Three months after the recent release of their latest album “How Do You Love?”, LA based riot grrrl band The Regrettes took to the stage of the O2 Academy 3 as a mid-point through a world-wide tour.
Supporting the Regrettes was Lauran Hibberd (plus band), Isle of Wight singer-songwriter who rose to popularity playing at Glastonbury’s BBC introducing stage, in addition to supporting alternative/indie-rock band Hippo Campus. Playing songs from both her debut EP “Everything is Dogs” as well as Newly released single, “Sweat Patch”, Hibberd provided the bustling crowd with satisfying and fulfilling start to the night.
Greeted on by a horde of cheering fans, The Regrettes immediately created a wonderful atmosphere with their lively hit “California Friends”. Their endless talent and passion really shone through the bleak and dreary nature of the Birmingham weather fans queued through just outside. “Pumpkin” and “Seashore” are just two examples of songs that kept the crowd dancing all night long and mixed with the sorrowful story of the last time they gigged in Birmingham which left them without their van, the crowd tried their utmost to try and create a new, ecstatic memory for the band to take with them.
With a large discography, not everything could be played, but the band made sure to play a wide variety of their music from both albums and EP “Attention Seeker” and fans were not disappointed at all with the marvellous performance. The energy from both the band and the crowd increased more and more throughout the night and following a huge chant for an encore, the band returned for one last song asking for all those who identified as women to come to the front of the crowd, creating a safe-space for them to jam out to fan favourite “Poor Boy” one last time.
All in all, the band provided and extraordinary experience for short and long term fans alike, crafting a night of punk rock to die for. This is certainly not the last time they’ll be performing in Birmingham, with their next gig at the O2 being on Wednesday 18th March 2020.
By Sonny Elliott
