Toploader

Digbeth's not one of the nicest places to frequent on a Saturday night, especially when the streets are pitch black and it's like a ghost town.

Tonight was no exception, but my other half asked me months ago to go see Toploader. I must admit to only knowing one of their songs and it's the one everyone knows, 'Dancing in the Moonlight'. The only other thing I know is that the lead singer has hair like Side Show Bob out of The Simpsons.

After being coerced out of the house and a 20 min drive in to town we parked the car in the darkest street ever. A brisk walk later we arrived at the venue. Last time I was here it was The Sanctuary (nightclub) and Barfly; my how things change. This venue is amazing it boasts various rooms like The Library. The Temple, where Toploader were, was so well decorated that its no wonder all the hip groups are booking to play here.

When we headed up two flights of stairs and went in to the room, I was completely agog as to how small it was. We had just missed the first support band The Musgraves. After seeing the second, who's name escapes me they were so memorable, I wished that I had missed them too!



We managed to get a decent spot at the front and Toploader came on at what seemed an ungodly hour. My partner and myself were rubbing our eyes. I thought I was going to turn in to a pumpkin at one point.

Toploader have been around for years. I remember them the first time round, and yes I know I'm showing my age. They released two albums in the height of their fame entitled 'Onka's Big Moka' and 'Magic Hotel', but split up for a while due to the demise of their record company. Now they are back after signing a one a one album deal with Underdogs Music. 'Only Human' is the bands next album due for release soon and the tour was created to showcase new single 'Never Stop Wondering'. Before the album gets released the band have released an EP on iTunes to give fans a taster of what’s expected from the album.

With 4 out of its 5 original members there to entertain us all in Digbeth on Saturday night, they certainly didn’t disappoint. They have a decent back catalogue of songs that made the set impressive. A short 50 minute stint of 13 songs started off with striking 'Marrakesh', new single 'Never Stop Wondering', 'Let the People Know', 'Sound Of Your Soul', 'Balance' and then the absolute diamond of a song 'Dancing in the Moonlight'.



Even I was having a little boogie, although I only knew the chorus of the song, which isn't good news when you're standing two feet from Joe the lead singer. He had his beady eye on me to see if I knew the words; did I go beetroot red or what!

The audience were in awe after 'Dancing in the Moonlight', I don't think anything could've topped this song. 'Only Human' (title track from the new album), 'Shifting Sands', 'Breathe' and 'Numb' followed.

Last song of the set, awesome 'Achilles Heel' from 'Onka's Big Moka' finished the stonking set. Obviously the crowd wanted more so that's what the band gave, two more brilliant songs 'She Said' and 'Time of my Life'.

The set was short and sweet and to the point, but it definitely whetted my appetite for more. It proved that the band still have it on the live scene.

FUTURE GIGS