LIVE REVIEW: Issues @ O2 Academy3, Birmingham

ISSUES kicked off their latest era of Beautiful Oblivion with a series of shows across the UK, their latest pit stop being Birmingham’s 02 Academy with support from GROUNDCULTURE and LOTUS EATER.

The show kicked off with a rousing performance from GROUNDCULTURE whose all hands-on deck approach did not go unnoticed. From bouncing around the stage to leaping into the crowd, the band left no stone unturned as they raised all kinds of hell with an exciting, lively set. For a band, still fresh-faced into the industry, their phenomenal rapport, gnawing riffs and overall ecstatic performance was baffling to witness. Definitely the scene’s next underdogs to look out for.

Rating: 8/10

LOTUS EATER felt like the perfect fit to progress the night, delivering a grappling performance that unearthed devilishly fun chaos amongst the crowd. That small cap venue didn’t underwhelm their capabilities, pounding their hardcore tracks through the woodworks as frontman Jamie McLees‘ flaunted his vocal talents in tracks like Yuck and Thug. LOTUS EATER emulate what makes modern hardcore so amazing, their live performances are on par with their passion for music and promoting a message within that, taking a unique and refreshing spin on typical hardcore music that makes for interesting live shows. Overall an amazing support band.

Rating: 9/10

Thus, came time for ISSUES to hit the stage and the chants had already begun. As Tyler Carter entered the room he immediately became engulfed by a sea of screams and phone lights, the atmosphere swiftly changed to a brewing excitement as the band kicked in their newer track Here’s To You.

Their setlist was more favourable to their newer material but didn’t miss a beat when it to the classics, like Mad At Myself or Never Lose Your Flame. Crowd rapport matched the phenomenal stage efforts, with beautiful moments pocketing themselves throughout the night such as one unforgettable moment when the power cut during Hero. Only the drum beat stayed tune but this didn’t deter fans, who screamed every last word until audio came back. Moments like this are built from longtime love, felt throughout the crowd and on stage as the band seemed speechless by the crowd’s devotion.

ISSUES admiration for their craft has always been impressive, Carter effortlessly swayed across the stage and found individual moments with fans whilst also entertaining the rest of the room and handling audio issues. No song felt unhinged, each track was felt emotionally and physically by the band who poured their every last ounce into the tracks, and the result was felt strongly by fans as they sang along. Before their set, the question lingered, “surely ISSUES could easily outsell bigger venues and have in the past?” But what they sacrificed in a bigger venue they made up for with an intimate setting, giving fans a one to one experience with the band. It set aside any facade that they’re just in it for the money, giving the audience an opportunity to get personal with the band in such close proximity.

Overall, their performance reinstated for the swelling crowd. Despite all odds, lost band members and sound diversions, ISSUES are still going strong and favour their fans the most. They pour every ounce of passion into each performance, and it is their live performances that lie at the heart of what they love.

Rating: 9/10

Check out our photo gallery from the night’s action in Birmingham from Yasmine Summan here: