Blaenavon at Hare and Hounds, Birmingham Review

Abi Whistance headed down to Birmingham's Hare and Hounds to catch Hampshire indie trio Blaenavon.

Last updated: 7th Apr 2017

Originally published: 6th Apr 2017

Since their inception, fresh and young indie trio Blaenavon have surpassed the expectations of those around them with their polished and mature sound. With the likes of NME singing their praise, this year's extensive touring schedule has won over fans all over the country. Despite now being on their last legs of their current road adventures, the band hit Birmingham's Hare and Hounds with an indisputable force that can't be reckoned with.

Known for their quintessential lunacy, it’s no surprise that this is also the case for the audience they draw in. Gregory strolls onto stage, resembling some kind of gothic horror antagonist. The combination of a ghostly complexion, black eyeliner smeared from tear duct to tear duct and wearing the top half of a pre-1900’s suit, creates the embodiment of a present day Count Dracula.

McMillan and Wright follow his lead, and in no time the crowd erupts into belligerent pushing, shoving and screaming, followed by the inevitable surge forward.

Taken from the 2015 EP Miss World, they kick start their visit to Birmingham with the unrivalled 'Hell Is My Head', dripping in reverb and pure rock insanity. They’re young and powerful, controlling an even younger crowd with great ease. A click of Gregory’s fingers and the room is mesmerised. A bellicose crowd is witnessed singing back every single word of hits like 'Let’s Pray' and 'Into The Night'.

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With the release of their new album That’s Your Lot imminent, it’s fundamental that they introduce us to some of their new material. 'My Bark Is Your Bite' is a sneak peek into the carving and crafting of their new music, and the reaction from the crowd tells us all we need to know about the foreseeable and inevitable success of their new album.

It’s no wonder their newest single 'Lonely Side' has claimed BBC Radio One's the hottest single of the week. The song possesses the ability to plant its riff in your brain for days to come - but it’s more than just a pretty face, with clever, well-developed lyrics: this is one to watch out for. The single is embedded within the right side of their set list as the crowd are all feeling rather hot after half an hour of ruthless moshing.

The Hampshire group know all too well that it’s not over until their keen spectators say it is, so they waste no time sinking their teeth into tracks like the 'Alice Come Home'. Beautifully elegant and then recklessly loud, begging to be played at full volume once the clash of incredible noise follows the soft hooks.

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The night comes to a grinding halt, the young trio are fully aware that their showstopping display now consists of only two more songs. So in light of this, with a mischievous smile the unmistakable words of 'Orthodox Man' leave Gregory’s lips:

‘I’ll be your orthodox man when you call…’

When you thought that this audience couldn’t give any more, there’s the mass sing along the band have been waiting for; it goes hand in hand with the beaming smiles spread across everyone’s face. The electricity felt in this crowd is impossible to ignore, and it still lingers when their rendition of 'Prague ’99' comes to an unwanted end.

Blaenavon have proved their worth in Birmingham, igniting something special with their combination of laid back attitudes, niche dress sense and a brand of indie rock stand out from the rest.