I Prevail
02 Academy 03/19/23
Birmingham UK
Claire H. Head Insomnia Photographer
Facebook / Spotify / Instagram
Live Review
After years of unfortunate postponements and even a tour line up change,I Prevail finally embarked on their dates around the UK and Europe. Joining them, were Finnish nu-metal legends, Blind Channel and the UK’s very own rockers, Trash Boat.
Blind Channel were first to take to the stage, playing to a packed-out Birmingham Academy. The band represented Finland on Eurovision back in 2021, which saw the group reach new heights. For the first band on the bill, their live presence was outstanding and it was clear that the band thrived from their performance. Pockets of fans could be seen singing along throughout their set, but it was their Eurovision entry and set closing ‘Dark Side’, that caused a stir.
Setlist:
Alive or Only Burning
We Are No Saints
Over My Dead Body
Bad Idea
FLATLINE
Balboa
Dark Side
Next to take to the stage were UK favourites, Trash Boat, who to no one’s surprise bought energy in abundance. “Spin this room like a fucking beyblade” - shouted lead vocalist, Tobi Duncan and the crowd were more than happy to oblige. Launching into ‘Synthetic Sympathy’, mosh pits opened up from the first beat. Minus a scuffle in the crowd that was swiftly dealt with by venue security, the band were well received and proved that Trash Boat were made to play on a larger stage. Riding high from the success of their 2021 release,Don’t You Feel Amazing,their setlist consisted of hits mostly from the album with a surprise guest appearance from I Prevail’s Eric Vanlerberghe, which was a nice touch. Usual crowd pleasers ‘Bad Entertainment’ and ‘Alpha Omega’ went down a treat, before ending their set with the ever catchy ‘He’s so Good’. The band took a moment to highlight the ongoing struggles faced by bands - relentless venue merch cuts. As a result, Trash Boat announced they were taking a stand and selling merch at nearby pub, The Sunflower Lounge, in a bid to avoid fees and keep costs low
Setlist:
Synthetic Sympathy
Silence is Golden
Vertigo
Bad Entertainment
Given Up
Delusions of Grandeur
Alpha Omega
Don’t You Feel Amazing?
He’s So Good
More than eager to get started, the evening’s headliners stormed onto the stage following an extended intro by drummer Gabe Helguera. Huge hit ‘There’s Fear in Letting Go’, opened their scorching fifteen song set and judging by the roar from the crowd, it’s safe to say it was the perfect choice. Tracks ‘Body Bag’ and ‘Self-Destruction’ followed suit and were successful in maintaining momentum. The first few rows of fans transformed into a sea of flailing limbs, with even the balcony folk all up on their feet and joining in on the action. For a band that are relatively new to the game, their live shows pack a mighty punch. Masterfully mixing System of a Down’s ‘Chop Suey’ with their own release ‘FWTYK’ was a delightful surprise and addition to the set, with the soldout crowd lapping it up. Soon, an hour passes, and I Prevail wrap their intense set with an encore of Gasoline and Bow Down before taking one final bow. Although it may have taken I Prevail an awfully long time to make it to the UK, tonight’s performance proved it was well worth the wait.
Setlist:
There’s Fear in Letting Go
Body Bag
Self-Destruction
Bad Things
Come and Get It
Hurricane
Feel Something
FWYTK
Breaking Down
DOA
Choke
Deep End
Scars
Gasoline
Bow Down
