitars, and vocals all levelled each other out nicely to create a great overall live sound.
As the night drew to a close I once again felt really lucky to have the chance to get to see such amazing talent in such intimate settings. Each act that night blew me away in their own unique way. It was also great to among people who cheered, clapped, and then stuck around afterwards to congratulate and speak to these hard working artists about how great their performances were. To top it all off I even managed to get in an interview with Blue Violet about their tour and new album for the show, listen via Switch Radio website (shameless). So yeah, another great night to kick off May and here is looking forward to experiencing many more nights like this in the future.
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