LowLives Ignite The O2 Institute Birmingham With Grunge-Infused Brilliance

When you walk into a venue expecting a great show, but instead get your socks knocked off by the opening act, you know you’ve witnessed something special. Such was the case last night at the O2 Institute Birmingham, where Anglo-American quartet LowLives set the stage on fire before Alkaline Trio even had a chance to tune their guitars. With a setlist that screamed both nostalgia and fresh energy, LowLives proved they are a force to be reckoned with, blending grunge and modern rock in a way that made you feel like you were in Seattle circa 1991, with a frontman channelling the spirit of Kurt Cobain himself.

LowLives @ O2 Institute Birmingham

LowLives @ O2 Institute Birmingham (Nick Allan)

From the moment they launched into Freaking Out, the crowd was hooked. The explosive energy was palpable, and you could feel the bass in your bones. Frontman Lee Downer, with his unmistakable Cobain-esque looks and vocals, commanded the stage with a raw charisma that had the audience eating out of his hand. He wore his influences proudly on his sleeve, but brought a fresh edge that was all his own.

Hey You followed, a track that blended grunge grit with modern rock polish. The band played with an intensity that made it impossible to look away, and the crowd responded with enthusiastic cheers and fists pumping in the air. By the time they hit LIAR, the entire venue was moving. The song’s pounding rhythm and fierce lyrics turned the floor into a writhing mass of energy, perfectly capturing the angst and rebellion that defines the genre.

I Don’t Like You was another highlight, showcasing the band’s ability to mix catchy hooks with a darker, more aggressive sound. Downer’s voice, dripping with disdain, cut through the noise and landed straight in the hearts of the listeners. Thieves kept the momentum going with its infectious riffs and anthemic chorus, setting the stage for the hauntingly beautiful Swan Dive.

LOSER was a standout, with its brooding verses and explosive chorus. It felt like a throwback to the grunge era, yet unmistakably current. CLOSER THAN YOU KNOW offered a brief but powerful respite, its melancholy tones providing a stark contrast to the otherwise high-energy set.

They closed with a one-two punch of Burn, Hate Greed, Liars Thieves. Burn was all fire and fury, with scorching guitar solos and relentless drumming while Hate Greed, Liars Thieves was a no-holds-barred critique of modern society, delivered with a ferocity that left the crowd reeling.

LowLives’ set was nothing short of brilliant. Their mix of grunge and modern rock was executed with such precision and passion that it felt both nostalgic and refreshingly new. Lee Downer’s presence added an extra layer of authenticity and excitement, making it clear that this band is destined for big things. If you haven’t checked out LowLives yet, do yourself a favour and get on it – these guys are the real deal, and their live show is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Live review & photography of LowLives at O2 Institute, Birmingham on 31st July 2024 by Nick Allan.

Alkaline Trio Rock The O2 Institute Birmingham With A Night of Unforgettable Tunes From Punk Rock Royalty

Avalanche Fire Up Debut Era With Riotous New Single ‘On The Bags Again’

Australia’s hard-hitting rock ’n’ roll upstarts Avalanche have unleashed their most unapologetically wild track to date with On The Bags Again, a rowdy new single lifted from their forthcoming debut album Armed To The Teeth, due for release on 13th February.

Mark Daly Unleashes New Single ‘In The Dark’ Following North American Tour With The Darkness

Rising Irish rocker Mark Daly has kicked off 2026 with the release of his brand-new single In The Dark, a high-energy rock anthem that marks a bold new chapter in his rapidly growing career. Fresh from completing a 27-date tour across the US and Canada supporting The Darkness, Daly returns with a track that balances arena-ready hooks with deeply personal storytelling.

Public Service Broadcasting @ Latitude Festival 2025 (Kalpesh Patel)

Public Service Broadcasting Announce Alexandra Palace Headline Show Celebrating ‘The Race For Space’

Public Service Broadcasting have announced their biggest headline live show to date, set to take place at London’s Alexandra Palace on 26 September 2026. The landmark performance will celebrate 10 (+1) years of the band’s acclaimed second album, The Race For Space, marking a full-circle moment at the venue where the record was first launched.

Knumears Announce Debut Album ‘Directions’ And Share New Single ‘Fade Away’

Los Angeles-based screamo revivalists Knumears have announced their long-awaited debut album Directions, set for release on 3rd April. Alongside the announcement, the trio have shared a powerful new single, Fade Away, featuring guest vocals from Jeff Smith of genre pioneers Jeromes Dream.

Architects Unleash Cinematic ‘Broken Mirror’ Video As UK Festival Date Confirmed

Architects have released the official music video for Broken Mirror, the latest single taken from their current album The Sky, The Earth & All Between. The track captures the band at their most dynamic, balancing moments of vulnerability with towering heaviness and massive, arena-ready choruses.

Cowboy Hunters Announce New EP ‘EPeepee’ And Share Raucous Single ‘Have A Pint’

Glasgow duo Cowboy Hunters have announced their forthcoming new EP EPeepee, set for release on 20th March, alongside the arrival of its latest single, Have A Pint. The track offers a feral and immediate introduction to the band’s world, blending their tongue-in-cheek cowboy-slaughter mythology with the gritty reality of Glasgow’s pub culture.

Slaughter To Prevail @ O2 Academy Birmingham (Nick Allan)

Slaughter To Prevail Level Birmingham On The Grizzly Winter Tour

Slaughter To Prevail’s Grizzly Winter tour rolled into a sold-out O2 Academy Birmingham and delivered a show that was as visually imposing as it was sonically brutal. Known for their uncompromising approach to modern deathcore, the Russian heavyweights arrived armed not only with a crushing setlist, but with full-scale production that underlined just how far the band have risen in recent years.

Robert Smith of The Cure @ Glastonbury Festival 2019 (Kalpesh Patel)

The Cure, Gorillaz And Moby To Headline New Bulgarian Festival PhillGood

Bulgaria is set to make a major statement on the European festival circuit next summer with the launch of PhillGood, a brand-new three-day music festival taking place in Plovdiv from 17th–19th July 2026. Headlined by The Cure, Gorillaz and Moby, the inaugural event brings some of the most influential names in modern music to one of Europe’s oldest and most culturally rich cities.