Oxbow headlining was fitting in many ways, not least their completed checklist of Capsule specialities – Performance in a venue not notable for live shows? Check. (see their 2005 appearance at the Demon lapdancing club). Supersonic appearance? Check. Raucous debut show upstairs at the Jug of Ale, most probably with bleedin’ Mistress supporting? Check. Aided by two support bands with personnel boasting similarly impressive track records over the past ten years, this gig was perfect as an – apologies in advance – encapsulation of their strengths as promoters.

Read full review on Brum Live

WEDNESDAY sees a welcome return to the mighty OXBOW, jazz infused, Birthday Party style noise, they produce a live show where you never know what might happen, an element which is as exciting as it is scary. Support for this show comes TRANSITIONAL featuring Dave Cochrane (Head Of David/Grey Machine) and LIGHT TRAP which boasts comprised of John (Haxan, ex Doom & Sore Throat), Doug (Una Corda) and Nic (ex Napalm Death & Scorn).

Oxbow Duo at Supersonic Festival 2007

Kicking off with ELECTRIC WIZARD,  a crushing behemoth of funeral march psychedelia with support from Canadian flute-tinged witch rock, BLOOD CEREMONY - think Jethro Tull mixed with Sabbath!
Be aware that this show is selling very fast and our capacity is limited!

A welcome return by Capsule favourites FUCK BUTTONS, with support from ZUN ZUN EGUI, a  heavy dance band, they fire up mighty, eternal grooves worthy of some dust-caked Lagos street jam. THEO - Taut, chugging guitar loops layer up with frenetic tapping patterns that interweave in spiralling complexity.

STARLESS & BIBLE BLACK have drawn together the sounds of ‘70s Topanga Canyon country-rock, ‘80s Mancunian jangle, and space-age psychedelic drones to make a dynamic, warm and woodsy sound. Support from FOX, intimate, acoustic-led songwriting combining a wide variety of instruments, including guitars, banjo, percussion, keyboards, theremin, mandolin + new Birmingham based collective Health & Efficiency, who combine banjo, two basses, two guitars, synths, samplers and more effects and loop pedals.

ISIS are back in Brum, expect heavy, slow and brutal sounds, whilst hypnotising and entrancing you all with their live show. They will be bringing with them a very special support act – more news on that soon. This will be our first show at The Asylum in Hockley, which we’re really excited about using, good beer prices & great PA.

EFTERKLANG with support from NANCY ELIZABETH will also be taking place at the Asylum on the following night – expect an upbeat atmosphere and with  a sense of hope and optimism, these guys will leave you with a massive smile on your face – what more could you want from a gig.

These are just for starters – also confirmed for November DAMIEN JURADO, WOODS/ESPERS/THE CAVE SINGERS + OXBOW

Tickets can be bought in advanced from www.theticketsellers.co.uk
Polar Bear – York Road, Kings Heath
Swordfish – Birmingham city centre

“The closing applause is superb, and doesn’t want to allow itself to stop. I raise my hands as high as they will reach as the Germans raise theirs in appreciation. It’s a real moment, another to file beside the many that have come my way while enjoying what just might be, for real, the best festival in the country.”

Written by Drowned In Sound Editor Mike Diver
Read the full review on the website

Photos by Lucy Johnston