It’s Friday 17th of November, we’re wrapped up and shivering on a grotty bus into the city centre. Already drizzling with that type of soaking rain by the time we get off the bus, trekking to the O2 Institute on Digbeth high street, we’re drenched when we reach the herds of people queuing for the show. Arriving early, as to not miss out, we watch the space fill out with swarms of brummie punk enthusiasts. By the time our support act, Frozemode brace the stage the venue is already packed out: soaked from the rain starts to turn into soaked from sweat.
Frozemode greet us with vigorous energy, upmost confidence and a dynamic stage presence, owning the stage like this is their headline show. With their f*ck you attitude and punk tinged hip-hop sound, Frozemode power through a set full of pumped-up original tracks. Engaging playfully with the audience and drawing in instant fans, the outfit immediately spurs a surging energy from the crowd, pulling out secret hip-hop fans, and immaculately matching the punk moshers vibe.
The London trio bounce off each other on stage, captivating hearts with their light-hearted, unbothered aura. With an air-horn sound effect between each track, Frozemode bounce and hop on stage rolling tirelessly from song to song, immersing the audience in their unique and refreshing sound. The London lads, merge attributes of rock, punk, hip-hop and trap, without a shadow of a doubt there’s a confidence in these boys from knowing they’ve got something fresh.
With Frozemode stumbling off stage and giving us enough time to recover and get a drink, we prepare for our next support act. Jumping from the spirited and intense energy of Frozemode, to the kicked-back energy of Aussie punks, Dune Rats, illuminates the immense and diverse talent of tonight’s line up.
Dune Rats have an effortless level of comfort and ease on stage, sliding from track to track with effortless and yet stoked enthusiasm. Dune Rats have fans hollering along to every track, and an ever-growing pit evolving in the venue. The outfit play to the crowd’s wants and needs, with a satisfying set-list full of Dune Rats’ most popular original tracks. Favourites from the set had to be ‘Scott Green’, and ‘Bullshit’. Full of nostalgia and cheery faces, the venue seems to be pulsing with Dune Rats euphoric sound reverberating through the crowd.
After a tremendous performance from Dune Rats, and a short interval we are finally greeted by our headliners, Fidlar. Filling the stage with vibrance and chaos, Fidlar are exactly how I imagine them to be: full of boyish charm, animated and ecstatic energy, and just grateful to be there. Similar to Dune Rats, Fidlar seem to unknowingly radiate positivity and euphoria. Bouncing and bopping about on stage, Fidlar race through their set with beaming grins, vigour and passion.
Feeling the crowd move in unison, throbbing with Fidlar’s garage punk sound, is a feeling like no other. A collective feeling of contentment and gratitude seems to envelope the room- Fidlar are something special, a band like no other. It’s hard to pick favourites from Fidlar’s setlist, jammed with bangers and ultimate vibes. A selection of personal favourites had to be: ‘40Oz. On Repeat’, ‘Sand on the Beach’, ‘Sober’ and finally, ‘Cocaine’.
You can listen releases from Frozemode, Dune Rats and Fidlar now on all streaming platforms.
Frozemode:
Dune Rats:
Fidlar:
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