Mitch, Please, Mudhoney, Shonen Knife, The Mark of Cain, Custard, BARKAA, Tape Off, I Heart Hiroshima, Cash Savage and the Last Drinks, Dem Mob, Baby Cool, and Still Full From Lunch

There is a slight injustice when you consider the large sound Washington grunge rock outfit Mudhoney create still remains confined to some of the UK's smaller venues due to their niche appeal and lack of real commerciality. The fact they could play rings around the likes of Kasabian and Muse who continue to sell out arenas makes it all the more unjustified yet for everybody gathered in the intimate Institute in Birmingham, they feel as though they are in on some secret everybody else is missing out on.

You would never guess the boys have only made one appearance on the US charts with the force the fans sing along to the choruses of 'Good Enough' and 'Into the Drink'. Tonight is also about showcasing newer material with those characteristic riffs remaining ever present for 'What to Do With the Neutral'. The adoration from the audience is clear when the band returns for a momentous seven song encore featuring old favourites, new instrumental reworking and a couple of redesigned cover versions. Mudhoney simply does grunge well, and no amount of album sales are needed to back up this fact.

Who doesn't love bizarre punk pop? No one, that's who. So go see Japanese pop trio Shonen Knife as soon as you possibly can for a night of laughs, power pop and some talented musicians. Inspired by the 60's pop acts such as The Beach Boys, and taking inspiration from a favourite act of theirs The Ramones, the girls sculpted a unique alt rock/pop sound which earned them a cult following worldwide in the 80's.
Devoted fans described them as an alternative to Sonic Youth & Nirvana during the 90's. A lofty claim perhaps, but you can see where their logic lay in that the band are just so likeable and warm with their audiences and they back up this infectious personality with equally infectious pop. It's been a true adventure for the trio and they have visited places that they may not have had the opportunity to otherwise, they once stated that they felt they had made "the international pop underground more international" by "opening it up to bands from Japan". The ascetics that they've built over their long career continue to delight fans during their shows and their kooky songs such as 'Twist Barbie' and 'Badaka' keep audiences bopping along before they drop in Ramones covers that have become so original to the girls, you would pass them off as their own. A lovely trio of musicians who love what they do, go see them soon.

The Mark of Cain were a show of force. Really powerful but very humble in there delivery. Intense at times and really groove laden at others. 30 years has not dulled their power and authenticity, Recommended! Extra note ...... at their gigs I get huge Joy Division and New Order vibes when they play their Battlesick material, I think it is the driving bass lines and vocals.....weird.

Custard live, failed to disappoint! The tunes, the crowd interaction the commradery, it was the first time I’d seen them live in 20 years and they were awesome! Thanks Custard!

SO Cash Savage and the last drinks were amazing. Went in with high expectations and was blown out of the park with the performance. Cash conjures up images of Doc Neeson owning the stage and peering straight into the souls of the punters that have dared to enter the cavern. Then at other times she goes all PJ Harvey and bellows out the tune whilst the last drinks smash out a huge sound that reminded me of the Bad Seeds. I have told everyone who would listen how great a performance it was and how important a band these guys are and that they simply cannot miss them next time they are in town - no doubt packing out a venue like the forum