Coming Up ..... Friday 31st October
Folk Rock_Indie_Alternative

Fleet Foxes + Special Guests J.Tillman + FREE after party with Bang! Bang! DJ’s.

Venue: Space 2, Custard Factory Complex, Gibb Street, Digbeth, B9 4AA
Time: 8pm
Links:
www.myspace.com/fleetfoxesfanssite
http://www.myspace.com/custardfactory
http://www.myspace.com/bangbangatpanic

Coming Up ..... Friday 31st October
Indie_Rock Alternative_Acoustic

Platform promotions presents Liner + SaturdaySunday + Jimmy Weston
+ Jamie Croft

SaturdaySunday are 4 lads in their 20's who are the best things to come out of the Yardley and Chelmsley Wood areas of Birmingham since illegal dogs and hooped earrings.

Jimmy Weston is a singer songwriter from the U.K hailing from Coventry the motor city in the heart of England ,the home of Jaguar Cars and ska band The Specials. Via moseley Birmingham and Camden Town North London. Over the past few years Jimmy has caught the attention of many major record companies in England and America and recorded demos with Steve Bush (stereophonics) Gavin Monahan (editors) and sebastian beresford (lily allen). With impassioned vocals reminisent of Thom Yorke and Rod Stewart and Anthemic songs Jimmy Weston is one to watch.

Jamie Croft: (from his myspace)
I have been singing and playing guitar since the age of 5 and composing since the age of 10. I have never looked back! Every song I write seems to be an improvement on the last and now I am looking at recording my latest material a.s.a.p. I have mostly accoustic tracks, but I am now writing with Keith Birkett(Rokyesoxoff) in our recently formed band 'High Roller'.

Venue: The Island Bar, 14-16 Suffolk Street (Next to the Alexandra Theatre), B1 1LT
Time: 8.30pm
Cost: £4 / £3 NUS
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/platform_promotions
http://www.myspace.com/linerband
http://www.myspace.com/saturdaysundayband
http://www.myspace.com/jimmywestonmusic
http://www.myspace.com/jaycmusic

Coming Up ..... Friday 3rd October
Punk_Ska_Reggae_Alternative

444 Club presents The Cracked Actors + The Heels + The Acoustic Theatre

The Cracked Actors:

Cracked Actors formed in Sept. 1999. The Actors are played by: -

2 Tall Tim a.k.a. Tim Bamford the Yorkshire Massive, boards and didgeridoo and vocals.

Fudge on lead vocals, a die-hard Brummie punk from time, previous band include Generator ,Colour Climax. Rufus Ruffcut,and One Chord Wonders

Ras Lionel Bard a.k.a. Kez Carpenter ( Rasta Fe True!) is the other lead vocalist in this dual assault on the senses. RLBs previous bands include Acid Rain and Spiral Headcase.

Johnny 2 Bad a.k.a. John Peyton on rhythm guitar and vocals from the west coast of Ireland claims to be a social revolutionary, (keep your eye on this one).

Bass Player...Paddy Power !!!

Malcolm X a.k.a. Mal OConnor on tenor saxophone has gigged with Sam Brown, and Papa Sax, from The Beat. Previous bands include I Lab and The Alibis.

Tim Bali has drummed in loadsa bands including Sister Automatic and Virus who released on Graduate Records.

Richie Capone used to be in The Capones.

Joint Influences; Bob Marley, David Bowie, Trojan and Two Tone Ska, Reggae, Punk, Beethoven and Rizzla.

Bands Played with; The Beat, Selector, Bad Manners, Tarantism, G.B.H., Inner Terrestrials, P.A.I.N.,Neville Staples Specials, The Splitters,Babyhead, Banco De Gaia (at The Green Roadshow in the Circus Croissante-Neuf, Glastonbury Festival,) Think, The London Swingphonia featuring Harry Martin, Top Cats, and Shikoya, (at Lost Vagueness Cabaret Ballroom, Glastonbury Festival 2004), The Undertones, Eddie and the Hotrods,Zion Train,and Drongo's for Europe.

The Acoustic Theatre Unplugged Short Biography:

The Acoustic Theatre is a group that has come together through ex International Beat front man and singer songwriter Tony Beet. The Group all come from Birmingham UK, performing tunes from the International Beat, and some great new material, + rock steady classics. The unique sound that comes from The Acoustic Theatre is that they perform these songs unplugged and intimate so they keep it real for their audience so that a special connection happens. Tony Beet was lead vocalist and one of the main songwriters in The International Beat, a group with a strong line up featuring members of The Beat & Dexys Midnight Runners and General Public. The Band toured around the world including America and Europe along with Bad Manners & The Selecter, Ranking Roger and Dave Wakeling, The Toasters, and many more Bands. The International Beat recorded many tunes and played some great shows and had a great time doing this, check out there classic album "The Hitting Line" Tony along with Brother Alan Beet who was also in The International Beat has joined The Acoustic Theatre to add to the sound they have. The Band mix blue beat & rock steady along with pop and urban folk to create there unique style and sound. The Band features acoustic guitars melodica organ harmonica percussion, vocals & harmonies & double bass, there sound is big and full of dynamics, experience The Acoustic Theatre Live! The Acoustic Theatre, Are Tony Beet/Lead Vocals & Acoustic Guitar & Harmonies, Tony O Donnell/ Vocals & Harmonies, Alan Beet/Melodica & Organ/Harmonica, Vince Seager/Percussion, Paul Wells/Lead & Rhythm Acoustic Guitar, Silas Wood, Double Bass, The Band have just finished recording there Album “acoustic calling promo” studio album, This is it, well worth catching up with! Love and Unite to the World!

Venue: The Rainbow Pub, Digbeth High Street, B12 0LD
Time: 8pm
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/mustaphatoke
http://www.myspace.com/theheelsska
http://www.myspace.com/acoustictheatre

Coming Up ..... Friday 3rd October
Rock_Metal_Hardcore_Punk_Experimental

The Go Club present The Deafout + The Souls + Only the Good + K.M.A. + Herorin Hospital

Only The Good:
Upbeat rockers Only The Good tear open the dark underbelly of Heavy Metal and stuff it with energetic punk attitude, before marinading in a sweaty mix of high octane rhythms and screaming guitar harmonies. Best served with naan and lager.

Having been playing for over a year at various venues in and around Birmingham, such as The Flapper, Jug Of Ale, Bar Academy, Varsity Wolverhampton, The Palace Tamworth, supporting several acts such as Bryn Christopher (signed to Polydor records), the band is well established on the live scene.

Venue: The Old Wharf, Oxford Street, Digbeth, B5 5NR
Time: 8pm
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/thegoclubmusic
http://www.myspace.com/thedeafout
http://www.myspace.com/onlythegood666
http://www.myspace.com/kma2000
http://www.myspace.com/heroinhospitaltheband

Coming Up ..... Friday 3rd October
Indie_Rock_Blues_Experimental_Alt.

Platform Promotions presents Cold Shot Trio + The Redcaps + Burning Thirteen

Cold Shot Trio:
Cold Shot Trio are a dynamic and unique Midlands based band, a fiery venom of eclectic blends, that can be tagged to Jazz, Rock, Blues with a traditional familiar Texas Soul feel that runs deeper than your back-bone. The 'soul' intention is to make heads bop. The 3 strong force: Tom, Lars, Phil forged an instant binding friendship and a united musical dream. We feel strongly that the music we produce does not shamelessly pander to any particular fashion or fad and most importantly, not driven by the hope that we'll make radio 1 some day. This ideal has given Cold Shot Trio a freshness that has impressed its audiences.

Venue: The Sunflower Lounge, 76 Smallbrook Queensway, B5 4EG
Time: 8pm
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/platform_promotions
http://www.myspace.com/coldshottrio
http://www.myspace.com/theredcaps
http://www.myspace.com/burningxiii

Coming Up ..... Friday 26th September
Indie_Rock_Ska_Alternative_Country

Platform Promotions presents Tempting Rosie + The Heys + Darren Jones and the UP! + Shqee

The Heys:
Born from a love of The Kinks, the Stones, The Who and The Jam, this British 4-piece wear their influences on their sleeves; Mod, Motown, Northern Soul, Rhythm & Blues, Punk attitude. The Heys have everything that a great guitar-pop band should have, three minutes of fuzzy major chords, full, rich bass, shouty, ominpresent backing vocals and an impossibly addictive chorus.

Darren Jones and the UP!:
Darren Jones is a 23 year old singer/songwriter, musician. Armed with a passion for indie rock ‘n’soul music he began the writing as a home recording project but after some good response from listeners he decided to get a band together and Darren Jones & The UP! is the result. Three piece Indie, Rock 'n' soul outfit from leicestershire, taking influences from FREE, Ryan Adams, CCR, Steely Dan to name a few.

Venue: The Island Bar, 14-16 Suffolk Street (Next to the Alexandra Theatre), B1 1LT
Time: 7pm
Cost: £4 / £3
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/platform_promotions
http://www.myspace.com/temptingrosie
http://www.myspace.com/theup1

Coming Up ..... Friday 26th September
Rock_Metal_Funk_Alternative

Platform Promotions present Sicum + MCM + Long Day Gone

Sicum:
With the energy of Rage Against The Machine, the funk of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the middle finger of Eminem, Sicum are anything but your average band. Sicum are not here to be cool or gain your respect, only to give you the chance to break free from today. Gaining more support, from fans and fellow bands alike, every gig they play, including headlining the Midlands Regional Gig at the Barfly, Sicum are definitely going places and everyone’s invited. Mixing funky hip-hop bass lines and rock/rap drum beats layered under funk-rock and alternative guitar riffs and thought provoking lyrics Sicum have managed to create a raw sound that feels completely fresh and inviting but gives no apologies. By allowing each member to individually express themselves through their instrument they have created a tight and very solid sound. This all combines and comes across very strong in their live performances where they’re not scared of connecting with the crowd. “The crowd is as much a part of each song as we are”. All minds want to break free, now there is someone to open the door. Sicum, music but not as you know it.

Long Day Gone:
Long Day Gone will be releasing they’re second single “Don’t Say Goodbye” on the 27th of October 2008. On the back of the band's success of reaching No.27 in the UK Indie Charts with their debut single "Live Or Die", Long Day Gone are striving to reach even greater heights in the coming months with brand new tracks and rip roaring live shows. It’s look’s like a very exciting end to a very successful year for the band, with plans already in place for 2009.
Dangerously addictive, LDG have a sound that stands head and shoulders over the current British guitar based sound and not a pair of skinny jeans in sight!!
For the past three years, they have been crafting away at their tracks from their base in the Midlands to bring to the public's ears music that's simply awe-inspiring. Long Day Gone's depth is derived from the sounds of many of their Rock contemporaries. This depth of character ebbs and flows through LDG's songs that when mixed with their creativity generates their own distinctive sound, from the crushing sounds of "Fall Out" to the haunting out & out British rock influenced "Don't Say Goodbye".
LDG's ventures cover London, the North West and their home turf in the Midlands. Regular airplay on Kerrang Radio, constant views on Myspace and a large social network ensures a crowd at their shows. Long Day Gone's gigs include Storm in Leicester Square, The Cavern Club in Liverpool, Jug of Ale, Birmingham Barfly, and their sold out shows at the Little Civic in Wolverhampton which saw 170 people pack the place out to celebrate the launch of their debut single.
Just as much as their song writing is prolific, Long Day Gone are also frequent visitors to the recording studio and have worked very hard to nurture and develop their sound.

Venue: The Sound Bar, Corporation Street, City Centre, Opposite Aston Uni
Time: 8pm
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/platform_promotions
http://www.myspace.com/sicumband
http://www.myspace.com/mcm2003
http://www.myspace.com/longdaygone

Coming Up ..... Friday 19th September
Alternative_Rock_Indie

Humbucker Promotions & Arc Promotions presents Friday Night Live with The Siege + Hinge + The Deafout +The Likely Lads

Venue: The Sound Bar, Corporation Street, City Centre, Opposite Aston Uni
Time: 9pm
Cost: £4
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/arcpromotions
http://www.myspace.com/thesiegebanduk
http://www.myspace.com/hinge69
http://www.myspace.com/thedeafout
http://www.myspace.com/thelikelylads

Coming Up ..... Friday 19th September
Indie_Rock_Metal_Alternative

Platform promotions presents Only the Good + The Dixsons + Sicum +Burning Thirteen

Only the Good:
Upbeat rockers Only The Good tear open the dark underbelly of Heavy Metal and stuff it with energetic punk attitude, before marinading in a sweaty mix of high octane rhythms and screaming guitar harmonies. Best served with naan and lager.

Having been playing for over a year at various venues in and around Birmingham, such as The Flapper, Jug Of Ale, Bar Academy, Varsity Wolverhampton, The Palace Tamworth, supporting several acts such as Bryn Christopher (signed to Polydor records), the band is well established on the live scene.

On our live performance, thehearingaid.blogspot.com say" Only The Good! The lead guitarist's t-shirt summed it up pretty well really, ' Heavy Fuckin Metal'. He was a bit of a star actually, how the hell you do all of that head banging stuff without losing one of your frontal lobes I'll never know. Musically they rocked the Maiden out of the place, plenty of quality fret wanking and bonus points for the feet on the monitors ending. Nice touch."

Sicum:

With the energy of Rage Against The Machine, the funk of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the middle finger of Eminem, Sicum are anything but your average band. Sicum are not here to be cool or gain your respect, only to give you the chance to break free from today. Gaining more support, from fans and fellow bands alike, every gig they play, including headlining the Midlands Regional Gig at the Barfly, Sicum are definitely going places and everyone’s invited. Mixing funky hip-hop bass lines and rock/rap drum beats layered under funk-rock and alternative guitar riffs and thought provoking lyrics Sicum have managed to create a raw sound that feels completely fresh and inviting but gives no apologies. By allowing each member to individually express themselves through their instrument they have created a tight and very solid sound. This all combines and comes across very strong in their live performances where they’re not scared of connecting with the crowd. “The crowd is as much a part of each song as we are”. All minds want to break free, now there is someone to open the door. Sicum, music

Venue: The Spotted Dog, 104 Warwick Street, Digbeth, B12 0NH
Time: 8pm
Cost: £4 / £3 NUS
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/platform_promotions
http://www.myspace.com/onlythegood666
http://www.myspace.com/thedixsonswayforward
http://www.myspace.com/sicumband
http://www.myspace.com/burningxiii

Coming Up ..... Friday 19th September
Rock_Indie_Punk_Blues_Funk

The Catapult Club presents The Clouds + Copious + Fillmore Gears +CJ Mason

Venue: The Actress and Bishop, 36 Ludgate Hill, B3 1EN
Time: 8.30pm
Cost: £4 adv, £5 on the door
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/thecatapultclub
http://www.myspace.com/thecloudsmusic
http://www.myspace.com/copious1960
http://www.myspace.com/thefillmoregears
http://www.myspace.com/tartangramma

Coming Up ..... Saturday 20th September
Indie_Rock_Ska_Alternative_Electronic_Funk



Platform Promotions presents 360 + Old Skool Tie +Anyone for Shark? +
The Gazzelles

360:
360 is made up of 8 musicians who have been together for quite a while, but have now been settled into their present incarnation for the last 2 years. They are a “live” band, bringing excitement to the stage and transmitting that to the audience, who never fail to pick it up and run with it for all they are worth. All their material is original – most of which is written by their guitar-playing singer Ross Lydon. First hearing is noted for the influence of reggae and ska to their music, but upon listening further, you quickly begin to realise that there is more. More melody, more catches and more rock.

Old School Tie:
OST are a 4 young musicians creating a live and organic form of dance/ electronica music. Now based full time in Birmingham, they are busy writing, gigging and recording for an album release at the end of August.

We are an independent act, we have released 5 self funded and produced EP's, created the legendary small, green, ethical 'Fieldview Festival' and continue to make music we believe in and hope others will enjoy and appreciate.

As a group we have gigged throughout the South of the UK, gracing many epic house parties, jamming and breaking many things. We are fortunate to have played three times at the University of Birmingham's Vale Festival, played a muddy 2000 Trees Festival, graced a cold cold stage at Kingston's Green Fair in the horrible summer of 2007, provided soundtracks for independent film and have been honoured to share bills with the likes of The Infadels, Oceansize, Blackbud, Shy FX, The Mexicolas, The Anomalies, 360 and other talented and not so talented musicians....

Venue: The Hare and Hounds, High Street, Kings Heath
Time: 8pm
Cost: £4 / £3 NUS
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/platform_promotions
http://www.myspace.com/360sound
http://www.myspace.com/oldschooltie
http://www.myspace.com/anyoneforshark
http://www.myspace.com/thegazelles001

Coming Up ..... Saturday 20th September
Indie_Rock_Alternative_Acoustic



The Go Club presents Sam Bentley + Stuart Yeadon + Highly Strung

Venue: The Old Wharf, Oxford Street, Digbeth, B5 5NR
Time: 8pm
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/thegoclubmusic
http://www.myspace.com/yeadonmusic
http://www.myspace.com/sambentley
http://www.myspace.com/highlystrungbare

Coming Up ..... Friday 12th September
Indie_Rock_Punk_Rock

444 Club present The Motive + Geezer + The Leonards

The Motive:
Formed from the ashes of various West Midlands punk bands, The Motive began to develop their 21st Century take on punk rock in 2004 when Add Jones found himself kicked out of his own band! Not for the last time, it was for his refusal to compromise.

The rest of em just wanted a quiet life in Dudley I guess Im not made that way! remembers Add, when reminded of the roots of The Motive.

Add quickly found a like minded ally in Paul Bradley (Biff) a Birmingham bassist with a deep love of classic punk rock and a legendary refusal to know when to quit.

Paul takes up the story; I knew Add, wed run into each other a few times and Id always thought it would be good if we could work together. So when he told me his old band was falling apart we both knew that wed put something together.

That something started to become The Motive when guitarist Rob Bamber was recruited by a strange twist of fate. Paul; Rob just turned up in the office I was working in as a temp, just at the time we needed a guitarist no need to advertise or audition. The agency just sent him!

To outsiders Rob is seen as the quiet man of The Motive, but with a classical music background, its just a case of give that man a guitar and he will say everything you need to know.

With the line up almost complete The Motive again ignored convention, as Add explains; I knew a drummer from a previous band, hes a cool guy with a unique style so he was the obvious choice

That man was Chris Green and The Motive were born.

The band quickly got to work developing a set of short, sharp songs delivered with razor-edged riffs bringing the band comparisons with early Buzzcocks and the Stooges at one end of the spectrum and The Rakes and Ordinary Boys being cited as current reference points.

Last year saw the band develop a steadily growing fanbase across the Midlands with gigs at Birminghams Artsfest, JBs in Dudley, the Varsity in Wolverhampton and Birminghams Academy 2, among the highlights, along with coverage on Kerrang 105.2 and the BBC TVs new interactive service.

This year the band are set to release a second demo CD, called Pay Attention which sets a new standard for the band as the growing interest from fans, promoters and record companies alike is already proving. With a harder, tighter sound that is the result of the bands dedication and determination fused with their own growing reputation for unmatched adrenalin fuelled live performances.

Get used to it The Motive are coming through get on board or get out of their way. Its gonna be a hell of a ride!

END

Venue: The Rainbow Pub, Digbeth High Street, B12 0LD
Time: 8pm
Cost: £5 / £4 NUS
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/kamikazeevents
http://www.myspace.com/themotiveuk
http://www.myspace.com/thisisgeezer

Coming Up ..... Friday 12th September
Indie_Rock_Alt_Acoustic_Electronica_Pop-Punk

Freakin Legend Music Co-op present The Shore Affliction + Jimm Zombie + Echolounge + Jackpot Bandits.

Venue: The Island Bar, 14-16 Suffolk Street (Next to the Alexandra Theatre), B1 1LT
Time: 8.30pm
Cost: £3
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/freakinlegendpromotions
http://www.myspace.com/wearetheshoreuk
http://www.myspace.com/jmmzmb
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=67388050 (Echolounge)
http://www.myspace.com/jackpotbandits


Coming Up ..... Friday 12th September
Acoustic_Pop_Folk_Rock

Platform Promotions present Chris Tye + The Musgraves (fka Mathhew Bennett Band) + Jodie Lawrence Band + Aaron Yorke

Chris Tye:
love this city / I met a lot of nice people here

So sings CHRIS TYE on his debut album SOMEWHERE DOWN THE LINE. The city in question is Birmingham, guardian of the Midlands, Englands proud second city and Chris home town. The song is Come Undone, one of eight tracks on what is a startlingly honest offering from a young man who is both shy and confident in equal measures; who smiles yet who holds back, and a man with a lot to say yet preferring and indeed able to convey his thoughts with words so carefully thought out you wonder if every conversation is scripted in his head far in advance. When he does speak you feel drawn to listen. Its a talent that translates well to his songwriting, as people who have heard the record are starting to attest. I love the strings on this track, says Tye thoughtfully as Come Undone plays in the background. I recorded the guitar and vocal live and we added the viola and cello afterwards. He pauses. The song is about reaching a point where change is the only thing that can save you in this case a change of town going home. We all need to go home from time to time. Its probably the most straightforward emotionally raw track on the album…more on his Myspace.
(link below)

The Musgraves:
Fresh out of the Midlands with members hailing from Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Hull The Musgraves are a folk inspired pop five piece.

Formed in 2007 they have already played gigs all over the UK, everywhere from the Birmingham Academy to The Monto Water Rats in London, and their energy fuelled live shows are already making waves in music industry circles, along with snippets in The Birmingham News, Hull Daily Mail and Birmingham Post.

With tracks being championed by the likes of Tom Robinson on BBC 6Music and gaining further airplay across the BBC network the band have recently been invited to play a series of live sessions for BBC Raw Talent.

It won’t be too long before you start hearing more about these guys, but in the meantime the band are focused on completing tracks for their debut album and gearing up for the imminent release of the infectious ‘So Sofia’.

Jodie Lawrence Band:
The Jodi Lawrence Band have a lot to look forward to, Less than a year after forming , they are beginning to intrigue record labels with their combination of original writing and complex musicianship. Drawing in a range of influences, including jeff buckley, A perfect circle and Fleetwood Mac, it is almost too easy to describe their sound as beautiful. Beautiful it certainly is, but also emotionally resonant and often wonderfully unpredictable. Live, may represent something of an experience, fronted by the unashamedly jodi Lawrence who never fails to give her audience the best live performance and a voice that should be heard and definitely will be. Currently based between Birmingham and london this band should be caught now while still playing the smaller intimate venues.

Venue: The Hare and Hounds, High Street, Kings Heath
Time: 8pm
Cost: £4 / £3
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/platform_promotions
http://www.myspace.com/christyemusic
http://www.myspace.com/themusgraves

Coming Up ..... Saturday 13th September
Indie_Rock_Grunge_Acoustic

Platform Promotions presents Lucky 27’s + Icelandic Traffic Badgers + The Way + Urge.

Icelandic Traffic Badgers:
ICELANDIC TRAFFIC BADGERS STARTED IN THE HAZY SUMMER DAYS OF 2005,THEY HAVE ENCOUNTERED MANY ADVENTURES SINCE THEN, REACHING THE FINAL OF THE THE BOTB IN WOLVERHAMPTON IN 2006 AND PLAYING THE GLASTONBUDGET FESTIVAL 2007 WERE JUST SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS THE LADS HAVE EXPERIENCED THUS FAR! THEY HAVE RECENTLY BEEN PLAYED ON BOTH BBC RADIO SHROPSHIRE(FRIDAY NIGHT GERBIL) AND RADIO WM'S INTRODUCING SHOWS AND PLAYED LIVE SETS FOR BOTH STATIONS

Venue: The Spotted Dog
Time: 8pm
Cost: £4 / £3 NUS
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/platform_promotions
http://www.myspace.com/icelandictrafficbadgers
http://www.myspace.com/urgetheband

Coming Up ..... Saturday 13th September
Punk_Ska

Rehab Promotions present Faintest Idea + The Obnoxious UK + 3CR

3CR:

3CR - FORMED OVER 15 YEARS AGO RISING FROM THE ASHES OF THE 80'S UK PUNK SCENE AND BRINGING PUNK ROCK BACK INTO THE 90'S WITH AN ALMIGHTY BANG,TO THIS DAY AND THE DISTANT FUTURE,WITH THEIR OBNOXIOUS AND ROUSING LIVE PERFORMANCES ALL OVER THE UK THEY HAVE SUPPORTED SOME OF THE BEST UK PUNK BANDS,THE LIKES OF VICE SQUAD,GBH,UK SUBS,TEST TUBE BABIES,DRONGOS FOR EUROPE,INSTANT AGONY,ANGELIC UPSTARTS,DISCHARGE,MDC,DEFIANCE,SKEPTIX AND THE COCKNEY REJECTS,THEY HAVE HAD THE ORDEAL OF MANY LINE UP CHANGES BUT HAVE STUCK AT IT WITH THEIR DEDICATION AND HARDWORK WHICH HAS PAID OFF, GETTING KNOWN FURTHER AFIELD,PLAYING USA AND NORWAY,THE LAST 4 YEARS THAY HAVE PLAYED OVER 200 GIGS WHICH INCLUDE HITS,PUNX PICNICS AND CHARITY GIGS PLAYED FOR FREE BECAUSE THEY ARE PROUD OF THEIR MUSIC AND TOO BE PUNK,THATS WHAT THEY SET OUT TO DO,THEY HAVE RECORDED AN 8 TRACK CD EP{LEZBE AVENUE} NOW IN ITS SECOND PRINT AND A CD LP{DRAIN THE MAIN VEIN},SELLING OVER 2OOO COPIES BETWEEN THEM,SUCH A DEMAND FOR THEM LIVE THEY RELEASED A LIVE ALBUM{WANKERED IN WAKEFIELD} LIMITED RELEASE OF 200 BUT SOLD WITHIN 2 WEEKS, SO WE DECIDED JUST TO RELEASE IT, THEIR MUSIC AND LYRICS HAVE A BIT OF EVERYTHING FROM HARDCORE TO ENERGETIC 3 CHORD PUNK WITH A LOT OF FUN THROWN IN!!!!!!!! TO MAKE IT A MIXTURE OF UNIQUE PUNK ROCK,A MUST BAND TO SEE LIVE,THEY ARE HERE TO SHOCK YOU AND TO HAVE A GOOD TIME,AND ITS ABOUT TIME PUNK WAS PUT BACK INTO PUNK AND 3CR ARE HERE TO SHOVE IT IN YOUR FACE WHAT A FUCKIN CARRY ON !!!!!!!!!!

Venue: The Swinging Sporran, Priory Queensway, City Centre, B4 7LL
Time: 7pm
Cost: £3
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/faintestidea
http://www.myspace.com/theobnoxiousuk
http://www.myspace.com/3crpunk

Coming Up ..... Saturday 13th September
Punk_Rock_Hardcore_Screamo

Go! Club present Dirty Mindz + Shot Dead in Vegas + Spread Legs not Lies + The Funhouse Robots

Dirty Mindz:

dirty mindz are a young four peice punk band from birmingham. they have been playing together around 1 year now and are a very energetic and tight live band giging solidly and as often as possible book gigs every 2 weeks in birmingham.

towards the end of 2007 dirty mindz began touring and have started expanding into new areas of the uk such as london and derby etc. after playing a few one of gigs managed to book a small london tour, the year also saw dirty mindz winning 2 local battle of the bands and playing gigs at renowned venues such as the birmingham barfly and bar academy.

in 2008 the band started the year by playing a show in london at the dublin castle. this was then followed up by 2 gigs at the 333 mother bar as well as giging to bigger crowds in birmingham and by this point had developed 40 minutes worth of original material. in 2008 the band booked there first ever 7 date uk tour.

dirty mindz are going strong as ever and are ready to see what 2009 will hold. adopting a very strong "if you dont like it fuck off" attitude which has led to the occasional fight . but dirty mindz are sticking to there own and will continune doing so.

Venue: The Old Wharf, Oxford Street, Digbeth, B5 5NR
Time: 8pm
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/thegoclubmusic
http://www.myspace.com/dirtymindzpunk
http://www.myspace.com/spreadlegsnotliesband
http://www.myspace.com/thefunhouserobots

Coming Up ..... Friday 5th September
Pop-Punk_Indie_Alt_Rock

Platform Promotions present On Screen Heroes + Lady Rain + The Words + The Strikes.

On Screen Heroes:

Born out of the ashes of 2 bands, On-Screen Heroes were formed early in 2007. One rough live demo and several gigs in Birmingham later, they are already building up a loyal fanbase. Despite having only 3 members, the live sound is something to be experienced, as is the real variety in their tunes, which keeps everyone interested from start to finish. The ride has only just begun, but it's already heading somewhere exciting...

Lady Rain:

Are an unbreakable group of friends, united by a passion for creating outrageously contagious music.
Songs that stir the soul, caress with melody and spit venom in equal measure. Tunes that leave you exhausted but longing for more.
Live performances that recapture the exhilaration of the moment the song was written; an interactive outpouring of creations always destined to be shared.
No longer content with only indulging the real music aficionados of hometown Birmingham, Lady Rain want the rest of the world to have some!

The Words: (from their myspace)

Hailing from the Tameside area in Manchester, brought together by luck, chance, but most likely destiny. Lyrically deep, musically profound, will make you smile, break your heart & fill you with a feeling of vitality never before deemed possible via the means of audio. Songs filled with infectious melodies, soft, yet stubborn & angry in all the right places. Cheeky & witty, diverse, yet distinctive. A sound derived from the fun & struggles of everyday life, dripping with a hunger & a drive to improve......
Yeah sure, we could sit back & work nine to five jobs watching the world go by, but we know we're not here for that... We're here to entertain. With one direction, one aim and one sound. A sound that ignites, delights and uplifts leaving you with a sense of fulfillment.. and a belief that maybe, just maybe, 'The Words' are here to make the world a better place...

The Strikes:

Screaming with spat back indie rifts set to blow away there home town of Cov, The Strikes! are ready to introduce the midlands to an all new bread of alternative rock.

Formed in early 2008 Tim, Loz, Tom and Matt instantly found their feet and began to carve their way into the glowing music scene that lay before them in Cov. From then on local venues such as The Kasbah have supported the lads and aided them along their way to fulfilling their potential.

The Strikes! failed to find a ceiling to their music and have since played some of the biggest and best venues the region has to offer, boasting a live show of precision and striking energy. Instantly accepted by fans stretching as far away as Brisbane, Australia, the euphonic melodies created by The Strikes! have hit the airwaves with a bang and caused a storm amongst music lovers.

The four piece are now brimming with tunes to quench peoples thrust for a kick in their music and gigs and will not fail to leave you breathless and bellowing for more….

Venue: The Sunflower Lounge, 76 Smallbrook Queensway, B5 4EG
Time: 8pm
Cost: £5 / £4 NUS
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/platform_promotions
http://www.myspace.com/onscreenheroes
http://www.myspace.com/ladyrainband
http://www.myspace.com/thewordsmusic
http://www.myspace.com/thestrikes

Coming Up ..... Friday 5th September
Indie_New-Wave_Alternative_Punk

Tropical Hotdog featuring Sunset Cinema Club + Idnetity + Herzoga

TROPICAL HOTDOG is a shindig brought to you by SUNSET CINEMA CLUB. On the first Friday of every month we take over the upstairs room at Birmingham's award winning ISLAND COCKTAIL BAR to throw a sexy-party for geeks like ourselves. For each shindig we collect together the bands we already love, the awesome new bands we keep discovering on our travels, and throw in a daddy cool 80s-90s disco at the end for good measure.

We dont care what band you've come to see, or what you think of the night, we just want you to PARRDEEE and CHUG CHUG CHUG your way into oblivion...

So come on down and see what the fuss is about...

Sunset Cinema Club:

SCC formed way back in 2001 when we named ourselves after a now defunct porn cinema in Birmingham. Our mission has always been to provide party music for geeks and grebos

Herzoga:

Herzoga were birthed, fully grown, when a tempestuous cloud hanging over downtown Fenton disgorged its musicy load. Much to the relief of local residents, Matthew (voice and guitar), Mark (drummering) and Steve (bass and voice) were deposited without injury atop a local grassy knoll. Once they had given up trying to work out the precise biological quirks that had seen them born of a weather system, the chaps decided to make some sweet, sweet music. Sooner rather than later this meant their debut single “Things to Say” was released on Org records. This led to airplay from Steve Lamacq on Radio 1 and Radio 6, Huw Stephens and John Kennedy on XFM. Herzoga smiled in a contented manner as they kicked off their work boots and lit their pipes on the stove. But they did not rest on their entirely metaphorical laurels. Instead, the men of Herzoga decided to go and play some gigs, including topping the bill for Silver Rocket at Highbury Buffalo bar as well as supporting acts such as Maps, Prinzhorn Dance School, Glasvegas and Hot Hot Heat. Earlier this year, the sterling young gentlemen at We Like Danger records decided to release Herzoga’s second single, the double A-side of “Nice Car” and “Blood School”. Again, airplay on Radio 1 and XFM followed, including John Hilcock making “Nice Car” his favourite track for a bit. Recently, a panel of wise people at Radio 1 decided that the band should be one of a handful of up and coming acts to record a live session at Maida Vale for the station’s “Introducing” thing. Herzoga thought it would be rude to refuse, so they went and laid down some hot cuts. That is all for now.

Venue: The Island Bar, 14-16 Suffolk Street (Next to the Alexandra Theatre), B1 1LT
Time: 8.30pm
Cost: £3
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/showagojira
http://www.myspace.com/sunsetcinemaclub
http://www.myspace.com/poppunkprats
http://www.myspace.com/herzogaband

Coming Up ..... Friday 5th September
Indie_Rock_Ambient_Pop-Punk

444 Club presents The Hoi Polloi + Subkicks + Hawker + Dizzolvers (Acoustic Set)Tweak DJ’s.

The Hoi Polloi:

The Hoi Polloi have been together for 3 years and consists of 4 musicians from the Black Country in the West Midlands who have locked themselves away in a rehearsal room until they felt that the time was right to try and gain exposure and industry attention.

The Hoi Polloi have a huge sound but are also able to create an ambience that can cross over to a wide audience. This has been true at recent high profile supports with bands such as Ghosts among others.

The band have also produced some acomplished recordings but should be seen live for music lovers to fully appreciate the passion, sweat and raw emotion that this band delivers from song to song

Venue: The Rainbow Pub, Digbeth High Street, B12 0LD
Time: 8pm
Cost: £5 / £3 NUS
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/kamikazeevents
http://www.myspace.com/thehoipolloi
http://www.myspace.com/subkicks
http://www.myspace.com/hawker777
http://www.myspace.com/dizzolvers

Coming Up ..... Saturday 6th September
Indie_Ska_Rock_Alt_Electronica

Platform Promotions presents Geezer + Mezzatonic + Three and a Half Englishmen + Mr Cricket
Three and a Half Englishmen:

Three and A Half Englishmen are 4 friends that formed in early 2008 and went straight onto playing gigs in the Coventry area. This then led to recording a 3 track demo at Far Heath Studios in June 2008 with Angus Wallace (The Fall, Spiritualized, The Prodigy). Currently trying to play as many shows as possible to get their name out, look out for this young, energetic 4 piece.

Three and A Half Englishmen are 4 friends that formed in early 2008 and went straight onto playing gigs in the Coventry area. This then led to recording a 3 track demo at Far Heath Studios in June 2008 with Angus Wallace (The Fall, Spiritualized, The Prodigy). Currently trying to play as many shows as possible to get their name out, look out for this young, energetic 4 piece.

" Firstly I want to thank Three and A Half Englishmen for restoring my faith in music. These 4 guys are an indie band and sound like they've been playing the circuit for years, not few months, with their already distinctive sound. I'm sure they will be an amazing band, one for the future because of the rate they are working at. They're coming out of nowhere but they'll soon be heard everywhere." -Broken Toy Box Music

Mr Cricket:

We are Mr Cricket, we are pleased to meet you. Take a seat over there and we will get you a dose of highvoltage calamity...... then we might play some music. We have checked the figures and stocks are up for this week, this is a good thing, but not if you are the ones crushed by the stock's unbearable weight! If we have any reason to speak today it is in inaudible slurs crushed by the the 'comfy' lifestyle, we have beg no reason but reason begs us.

Venue: The Sunflower Lounge, 76 Smallbrook Queensway, B5 4EG
Time: 8pm
Cost: £5 / £4 NUS
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/platform_promotions
http://www.myspace.com/thisisgeezer
http://www.myspace.com/threeandahalfenglishmen
http://www.myspace.com/mrcrickettheband

Coming Up ..... Saturday 6th September
Indie_Rock_Electronica

444 Club presents Bi-Polar Baby + Prospect Lane + JKLMNO + Satori

Bi-Polar Baby:
Bi-Polar Baby are a female fronted five piece band from Birmingham, England. They are masters of sweet, sinuous melodies and evocative arrangements with dark edges, but can also give you vital guitar pop and rock solos worthy of air-guitar tributes. The current lineup is Texan born Kaytee DeWolfe (vocals / lyrics), Pete Moth (guitar), Wayne Page (lead guitar), Jim Perkin-Ball (bass), Julian Forshaw (drums, percussion).

A regular fixture on the Birmingham rock scene, Bi-Polar Baby formed in late 2004 from the ashes of the disbanded band, CrazyFace. The name was taken from one of their songs after dropping the moniker Sedona, having discovered that it was also the name of a (rubbish) car. BPB's songs typically consist of Kaytee's haunting vocals, laden with guts and vibrato, telling stories of lost not-so-little girls and the delusions of modern living. Accompanied by dark electric guitar and undulating bass, they have written a series of unforgettable songs, both epic and catchy, melancholic yet punchy, combining contemporary flair with classic beauty.

All members are experienced musicians. Since 2005, they have played extensively on the Birmingham circuit, finding a spiritual home in Moseley's Jug of Ale. Bi-Polar Baby recently recorded their debut single, "Suicide Girl", with Gavin Monaghan (Editors, The Twang, etc.) at Magic Garden Studios in Wolverhapton. Since then, they have played live in session for BBC WM's "Introducing" show last Dec, enjoyed the support of 6Music DJ, Chris Hawkins and Kerrang!'s 'Unsigned Sunday' show. They toured the UK at the end of 2007 to help promote debut single, "Suicide Girl" and have many dates lined up for 2008.

Prospect Lane:

The foundations for 'Prospect Lane' were laid at 7.25pm on a spring day in 2005 at the Sharmans Cross public house on Prospect Lane in a leafy suburb of Birmingham.

The Lane's first recording was 'Tear me to Pieces' which was produced by Gavin Monaghan (Kings of Leon, Editors, The Twang) and is closing title soundtrack on the recent Killers rockumentary - 'Leaving Las Vegas'. Mr Monaghan also produced 'Fickle' and 'Isolation' for Prospect Lane in March 2007. Prospect Lane have toured and supported the likes of Ghosts, Boxer Rebellion and Silversun Pickups. They have also been played and acclaimed on BBC Radio 1,BBC Radio2, BBC WM, BBC Shropshire and Kerrang Radio. The band recently performed a live BBC radio session in February and also another one in April 2008

JKLMNO:

Named after a random row of letters in the alphabet, JKLMNO was formed by best friends Carl Harrison (Vocals/Guitars/Keys), Daniel Pierce (Synths/Percussion), Daniel Kehlenbeck (Guitars/Vocals), Elliot Knox (Bass/Vocals) and Nick Roberts (Drums/Programming). Writing their material in a small youth center situated in North Wales, the band found their own unique sound forged by many influences such as Jeff Buckley, The Flaming Lips and Sigur Ros. The band went to Autumn Road Studios in February 2007 to record their first demo which generated a lot of interest in the Wrexham area, gaining them top slots in some of North Wales' prime music nights and branching out to further success in venues such as The Cavern Club, Liverpool.

On 15th May, JKLMNO self-released their first and only single to date “Locking Doors” on Apples' Itunes. The single had a great reception with the bands fan base and was described by a reviewer as “pulling at your heart-strings from the word go” and “leaving you wanting more”.

With touring under their belts from previous bands JKLMNO plan to spend their summer branching out further in the U.K. following their success in the Supajam 'fast track to FIB festival' competition in which the band won the competition out of 1000's on entrants. Their entry song “The War Song” is to be released soon on Itunes by the competition organizers.

Venue: Sound Bar, Corporation Street, City Centre, Opposite Aston Uni
Time: 8pm
Cost: £FREE
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/kamikazeevents
http://www.myspace.com/bipolarbabyuk
http://www.myspace.com/prospectlane
http://www.myspace.com/jklmnomusic

Coming Up ..... Friday 29th August
Indie_Rock_Acoustic_Alt_Experimental

Platform Promotions presents Imogen’s Kiss + Barnesy + Sweet Talk +Recherche

Imogen’s Kiss:
"I didn't think it was one of my best when I first wrote it," recalls singer/songwriter/guitarist Adam Wilson. "But when we play it, it's the song that people comment on the most. I guess we were made to pick it as our first single."

Viva La Diva is the first Digital Download single from Imogen's Kiss. Filled with their trademark song writing hooks and harmonies, Viva La Diva is a tale of love, loss and being there for the girl... even if she did leave you. "It's about a girl I know. There are some references to real life hidden in the lyrics, so hopefully she won't realise it's about her. But the aspect of her and me being in a relationship is fictional. You just need that angle to make the song and the lyrics come full circle." explains Adam "And the la, la, la, la's are for everyone to sing along to." he adds with a smile.

Viva La Diva is available to download now from iTunes and HMV Downloads.

Imogen's Kiss are Adam Wilson, Dave Harris and Kev Thompson. Formed early in 2006, they have concentrated mainly on playing in their local area of Tamworth and Birmingham in a bid to drum up a local fan base, before beginning to spread the word of Imogen's Kiss further.

In 2007 they began working with M.A.S Records who they would record Viva La Diva with. "We're lucky in that we don't have to pay for things like studio time, M.A.S provide us with that as well as any promotional material. These kind of things are costly and not all bands have the finances to do it. Especially when there are very few gigs that pay or bands are relying on ticket sales, of which they'll only get a percentage. We get on well with the people from M.A.S. They're a great bunch of people." Adam construes.

This is where Imogen's Kiss are today. Keep your eyes and ears open for them.

Recherche:
Recherche are a new band from the middle of the UK (Litchfield/Burton) and this is some blah blah blah about us.

We like making music. Sometimes we make dirty dirty distorted music that your mum wouldn’t approve of, and sometimes we make funk. Sometimes we make upbeat pop songs, and sometimes we like making chords jar together. Occasionally we like jazzing out a bit with rhythmic basslines and abstract solos, and occasionally we’ll do reggae cover version of 90’s grunge songs, just for laughs.


Venue: The Spotted Dog, 104 Warwick Street, Digbeth, B12 0NH
Time: 8pm
Cost: (Usually) £4/£3
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/platform_promotions
http://www.myspace.com/imogenskiss
http://www.myspace.com/barnesyboy86
http://www.myspace.com/sweetalkk
http://www.myspace.com/ukrecherche

Coming Up ..... Friday 29th August
Indie_Alt_Rock

Platform Promotions presents Smart Soutane + The Arcadian Kicks + Thieves Like Us + Dead Letter Office

Smart Soutane:
We are the band Smart Soutane
Comprising of four boys: Russell, Phill, Mark and Daniel
Since becoming friends we have played all over England in some wonderful places to some equally wonderful people
We met at the University of Birmingham (England) where we studied Music

The Arcadian Kicks:

When was the last time a band captivated its audience with a timeless look and inner beauty that is only bestowed on the very few? The Arcadian Kicks are two girls, three boys all eighteen years old. They combine soaring melodic beauty with hard-edged sax, soulful guitar soundscapes and pounding tribal rhythms contained by a wall of sub bass.

They began their journey as school friends in classroom practise sessions and soon they were masquerading as adults to play countless gigs at the request of local Midland's promoters. They entered themselves in to the Surface Unsigned band competition where Jon Brookes (drummer with The Charlatans) was guest judge.
Although the band didn't go on to win the big prize Jon had seen enough in that short 25 minute set to ask them if they were interested in letting him go on to manage them.

In September 2007 Jon and his business partner, Ian Light, formed One Beat Media with express intention of managing only one band - The Arcadian Kicks. The following couple of months were spent honing the bands considerable live talent and recording their first demo which gives a rare glimpse of song writing partnerships in exciting early stages with the band securing the services of producer James Spencer (New Order, Electronic, Johnny Marr and The Charlatans).

At the band's request we started a monthly residency called Arcadian Kicks Club Night in a fantastic underground jazz bar called The Bash Bar in Central Birmingham. The band themselves chose to also support other local bands by asking them down to do warm up slots. Word soon spread it was the place to catch fresh new bands plus regular guest dj sets. Those allnighters have gone down in folklore with regular write ups as the highlight of the weekend in The Birmingham Mail What's On guide. We ended up having to move the venue of the club night to the larger Sunflower Lounge round the corner.

It was off the back of these gigs the band got there first big breaks when they were asked to play In The City in Manchester and they have also recently played the Isle of Wight Festival in June 2008 on The Big Top Stage with Feeder, NYPC and The Music. The band were given the accolade of the band to watch in 2008 by The Birmingham Post and they have their first tv appearance to look forward to this Summer when they are due to play live on Alan McGee's Death Disco show.

Their following and reputation grew when the band collaborated with a fresh young production company called Carefully Crafted Media who had just scooped the Music & Experimental award at the Wood Green International Film Festival in London. The result of this burgeoning partnership is the first ever Arcadian Kicks pop video for a brand new song "Standing in The Road". Filmed across three nights in the studio, in concert and on the no. 9 bus to one of their own gigs at The Sunflower Lounge in Birmingham the promo shows the band at ease with their talent and hungry to prove that their growing reputation will be totally justified.

Musical influences are diverse and range from classic to contemporary with artists such as Cajun Dance Party to Zeppelin, Julie Driscoll, The Zutons, New Young Pony Club and early Fleetwood Mac being particular band favourites.

Thieves Like Us:

Thieves Like Us. Their sound is a tight mixture of classic (Brit-Pop) and contemporary (Post-Indie) – it’s a direction which really pays off for the band, being both distinctive and modern, yet firmly rooted in the British indie Rock we know and love. In terms of material they’ve written some atmospheric yet energetic tracks, complete with clever lyrics, some hooky riffs and a superb, almost Interpol-meets-Little-Man-Tate-esq vocal from Dan. Live they played with precision and maintained a captivating stage presence that ensured an impressive all-round performance that set a high standard for the other acts to follow.

Dead Letter Office:
"Straddling the sonic boundaries between muse, interpol and radiohead. Dead Letter Office are a triumph. An intense blend of fractured guitars, intricate yet powerful drums, intelligent lyrics and breath-taking anthems that create an awe-inspiring sense of drama. Epic and life affirming music."
Dead Letter Office are a young band of dedicated muso's who are currently making great waves in the underground music scene. Blending the passion, intensity and melody of contemporary alternative rock with the complexity, range and experimentalism of the progressive, Dead Letter Office are truly a band that stand out from the indie rock herd. Having spent most of the winter months of 2007/08 focusing their efforts into recording their first critically acclaimed (see press below) studio album "Complications" the band are ready to set their sights on the mainstream. Their next release was recorded with esteemed producer Gavin Monaghan (Editors/Twang/Kings Of Leon etc) who asked to work with the band specifically after he heard the album. The resulting songs are the two most accessible, melodic and engaging songs the band have produced so far and have already sparked interest from major record labels and promoters.
The band have been together for a little over 3 years and have spent that time honing their sound into something which manages to capture all the best aspects of left-field rock music with it's emotional highs and crushing lows. Having spent 2006 playing across the country at venues as established as the barfly, the London ULU (where incidentally they were filmed for MTV2), Dublin castle and the birmingham carling academy supporting popular headline acts such as Howling Bells, The Young Gods, Future Of The Left, 1990's and Tiny Dancers as well as playing their own headline shows. Live the band are a revelation, tearing through a set that encompasses everything from epic post-rock build up's and crushing breaks, to haunting, melody driven pop songs and catchy, edgy alternative rock (with elements of electronica, jazz and even classical music thrown in for good measure). In Dead Letter Office all musical bases are covered and re-imagined as something dark, beautiful and utterly unique.
Press:-
"Straddling the sonic boundaries between Muse, Interpol and Radiohead. This pressingly experimental quintet have got some serious talent."
ROCKSOUND
"Dead Letter Office are a triumph, this is epic and life affirming music."
The Fly
“Endlessly interesting, dark alternative rock. A rousing success"
Subba-Cultcha
"The band sound little like anyone else out there at the moment"
Kerrang
"It's unlikely there will be anything else released this year, that will match this bands debut album for dynamic scope and faultless execution."
HARD ROCK HOUSE
"This bands debut album is a classic in the making and a sheer joy from start to finish, purchasing it really should be the least complicated decision you make this year."
Tasty Fanzine
"Keep an eye on this band because they have a VERY bright future ahead of them."
Powerplay
"This is a band constructing something beyond the three minute throw away pop effort. Eclectic and unafraid."
Rock Midgets

Venue: The Hare and Hounds, High Street, Kings Heath
Time: 8pm
Cost: (Usually) £4/£3
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/platform_promotions
http://www.myspace.com/smartsoutane
http://www.myspace.com/thearcadiankicks
http://www.myspace.com/thieveslikeusband
http://www.myspace.com/deadletterofficeofficial

Coming Up ..... Friday 29th August
Folk Festival

The Moseley Folk Festival 2008 is taking place over three days in Moseley Park.

Line-up for the FRIDAY (3pm-11pm)
Morcheeba
The Accidental
Babel
The Miserable Rich
The Saffron Sect
Michael Weston King
Mickey Greaney
James Summerfield
Richard Burke
Kevin House
Dominic Crane

Venue: Moseley Park, Centre of Moseley
Time: 3pm -11pm
Links:
www.myspace.com/moseleyfolk

Coming Up ..... Saturday 30th August
Indie_Rock_Post Punk

Platform Promotions present Geometrics + The Rough Charm + The Heyes + The Sculptors

Venue: The Spotted Dog, 104 Warwick Street, Digbeth, B12 0NH
Time: 8pm
Cost: (Usaully) £4 / £3
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/geometricsband
http://www.myspace.com/theroughcharm
http://www.myspace.com/theheys
http://www.myspace.com/sculptorsband

Coming Up ..... Saturday 30th August
Indie_Electro_Alternative_Classics

Chicks Dig Jerks vs. Tuckshop Beach Party with DJ sets from Skull Juice + Chicks Dig Jerks + Ben & Ryan (Tuck Shop/Stop Scratching) + Race Riot + No Pain in Pop

Skull Juice: (from their Myspace)

Skull Juice are Alex & Ben, a dual headed DJ tag team mascarading behind the name of a rubbish Heavy Metal band. "We are totally metal though" they proclaim, simultaneously decapitating a family of bats, "But just because the power of the Gods of Metal beats like molten Iron through our veins, doesn't mean we can't like Disco more than a room full of leather clad Bears doing Gloria Gaynor impressions", and to reinforce the point, they gesture downwards and I notice for the first time they are both dressed in Identical John Travolta 'Saturday Night Fever' suits covered in tiny, tiny bells. So, I postulate, Skull Juice are a record-playing duo of extreme contrast then? "Not really, I mean you aren't actually likely to find us playing Heavy Metal, followed by a Disco record, we haven't quite broken away from the traditional DJ format of attempting to meld the greatest records you've (n)ever heard into a seamless DJ set that will send your brain into outer space to dance with the ghosts of Sun Ra, Ron Hardy & Armando through sheer exuberant Dance Joy." They both speak at the same time, voices sounding at once like Nina Simone & DJ Assault, Prince & that drunk bloke from Noze. And as they speak, I notice they are tapping out a perfect techno rhythm on the table at which we sit, as if reading my mind they instantly confess to a love of the genre "It's not a genre" they proclaim, standing and raising their voices to the sky (while continuing to beat out the rhythmic pattern on their chests), "It's a way of life, an all pervading and encompasing mindset upon which all other coherent thought must be based!" And with that they were away, concealed rocket boosters in their shoes activating and blasting them swiftly into the stratosphere, as they departing cries faded into the ether I caught their last few words; "Sorry mate, we're late for tea with Jeff Mills..." and with that they were gone.

Venue: The Rainbow Beach, High Street, Digbeth, B12 0LD
Time: Doors 9pm
Cost: £5
Links:
www.myspace.com/chicksdigjerks
www.myspace.com/tuckshopbirmingham
http://www.myspace.com/skulljuice

Coming Up ..... Saturday 23rd August
Indie_Rock_New Wave_Post-Punk_Alternative….



Platform Promotions presents two days of music mayhem.
Day One at The Sound Bar runs as follows:

2.00 Young Runaways
2.45 Aaron Yorke
3.30 Junkyard Morning
4.15 The LGM
5.00 Hero Machine
5.45 Long Road Ghosts
6.30 Lypstick Gypsies
7.15 The Redcaps
8.00 Paisley Riot
8.45 Dastards!
9.30 Anyone for Shark?
22.15 Old School Tie
23.00 360

Venue: The Sound Bar, Corporation Street, City Centre, Opposite Aston Uni
Time: 2pm till 2am
Cost:
Links:
Links to all the bands myspaces can be found by clicking the following link –
http://www.myspace.com/platformattheflapper

Coming Up ..... Sunday 24th August
Indie_Rock_New Wave_Post-Punk_Alternative….



Platform Promotions presents two days of music mayhem.
Day Two at The Hare and Hounds, Kings Heath runs as follows:

2.00 SaturdaySunday
2.45 Sculptors!
3.30 The Jaayz
4.15 Copious
5.00 One Eyes Blue
5.45 Jamie Croft
6.30 Graham Parsnips
7.15 Jimmy Weston
8.00 Liner
8.45 The Riptides
9.30 Electric Animals
22.15 Page 44

Venue: The Hare and Hounds, High Street, Kings Heath
Time: 2pm till 2am
Cost:
Links:
Links to all the bands myspaces can be found by clicking the following link –
http://www.myspace.com/platformattheflapper

Coming Up ..... Friday 15th August
Electronica_Electro_Emotronic



Robot Vs Dinosaur will be returning to Island Bar on Friday August 15th, with live services resuming following July’s free entry DJ-only event.
This time ’round we have a headline set from ex-Plone and current ZX Spectrum Orchestra/Modified Toy Orchestra mainstay Mike In Mono, a man who’s passion for bubbling analogue synth-pop and gorgeous vocodered vocals is matched only by his unswerving penchant for binary and hexadecimal numbers.
In sharp contrast, Milton Keynes-based Girljoy’s cute yet nerve-shredding chipcore assault will be coming at you like a goomba on fire, taking us back to the good old days when high-scores meant everything and (more often than not) you had to blow into the cartridge to get it to work.
And as per usual we’ll also have DJs playing the likes of aphex twin, autechre, battles, the books, broadcast, ceephax acid crew, chris clark, cornelius, cylob, dntel, the flashbulb, four tet, germlin, holy fuck, matmos, max tundra, mouse on mars, the notwist, OOO, plone, polysics, polygon window, the postal service, prefuse 73, pulseprogramming, ulrich schnauss, squarepusher, stereolab, amon tobin, to rococco rot, tortoise, venetian snares, luke vibert, xiu xiu, susumu yokota and whatever else we can find knocking about in the dark corners of our hard discs.

Venue: The Island Bar, Smallbrook, Queensway, City Centre
Time: 8.30pm
Cost: £3 or £1 if dressed as a robot or dinosaur, with free pin badge on entry
Links:
http://www.robotvsdinosaur.co.uk/
http://www.myspace.com/monoinmike
http://www.myspace.com/girljoymusic

Coming Up ..... Friday 15th August
Rock_Alternative_Acoustic

Platform Promotions present Two + Understar + Boomshadow + The Tricks

Two:
With sparkling nods towards the rock n roll greats, diverse music and cultural influences, TWO bring together rocking guitar riffs, soaring melodies, thundering bass lines and funky powerhouse drumming. All wrapped up with a contemporary cool new sound.

The art of writing classic hook-laden songs is what TWO are about.
United by a passion for creating great music combined with a huge respect for each other’s musical talents and capabilities, Ray Loverock and Tiff Bryan have created the ultimate band.

TWO add colour back into our bland musical landscape and are a formidable live band, delivering stunningly energized and electrifying shows where they play as a three piece with excellent drummer Dan Guest, who completes the live sound of TWO.

Rock ‘n’ Roll greats with a loved-up pop sensibility....Welcome to the unique sound and look of TWO.

Boomshadow:
Four men. From (near) Birmingham. A rock experience. Formed from the heart of the earth when the world was but young, these titans of rock have now come into your mortal realm. The fires and magma have formed them into purest rock. Or something like that anyway. Its not just four men having a bit of a blast or anything.

The Tricks:
A wise man once said, "Give a man a fish and he will feed his family for a day. Give him the means to catch his own fish and he will feed them for life." Albeit they'll probably be sick of fish after a week or so. I don't think the wise man was from Wolverhampton. Had he been, he may have said,"Give three friends some beers and they'll be happy for the afternoon. Give them drums, guitars and a shedload of beers and they might make it to the end of the week..." Well it's been a long week and The Tricks have emerged from the darkness (Birmingham) armed with a handful of songs and a thimble full of enthusiasm. Little did they know that these three wise guys were about to embark upon the journey of a lifetime, taking them from epic highs to unfathomable lows, from frantic to insanity via melancholy to their final destination of happy, happy joy. Fresh from the South of Bilston tour, The Tricks were decisive that they needed something else. Something that would take them to the edge. What could it be? Of course, a lead guitar player, that would bring soaring lead lines, virtuoso soloing and signature riffage - What they got was Russ. Now world domination was that little bit closer..........

Venue: The Spotted Dog, 104 Warwick Street, Digbeth, B12 0NH
Time: 8pm
Cost: £4
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/platform_promotions
http://www.myspace.com/twoonline
http://www.myspace.com/bandboomshadow
http://www.myspace.com/thesneakytricks

Coming Up ..... Friday 15th August
Indie_Rock_Garage_New Wave_Acoustic

444 Club present Escobar + The Joe Fox Band + The Abbots + Barnesy + Tuck Shop DJ’s.

The Abbots:
Just as Cardiff says "all we wanna do is play our music to people who wanna listen, and have a good fuckin' laugh along the way" and in that sums up the agenda behind the band! The Abbots are a three man outfit with Chris Woodley blasting out strained Vocals, Bass and Occasional Lead Strummings, Tim (Cardiff) Jones on Lead/Rhythm Guitar (and all the high bits that sound fuckin' mint!), and the newest addition to the band is Chris Newman (yeah, another fuckin' Chris) who comes in on sticks to push the band forward. Undoubted influence comes from the Stone Roses, Hendrix, Oasis and a good stiff Brandy.

Venue: The Rainbow, Digbeth, B12 0LD
Time: 8pm
Cost: £4 adv, £5 on the door
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/kamikazeevents
http://www.myspace.com/tuckshopbirmingham
http://www.myspace.com/escobartheband
http://www.myspace.com/thejoefoxband
http://www.myspace.com/theabbots
http://www.myspace.com/barnesyboy86