A Loss For Words, The Flapper, Birmingham – review

Last night saw Boston quintet A Loss For Words complete their run of mammoth Slam Dunk Festival shows with an exclusive performance at The Flapper to celebrate 10 years since the release of their hit album The Kids Can't Lose.

Reading six-piece Veridian kicked off the show with a rousing set packed full of soaring vocals and heavy guitar interludes that had heads nodding and toes tapping.

Next up were Dudley-based quartet Victory Lane with a performance ready to make the room jump up and down.

Laden with guitar hooks and choruses to shout along to, Victory Lane's appearance brought a selection of quality pop punk tracks perfect for a summer's afternoon.

Despite such a strong start to the evening, it was Birmingham quintet Dearist that really kicked the evening into the next gear.

From the first crushing chords of Get What You Want through to Beaches, Demuto, Shame, Genocide and Colours, the group whirled across the stage like tornadoes in an energetic flash.

Passion

This passion and power was felt in every thump of the drum, scream of the guitars, pulse of the bass and burst of vocals that remained polished throughout the captivating performance.

Dearist were a tough act to follow, but Wurlitzer had the crowd dancing along to their quirky brand of pop punk mixed with experimental and indie sounds.

The group had the ability to put a smile on your face with their fun lyrics, and an even more endearing stage presence.

Their use of unconventional instruments such as a flute and cowbell made them stand out on the talented bill, and will surely make them one to watch in months to come.

Without further ado, A Loss For Words burst onto the stage to raucous applause from the room before rolling in to hit song Stamp Of Approval.

The set saw the five-piece treat fans to a performance of The Kids Can't Lose in full, featuring energetic hits such as Save Your Breath, Where I'm From You Die With Your Friends, and Mt St Joseph, dedicated to Transit's Tim Landers who died earlier this year.

Memorable

Their performance became increasingly lively as each hit passed, with bodies bouncing off the walls and fingers pointing straight to the band as they screamed their hearts out to the nostalgic lyrics.

Vocalist Matt Arsenault wasted no time in getting right into the crowds' faces, singing right back at them and passing the microphone around for eager fans to get involved in the music before them.

This energy did not detract away from the band's musical talent however, with each song sounding as razor-sharp as when it was recorded.

The intimate atmosphere the venue possessed heightened the excitement and passion of the show, making for a truly memorable evening to mark this milestone album.

The group further dazzled the crowd with a selection of hits from their further discography, including Distance and smash hit Pirouette that saw the room turn into a sea of dancing bodies.

Ending on emotive track Wrightsville Beach, A Loss For Words left the audience in a pool of sweat and exhaustion after an animated show that left me, for one, breathless.

While many may have had a frown on their face as they waved goodbye to the bank holiday weekend, I left Birmingham with a smile from ear to ear last night after witnessing some of the finest acts alternative music has to offer.