Flamboyant Bella / Big Ice Gem / Bi-Polar Baby Bar Academy Sunday 21st October 2007

This was a 14+ gig. I am 14+. A lot +. I'm also a bloke. 96% of this audience were not. They were girls. 14+ girls. I felt old. And outnumbered. Still, on with the show eh? Bi-Polar baby first. Yet another local band who had evaded my ears. Where are they all coming from? Why isn't Birmingham awash with big, big bands...give it time my friends. Anyway, Bi-Polar Baby. The lead singer is most lovely and has a voice that reminded me a bit of the vocalist from All About Eve. The band itself has a strong rocky vibe (think a classier, harder edged Republica) and, although tonight wasn't the best audience for them, they seemed to win over a fair few of the audience. I'd like to see them in a different setting to really appreciate the full Bi-Polar experience (I can't link to their My Space cos I've tried to open the page and it's crashed my computer...twice...damn you My Space).

Next up...and boy were they popular...Big Ice Gem. Indie rock but with a boy band sensability (and that's a compliment by the way). Mr Gem has written a clutch of some of the catchiest songs I've heard for a while. On some he comes across all The Streets, then a bit old school rock n'roll. It's a right mix. But a crackingly good one. I've never seen so many sweaty 14 year olds since I was one. I purchased a CD. God, they must be good (the band, not the 14 year olds...they didn't have any CD's...).

Finally, and a band I only discovered by chance after seeing their name on the Academy listsings, Flamboyant Bella. Sweet boy/girl vocals, synths, guitars and loads more sweat (this was rapidly becoming a very sweaty gig). Like Mr Gem, this lot have catchy down to a fine art (but with less swearing...unless you count wankered as swearing...good word that...WANKERED...that's just how I feel right now). If you're having a shit day listen to My Skies and I guarantee...that's guarantee...that you'll feel better. How I found myself drawn to the front, bouncing around like an old nutcase I'll never know. But the Bella are just irrisistable. And I have no shame. I purchased two CD's...lawks a mercy...they must be really good (they are too).

So, an odd gig in some ways (I felt like the oldest person in the entire universe), but a great one. Generation gap my arse (albeit a slightly sweaty one). The kids are alright.

PS: Yes the picture is worse than normal but you try taking a photo whilst bouncing up and down with a bunch of young people. Actually don't...you might get arrested.