The Drums @ HMV Institute, Birmingham

On a snowy Saturday night, I arrived at the HMV Institute overexcited, and with blue hands. It was my first time seeing The Drums and - after discovering their album long ago - I was looking forward to what they had in store.

As I arrived a little late and needed to queue for the cloakroom, when I got into the Institute the first support band were already on, they were a band called Two Wounded Birds. Sadly I have to say, their set didn't really do it for me. The band seemed to be lacking in energy and even when the front man assured us they were having 'loads of fun', I wasn't so sure. Looking past their miserable faces, I thought their music was generally okay. The guitars were too loud though and the lyrics not quite loud enough. Although, listening to them online is much more of a treat and I think there is definitely some potential of greatness there. The second support band came in the shape of Violens and they were marvellous! Their music was new and exciting and managed to keep the crowd listening - which is quite a task for a supporting band. In contrast to Two Wounded Birds, they actually looked like they were enjoying themselves and put life and energy into their songs. What interested me about Violens was how they set themselves up - five band members yet the stage was set up for four. It looked like the fifth had happened onto stage by mistake; enjoying it nevertheless.

After a mixed reaction to the supports, I was eagerly, and impatiently, awaiting The Drums. They came on to a flourish of screams and forward movement. Although when their frontman didn't enter with the rest of the band, I knew there was something wonderful coming. The band began to play and after about 3 minutes, more screams as Jonathan Pierce entered by - what I can only call - galloping and dancing. It was beautiful and I think I can safely say from that moment I knew it would be a brilliant gig. As predicted, the band opened with their big hit, debut album opener 'Best Friend'. I was shocked to discover that the crowd barely moved! The people in the centre were going absolutely wild but to the sides and the back, there was no movement at all, not even a little foot tapping! I quickly edged my way into the middle where it was sufficiently hotter but much more appreciative of the band. They played it perfectly and thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. As the gig progressed, further classics from the album were played, 'Book Of Stories', 'Forever And Ever Amen' and possibly the biggest tune from the album, 'Let's Go Surfing'. Of course this was played to chaos, the crowd went crazy, jumping in all directions and singing completely out of tune; clearly a crowd pleaser. A very brave Jonathan Pierce then jumped into the crowd to sing 'We Tried'; despite being grabbed from every angle, his singing did not falter at all! If you were blind, you could have easily thought he was on stage singing. After departing, The Drums returned to sing an encore of 'Skippin' Town' and closing track 'Down By The Water'. They played the encore with more energy and enjoyment than I have almost ever seen a band play with. This in turn made the crowd love it even more and the audience joined in with so much joy during 'Down By The Water' that The Drums were almost drowned out.

I personally think the only downside of the gig was that they did not play 'Saddest Summer' but I forgave them as everything else was so utterly amazing. I will definitely be seeing The Drums again - a truly magnificent band on record and just as wonderful live.

Read more from Brit Dawson at alternativemainstream.blogspot.com