Firstly, what a night! Storm Darragh disrupts the city of Birmingham, but it isn't the only storm that would hit the o2 Institute. Heart of Gold, Rain City Drive, and Dayseeker would make this a night to remember.
The evening started with Michael McGough's project, Heart of Gold, which is a distinctively different sound to those who are fans of Being As An Ocean would expect. Their set list was both energetic and uplifting, opening with "Stranger (To Your Love)" which was driven by lush synth and clean vocals.
Rain City Drive is a band I’m no stranger to. This was my first time seeing the band live, and they did not disappoint. With all five members taking stage, they kicked things off with their late 2023 single: “Frozen.” A softer ballad, "Frozen" immediately displays Matt McAndrew's dynamic vocal range. "Frozen" itself may not be the punchiest song on the new album but it more than makes up for it with its infectious melody — the kind that has been playing in my head since Saturday.
The band reverted to a fan favourite for the second song, "Prayers", before playing another new song, "Over Me", which I think is one of the best songs on their new album, Things Are Different Now. By now, the crowd are well and truly energised.
One of my favourite moments of the night followed soon after when Dayseeker front-man Rory Rodriguez joined McAndrew onstage for a performance of their new track, "Medicate Me". I doubt there was a single person in the crowd not singing along.
Rain City Drive finish their incredible set with "Talk to a Friend" and it did not disappoint, delivering a powerful performance with lead singer McAndrew jumping off stage and high-fiving everyone on the barrier.
A truly brilliant performance by Rain City Drive which left me thinking they were more a co-headliner than a support act.
Dayseeker took the stage at 21:30 with a dramatic countdown then quickly erupting into "Dreamstate" with lead singer Rory Rodriguez screaming the opening note, instantly winning the crowd. This was also my first time seeing Dayseeker and wow. I can see how they've exploded in popularity.
The band kept up the energy with their second song "Crooked Soul" where, amongst heavy breakdowns, Rodriguez's incredible vocals take over. I was amazed with how Rodriguez could switch from pitch perfect singing to screaming seamlessly.
The crowd's energy was kept high, with songs such as "Burial Plot", "Homesick," and "Without Me". I've been in some crowds in my time but, Birmingham, you absolutely fucking delivered.
My favourite moment of the night was soon approaching, with Dayseeker covering one of my all time favourite songs from 20 years ago: "My Immortal" by 'Evanescence'. An emotional cover with the lights dimmed and the crowd joining in with every word.
Dayseeker closed their set with “Neon Grave,” kicking off with a melodic guitar riff that was instantly recognisable. The crowd erupted, singing along at the top of their lungs and throwing down one last time during the crushing breakdown in the middle of the track!
Dayseeker continue their UK dates with Glasgow, Manchester, London and Dublin being their last dates on their 12 date European tour.
