Tag Archives: gig review

jasmine.4.t : The Deaf Institute, 31st May 2025.

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Sometimes you listen to a record, a song or find a singer and you just know that they are going to impact your life in a way that will stay with you for a long time. A band in particular for me that first gave me this feeling was Garbage back in 1995. Fast forward 30 years, and I get the same feeling with the Angel of Manchester- jasmine.4.t.

Her debut record, You Are The Morning is an ode and celebration of Queer love and community. She lets us in delicately on her journey as a transwoman, and that is something to truly treasure. I’ve been to a lot of gigs in my time but I can honestly say that Jasmine’s show last night at The Deaf Institute was the safest I’ve ever felt and I’m pretty sure I wasn’t the only one. I want to mention briefly (and I will be writing about them separately soon) the support acts from last night Ether Mech and Lucas Assagba. Both acts were divine, and the perfect way to start the night.

There are many reasons as to why the show was so special last night- but the two worth noting are, it was homecoming show for Jasmine and her band. They sold out The Deaf Institute! One of the most iconic and best venues in our beautiful city and it was sadly drummer Eden’s last show with them. Sadness and joy- the two things I felt a lot of last night! I knew in my gut I was going to feel every feeling possible last night, and being in the eyeline of the setlist made me prepare myself slightly. But the second Jasmine and Phoenix stepped to the stage, any mental preparation I did went right in the bin. I saw a few videos on Instagram this morning of the set, and in some of them you can see my little head just staring at the stage with this ridiculous grin on my face. The show felt like home, and I was SO proud to see Jasmine.

For me, I thought Elephant was going to be the one that broke me but instead, I cried out of sheer happiness. To see a room so full of love, kindness, acceptance, and safety really got to me. It’s awful right now for those of us who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community and it’s extra fucking hard on our trans siblings, and to be in a room for those few hours where how we identify doesn’t mean we are at risk felt like being home. I really hope Jasmine knows exactly what she’s done and keeps doing with her music, because it’s so powerful. It’s beyond music, she’s beyond being a singer.

The set opens with Jasmine and Phoenix stepping up to the stage to play Kitchen, and they then treat us to Bobby (and Alex G cover.) These quiet moments showed just how tender music can be. Jasmine then introduces Eden and Emily to the stage where they rip the venue apart with Guy Fawkes Tesco Dissociation. This live hits you in a way a record cannot touch; it’s also a song I’ve sang/yelled at my cat many a time (I’m so sorry Mary, I do it because I love you.) Skin On Skin and Highfield nearly bloody break me as does Breaking In Reverse, but I kept it together because I was just happy to be in a room so full of love and joy. For me, the tenderness of Roan truly cemented just how gorgeous a musician Jasmine is. It was such a quiet moment, and nobody moved. We all just stood in awe of her. The song is beautiful anyway, but you truly feel how much it means to Jasmine when you see it live.

I think a lot us who went last night will agree that the performance of Woman was one of the most precious moments of the show. Jasmine split the crowd so her gorgeous friend, Bola could dance whilst they sang such a vital song. After the hate and hurt that comes from the UK Supreme Court Ruling (and the world in general being hateful), having the crowd chant “Fuck the Supreme Court” felt GOOD. Another person simply cannot police how you identify. Another person NEVER EVER has the right to make you feel small or make you feel like you should hide who you are. Queer people have ALWAYS been here. Trans people have always been here and they always will be. Non-Binary people have always been here, and we’re going nowhere. I never felt more proud of who I am than I was last night, and feeling secure in that is down to the home I have found in Jasmine’s music.

The band rip through Did U Know (which NEEDS to be recorded) but the set ends with an INSANE cover of Toxicity by System Of A Down. We all know that Jasmine has a delicate voice, but have you heard her properly scream and belt out a song? MY.GOD. I loved Emily’s stagedive during this, and the way she launched herself back onto the stage and play her bass as if nothing happened! Everything was left on the stage last night, and it was an honour to see it. I’m just so proud of Jasmine, and to be there for her sell out homecoming show was just extra special. I feel I could write thousands of words on why this was one of the most important gigs I’ve ever been to, but I think, if you’ve listened to her music- you will really get why it means so much. On record you can feel the emotion, but when you see it live, it feels so different. Songs like Roan live felt different and you could just see the love pour out of Jasmine as she sang this. Everyone on that stage last night (support acts too) gave their all, and in return, they received all the love in the world back.

The setlist I took from the stage last night is now signed, framed, and hangs above my record player in my room. It’s more than a setlist. It’s a sign to keep going and to be proud of who I am. I think aged 38, I’ve finally got there.

Jasmine has just announced another tour for later in the year, so if you missed out this time- you’ve got a second chance. I simply urge you to go see Jasmine live because you will truly know what it means to feel safe and seen. And hopefully there will be more System Of A Down covers.

I cannot write this without mentioning Yulia- Jasmine’s friend. If you follow Jasmine on social media or have been to her shows, you will know who Yulia is and how important she is. She is currently in prison because quite simply, like anyone with common sense, believes in a free Palestine. Please read and support Yulia here: https://www.freeyulia.com/info/ It is a heavy read so please be careful.

Lightspeed Champion. Birmingham Academy 2. 1/5/08

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DevLightspeed ChampionOperator Please

Firsty, I was probably one of the eldest there- not sure if that’s a good or bad thing.

Secondly, I think everyone there pulled their clothes out of the same wardrobe.

Let’s proceed with the review, shall we?

The first support band on were Ox.Eagle.Lion.Man. They reminded me a little bit of Editors, yes I know- that means they aren’t that good, but ya know..it’s better than saying they were like James Blunt or something. Their music gave off a Shakespeare kind of vibe, rather haunting too. I wasn’t blown away- just quite amused.

Second band up were a wonderful Australian band called Operator Please who played a handful of songs from their album Yes Yes Vindictive. The album is amazing, and to hear it live (again!) is one heck of an experience. They are are aged between 17-19 but play like complete professionals. There are absolutley no faults in their performance at all. It was truely wonderful. They played with their new keyboardist, no idea what his name is. He looked a bit bored, but maybe he was nervous. Sarah used to bounce around and play the keyboard. The new guy just sort of stood there with his head down. Operator Please even treated us to a cover of Devo’s Whip It, and what a treat it was. I saw Operator Please in October last year and hardly anyone danced let alone sang along- but luckily, it was different last night. People were moving and singing. A band worth taking note of.

And finally, the main event. Lightspeed Champion. Dev Hynes walks on stage saying “Hey guys” down the mic and picks up his guitar. Every song from Falling Off The Lavender Bridge is played along with 2 new songs. The prostitute song, which is now called Madam Van Damn included- this version no longer sounds like a demo. It is awesome. The other new song is described by Dev as being “funky” it’s more than that though. His killer guitar solo mid song is perfect. In fact, the whole set is perfect. First saw Dev play in February and Dry Lips was played acoustic but tonight- full band and electric guitar. As this is my favourite song off the album- this version just blew me away. I was in awe of everyone on stage- not just Dev. The Star Wars theme was crazy too. Playing that before Midnight Surprise was wicked. Mid set, Dev took his jacket off to reveal a fetching shirt- blue polo shirt with yachts on. He bought it earlier in the day- only Dev could make this shirt look cool, and yes- the hat was on too!

You cannot find any fault in Lightspeed Champion’s performance, going from strength to strength. Dev’s live shows are something you really do need to see for yourself. He’s got a really really good stage presence too, after every song there was a bit of banter, saying “thanks everyone” at the end of every song was really cute. A little diss to The Wombats was amusing too, he wasn’t dissing them, he was just being silly, or something 🙂

 My words do not do it justice. I took some photos but they didn’t come out that well because we were stood on a box at the back of the venue eating Wham Bars (they’re still 10p! In your face Space Raiders!)

 

 

The Enemy. Sunday 6th April. Ricoh Arena, Coventry.

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I’ve seen these guys twice, but you know what they say- three’s the magic number. Not only is it a De La Soul track, but it’s also true.

I’m not commenting on the support acts. I’m focusing on the main event. The Enemy. Playing their home turf. Magical and beyond beautiful.

Every track from the debut album, We’ll Live And Die In These Towns is played. Every word is recited back to Liam, Andy and Tom. Every word is sang by the band and crowd as if their lives depend on it. It probably does actually, the amount of bottles being thrown and people being carried out was astounding. Who knew a plastic bottle in the eye could hurt so much! As well as the odd knee and elbow. Good time had all round.

The Enemy made a song by the Sex Pistols actually sound good! Biased opinion because I don’t like the Sex Pistols but love The Enemy! Their version of God Save The Queen was amazing and unexpected. They also played a new song, Sing When You’re In Love/Sing When You’re Out Of Love which, if hopefully on the new album, will be just as perfect as the first album.

I’ve seen them at the Carling Academy in Birmingham, The NEC and now the Ricoh Arena. All have had special occasions attached to them. The NEC was my 21st birthday and the other two were their homecoming gigs.

As quite a new band, The Enemy play with all they have and an insane amount of professionalism. Something to be admired by new and old bands alike. The crowd consisted of families, neighbours,friends and fans. A highlight was seeing a couple aged around 60 dance and sing like mad to The Enemy. Never seen anything like it! I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again- one of the best gigs I have ever been to.

Every time I’ve seen them, they’ve ended the set with You’re Not Alone..I just hope they never stop doing that. Tom praises the people of Coventry and they do it back. Before they came on stage, Ricoh Arena Coventry came up on the screen-so loud, so beautiful! At the end the band led a Coventry football chant. It had it be done, it’d be a shame if it hadn’t.

Best live British band? Yes. Best Live band in the world right now? HELL YES.

Go see them.

 

Lightspeed Champion. Birmingham Bar Academy 18/2/08

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Lightspeed Champion.

It’s a nice February evening in the streets of Birmingham and I’m making my way down to the Academy with my mate when all of a sudden Dev walks past me! The guy is quite tall and yes, he was wearing that hat! The temptation to not steal the hat..I sure fight it!

So, we’re waiting in line to get in, and there is young boy who is the spitting image of Dev. If it was me, I’d probably freak out but hey ho..it’s all flattery!

The first act on are Doncaster trio The Warbirds, clearly a winner because of where they are from (well, my mum would say that anyway) They remind me of Bob Dylan meets The View and passes by The Kooks. Sounds odd yet awful to some, but it works. It really does. They have a killer stage presence which is vital. During one of the songs the singer seems to get a bit of a giggle on, it’s quite cute. They’re an awesome band worth checking out.
Next support act is Semi-Finalists, and Dev provides bass for them which is quite possibly the only highlight of their set. They’re not fantastic but they’re not overly shit. Well, they made the kids dance a little!

After a brief soundcheck, the lights are dimmed and Dev walks back on stage accompanied by some members of Semi-Finalists and an amazing violinist and drummer. The drummer also provides backing vocals. Her vocals are amazing.
Opening up with, Dev’s words, “a song about a prostitute” and it quite fantasticly fantastic!
Most songs are played off debut album, Falling Off The Lavender Bridge including Dry Lips, Tell Me What It’s Worth and Everyone I Know Is Listening To Crunk. The latter Dev labels as being dated due to its reference to mango frescato, The OC and chequered coats. He possess awesome charisma and professional stage presence.
He’s also dead set on bringing back Jim Carey speak, I suppose he could really!

Dev tells us the trouble of Travel Lodge as he woke up this morning with a rash on the side of his face. He says it could be elephantitis, others say shaving rash! Let’s just hope it’s the latter.
The set is ended with 10 minute beauty- Midnight Surprise, well…it’s not really the last track. It is explained that the night before, they played a bit of Neil Young’s “Rockin’ In A Free World.” as a bit of a mess around, so if it turned out awful tonight then Midnight Surprise would be known as the last song. But, although the chosen cover track is a bit over some of the kids heads here it’s still a really cool way to end this memorable, personal gig.
The Bar Acadmey is tiny and everyone is dripping with sweat, and intimate venue with a hell of a lot of character.
There is something so beautiful about acoustic music in a tiny venue. You just know inside that you are witnessing something remarkable and unforgettable. None of Dev’s songs sound the same but they all have wit and meaning. He’s doing something that needs to be done in music right now- he’s sending messages from his heart.
It’s a grand leap from Test Icicles to Lightspeed Champion- both great acts.

Dev’s created the album of the year, and this quite possibly going to be one of the best gigs I’ll attend in 2008.