Struck by Lightning

I think that Birmingham has really spoilt us with some of the bands it’s given us. But I believe we’ve never been more blessed than when the city brought us Brian Lightning.

I had seen the seven-piece band at the Hare and Hounds last December, and on the 27^th of June at the Night Owl, they did not fail to blow me away once again.

Here’s a reminder for future me: if the theme of the concert is a prom, and the “class of 2025,” DRESS UP!!! As I was also taking photos, I picked comfort and just chucked on a top and bottoms… I think I was probably one of the only people NOT in prom attire, so you can imagine how embarrassed I was.

When I saw that my favourite local band were playing at my favourite bar, it was a no brainer that I had to go! If Brian Lightning were a building, they would be the Night Owl: a funky, quirky hidden gem where you can just have the BEST night.

We got to the venue at around quarter-past eight, and by half-past, it was PACKED- there was just a sea of puffy dresses and sparkles. I’m a bit of a people-watcher when it comes to gigs, and what I loved when sitting outside was just seeing the overwhelming sense of community: everyone just seemed to know everyone, and it was such a friendly and loving environment. Immediate green flag!

Opening the night was the band Defender, who I hadn’t seen live before. We saw Paige, the lead singer, walking around the venue, and if I hadn’t already thought she looked the part pre-show, she DEFINITELY did when she got on stage! With her blue eyeshadow, I immediately thought she was very Chappell Roan ‘The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess’-esque: gorgeous! But then, she walked onto stage, and Chappell Roan was no longer standing in front of me… Stephen King’s Carrie White was! In a state of shock, she stood and glared at us all, with blood dripping down her face. Immediately, I was obsessed.

The band began slow, with Paige performing spoken word, which I actually really enjoyed! There aren’t enough bands out there- or rather, I haven’t seen many bands- that perform spoken word, so it made a nice change, and also made themselves stand out to me in comparison to other bands of a similar genre that I have seen before.

As the band got louder, and rhythms started building, my jaw dropped to the floor as the front lady belted her heart out. I was not expecting such a powerhouse of a voice! And the rest of the band were just as incredible. They bounced off each other so well, and meshed to create the PERFECT sound.

Paige’s vocal control from belting to whispering is something I am in awe of. And when matched with the Portishead-style guitar, and a hint of Fiona Apple-ism, this incredible sound is created. The rage, the calm, the hyper… they were unbelievable: the perfect band to open the night.

After seeing Brian Lightning at the Hare and Hounds last year, I knew Mr. Lightning himself, AKA Ed, would make an entrance. And of course, he did once again. This time, walking down the stairs of the Night Owl towards the stage, as he and the band sang Marty Wilde’s Sea of Love. As soon as the lyrics “oh my love, come with me” were sang by backing singers Joni and Kate, my arms were covered with goosebumps. They, once again, completely blew me away. Their voices are so soulful and so powerful; I don’t think I could imagine anyone better to take on their role.

We were treated with my favourite of Brian Lightning’s, Ode to Hare and Hounds (Venue Two). I think it really brings out the smoothness of Ed’s voice, with its jazzy edge.

As the night went on, the band’s energy just kept getting higher and higher. And one of the highlights was meeting Frankie: Brian in a black bob wig and aviator sunglasses. And the song that Frankie gave us, of the same name, was also incredible, and certainly highlighted Joni and Kate’s vocals even more than already.

We were also treated to not one, but two Beach Boys covers, in memory of Brian Wilson. We had I Get Around and God Only Knows, and I can confirm that there wasn’t a single person in the crowd who didn’t sing along. It was such a nice touch. And I must say, Brian and guitarist Huw’s vocals were SPOT ON, which really impressed me, as it really showcased how versatile the frontman’s voice is.

I have no criticisms about this night at all. None! I’ve never been to something so quirky and different before, and I’m so glad that I did (although I’d be even gladder if I had dressed up)! Though it’s only been my second time seeing them, I genuinely don’t think Brian Lightning will ever disappoint, and instead, I think they’ll just keep getting better and better. My perfect prom band, the seven of them create a totally unique sound that I have never heard before, and probably never will from anyone else. From new wave and indie to glam rock and punk, the group span a plethora of genres and successfully avoid being a band that churns out songs that all sound the same.

If they’re not already, I urge you to get Brian Lightning on your radar. The events that they put on are so different to anything you will have seen before: who else would ever think they’d be attending a prom-themed night in the middle of Digbeth? In fact, at Digbeth’s best bar! The whole concept for the night was so original, and the Night Owl accommodated it perfectly. If nothing else, take my advice and get yourself down there for a boogie!

A 100/10 night. If you ask me, you should certainly consider the Church of Briantology.

All photos by me.