Few bands cultivate an air of mystique quite like The Brian Jonestown Massacre. Led by the enigmatic Anton Newcombe, their live shows are legendary for their unpredictability—at times transcendental, at others chaotic. At the O2 Institute Birmingham, they delivered a set that leaned heavily into the former, offering a night of hypnotic grooves, kaleidoscopic guitars, and the kind of immersive psychedelia that only they can provide.
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From the moment the band took the stage, there was an electricity in the air. The crowd, a mix of die-hard fans and curious newcomers, was buzzing with anticipation. With minimal fanfare, the band launched straight into Maybe Make It Right, setting the tone with a hazy, swirling soundscape that wrapped itself around the venue. The intricate interplay between guitars was mesmerizing, with Newcombe leading the charge while his bandmates wove layers of melody and distortion.
The setlist dug deep into their back catalogue, with Vacuum Boots following swiftly, a nod to their early, fuzz-drenched sound. The driving rhythm and reverb-soaked vocals felt like a blast from the past, reminding everyone why this band became a cornerstone of modern psychedelic rock.
A highlight of the evening was the hauntingly beautiful That Girl Suicide. The pulsating bassline and hypnotic drumming provided the perfect foundation for Newcombe’s dreamy, reverb-laden vocals. It was moments like this where the band’s ability to create a trance-like atmosphere truly shone.
As the show progressed, the band transitioned seamlessly between eras, offering newer tracks like Do Rainbows Have Ends and #1 Lucky Kitty. The former was a standout, its shimmering guitars and melancholic melody washing over the audience. Meanwhile, Fudge took things into heavier territory, its dark, droning riffs creating an almost menacing aura.
The instrumental jam that bridged Days, Weeks and Moths into When Jokers Attack was another masterclass in BJM’s signature style—organic, free-flowing, yet perfectly controlled. The latter track’s infectious melody and driving beat had the crowd swaying in unison, proving just how effortlessly the band can transport their audience.
No Brian Jonestown Massacre show would be complete without Anemone, and the crowd’s response when the opening chords rang out was electric. One of the band’s most beloved songs, it was performed with a delicate intensity, its slow, sensual groove captivating from start to finish.
Nevertheless followed, a shimmering, droning masterpiece that kept the momentum going. Newcombe, ever the understated frontman, let the music do the talking, only occasionally mumbling into the microphone between songs. His focus was unwavering, his commitment to the sound absolute.
As the set moved into its latter half, tracks like Pish and Don’t Let Me Get in Your Way reinforced the band’s ability to craft deeply immersive soundscapes. Meanwhile, You Think I’m Joking? showcased their more direct, garage-tinged side, injecting a raw energy into the proceedings.
As the night drew to a close, the band brought out some of their finest material. Whatever Happened to Them was a brooding, hypnotic slow-burner that built to an intense crescendo, while Forgotten Graves was dripping with melancholic beauty.
The final run of songs—A Word, Servo, and Super-Sonic—was nothing short of mesmerizing. Servo in particular was a revelation, its rolling rhythm and layered guitars creating an all-encompassing wave of sound. By the time they closed with Super-Sonic, the crowd was utterly spellbound. The song’s euphoric, sprawling outro was the perfect sendoff, leaving everyone floating in its wake.
The Brian Jonestown Massacre’s live show is not just a performance—it’s an experience. At the O2 Institute Birmingham, they proved once again why they remain one of the most compelling acts in modern psychedelic rock. Newcombe’s vision, combined with the band’s tight musicianship, created a night of sonic transcendence that few in attendance will soon forget. For those who were there, it was a reminder of the enduring magic of live music; for those who missed it, it was a night worth regretting.
Review and photographs of The Brian Jonestown Massacre at the O2 Institute Birmingham on 18 February 2025 by Nick Allan.
You can find Nick on Instagram – @nickallanphotos
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