Deputy Editor Hannah Gadd reviews Supergrass at the O2 Academy in Birmingham, applauding the band’s impressive musicality
On Wednesday night, Supergrass headlined a stellar sold-out show at the O2 Academy in Birmingham. The tour celebrates thirty years of their debut album I Should Coco and showcases the band’s substantial legacy.
The night began with a set from Kissing People; the band stated it was only the second show they’d ever played but their boundless enthusiasm and tight musicianship demonstrated they are ones to watch. Shortly after, Reverend and The Makers took to the stage for another great set. Frontman Jon McClure was effortlessly hilarious and, despite being added to the tour last-minute, they successfully entertained the crowd.
“The infectiously catchy riff of ‘I’d Like to Know’ filled the venue and we were immediately immersed in the nostalgia-soaked album.
It wasn’t long before Supergrass graced the stage and dove straight into I Should Coco, receiving rapturous applause from the audience. The infectiously catchy riff of ‘I’d Like to Know’ filled the venue and we were immediately immersed in the nostalgia-soaked album. Blue and red lights flickered as Gaz Coombes began to sing the opening lines of their hit single ‘Caught by the Fuzz’. Frantically moving around to the song, the crowd enjoyed every moment and without skipping a beat, the band continued into ‘Mansize Rooster’.
As the all-too-familiar piano melody of ‘Alright’ played, the audience cheered before singing along to every word of the iconic track. This song allowed Supergrass to demonstrate they are still on form, even thirty years after the album’s initial success, they sounded flawless. Keeping the brilliantly unrelenting pace going, ‘Lose It’, ‘Lenny’ and ‘Strange Ones’ followed. The band’s musicality was incredibly impressive and their performance was engaging from start to finish. ‘Time’ slowed things down but remained a high-octane moment of the show, the rhythm section giving the song its propulsive momentum. ‘Time To Go’ closed out the I Should Coco album, the short bittersweet track serving as a gigantic sing-a-long before the band momentarily exited the stage, Coombes exclaiming ‘that’s the album, right?!’ as they left.
“Their 1999 track ‘Moving’ was one of my favourites of the night- a soaring anthem which had the crowd swaying to the beat.
Drummer Danny Goffey sat on the hazy blue stage as the rest of the members filed back on to perform their explosive track ‘Richard III’. Their 1999 track ‘Moving’ was one of my favourites of the night – a soaring anthem which had the crowd swaying to the beat. After playing their playful 2002 song, ‘Grace’, they exited the stage again; the crowd erupted into cheers, pleading for an encore before the band returned to play a blistering rendition of ‘Sun Hits The Sky’.
The night came to a triumphant end with their legendary track ‘Pumping on Your Stereo’ which launched the crowd into one final joyous frenzy. It was an apt finale for the show which celebrated the band’s career and undeniable talent. I’d never seen Supergrass before but after this show, I look forward to seeing them again at some point in the future.
Enjoyed this? You might also like:
Comments