Review: Sleaford Mods at O2 Institute, Birmingham
Anyone expecting Paul Weller haircuts and Rickenbacker guitars is certainly in the wrong place at a Sleaford Mods gig.
Armed with a microphone and laptop sat on top of a stack of milk crates, the Nottingham duo couldn't be any more different than your average indie band.
Last night, they brought their angry vocals and bass driven beats to the O2 Academy in Birmingham – returning to the Second City after missing out on their previous tour.
Formed in 2007, it took time for Sleaford Mods to cement a place in the world of music but following the release of new record English Tapas on Rough Trade Records, they've firmly found their feet.
Made up of pals Jason Williamson on vocals and melody maker Andrew Fearn, they have caused unbridled controversy in the past with their taboo lyrics and Twitter spats.
And after opening for the Stone Roses in front of 60,000 and killer Glastonbury set with an introduction from Theresa May's – it's safe to say it's been a decent 12 or so months for the pair.
While their words might often offend the faint hearted – putting the music aside – the outfit show their social conscience by using their rise to success to collect for homeless charity Shelter before and after the gig. So massive respect to them for that.
In Digbeth, they fit 18 songs into an hour long set, kicking off with a tirade of tracks from the new record – I Feel So Wrong, Army Nights and Moptop are ranted to the packed out venue.
Working through the short but explosive tunes one-by-one – EP single TCR sends the middle-aged crowd into frenzy before being treated to 2014 number Routine Dean.
"Trip to Spar is like a trip to Mars!" – the brilliant Drayton Manored is barked out in Williamson's thick East Midlands accent as the set comes to a close with Jolly ****** and B.H.S – an angry assault on Philip Green.
With audience interaction kept to a minimal, Williamson thanks the adoring crowd for their support insisting he "felt a connection".
"We are the Sleaford Mods. We are your public servants. And we are faithful. Thank you." – he preaches as they return to the stage for a shortened seven minute encore "so people can get the train". Top man.
Jobseeker and Tied Up In Nottz leave the sweaty Institute in sheer chaos as the night comes to a close with the energetic Tweet Tweet Tweet.
Say what you want about Andrew and Jason but their live performances are something to shout about and the minimalism clearly works a treat.
One of the most interesting bands in music at the moment, Sleaford Mods are here to stay.
To pledge £3 to homeless charity Shelter text SHELTER to 70444.
