Canadian alt-metal firebrands Sumo Cyco finally returned to Birmingham with a blistering headline performance at The Flapper, supported by the ever-improving Tigress and local openers Orphix. Playing to a packed room, the evening showcased three bands at very different stages of their careers but united by infectious energy and a determination to leave everything on the stage.
Orphix had the unenviable task of opening the night but quickly won over the early arrivals. Their modern metal sound combined crushing riffs with soaring melodies, setting an energetic tone and proving why they’re gaining a strong following on the UK circuit. Opening with Breed, they quickly established their intent before launching into the intriguingly titled An Overdose of Torment Could Affect the Credibility of Justice. Time Is Running Out and Chokehold kept the intensity high, while a fiery rendition of Give ‘Em Hell Kid demonstrated the band’s ability to make familiar material their own. Closing with Burnout, Superstar, Orphix left the stage to a warm reception and set the perfect tone for the rest of the evening.
Orphix Setlist
• Breed
• An Overdose of Torment Could Affect the Credibility of Justice
• Time Is Running Out
• Chokehold
• Give ‘Em Hell Kid
• Burnout
• Superstar
By the time Tigress took the stage, the room had filled considerably. The Chelmsford quartet continue to cement their reputation as one of Britain‘s most exciting alternative rock bands, delivering a polished, confident set packed with hooks and emotion.
Opening with the soaring Freefall, Tigress immediately had the audience on side before surprising many with an excellent take on Jefferson Airplane’s White Rabbit. Newer material What Do You Believe slotted effortlessly alongside established favourites, while I Swear It’s Not A Lie once again proved why it remains one of the band’s strongest live songs.
The latter half of the set continued the momentum with the infectious Let You, the attitude-filled B-O-R-E-D, and the emotionally charged Save Yourself. Closing with Alive, Tigress delivered a concise but memorable performance that left the Birmingham crowd wanting more and further underlined why they’re becoming one of the UK’s most exciting alternative rock acts.
Tigress Setlist
• Freefall
• White Rabbit
• What Do You Believe
• I Swear It’s Not A Lie
• Let You
• B-O-R-E-D
• Save Yourself
• Alive
Then it was time for Sumo Cyco…
From the opening blast of ASTEROID, frontwoman Skye Sweetnam commanded the stage with seemingly endless energy, darting across every inch of the venue while engaging constantly with the crowd. Equal parts vocalist, performer and ringmaster, she transformed The Flapper into a party from the very first note.
The opening run of Fighter, Undefeated, VILLAINS and VOICES barely allowed anyone to catch their breath, each song blending metal, punk, pop and electronic influences into the band’s unmistakable sound. “Run With The Giants” was one of the night’s biggest singalongs before the band surprised everyone with a thunderous cover of Slipknot‘s Duality. Rather than simply copying the original, Sumo Cyco made it their own, earning one of the loudest reactions of the evening.
The newer material slotted seamlessly alongside older favourites. Sleep Tight, FLIES and BORING highlighted just how diverse the band’s catalogue has become, while Travelling”and the uplifting STRONGER NOW added welcome emotional depth without sacrificing intensity.
As the set headed towards its finale, Brave II and Move Mountains kept the crowd moving before Bystander closed the night in explosive fashion. Nearly every song prompted crowd participation, whether through bouncing, singing or fists pumping in the air, and by the end there wasn’t much energy left in the room.
The Flapper has long been one of Birmingham’s best venues for intimate rock shows, and this performance perfectly demonstrated why. Sumo Cyco thrive in close quarters, feeding directly off the audience and creating a connection that’s difficult to replicate in larger venues.
This was a package tour that delivered from start to finish. Orphix showed impressive promise and proved they’re a band worth keeping an eye on, Tigress reinforced their credentials as one of the UK’s standout alternative acts, and Sumo Cyco reminded Birmingham exactly why they’ve developed such a devoted following. High-octane, hugely entertaining and impossible to watch without smiling, it was one of the most enjoyable rock shows the city has hosted this year. Whether you came for the local support, the rising UK stars or the Canadian headliners, everyone left feeling they’d witnessed three bands giving absolutely everything on stage.
Sumo Cyco
• ASTEROID
• Fighter
• Undefeated
• VILLAINS
• VOICES
• Run With The Giants
• Duality (Slipknot cover)
• Sleep Tight
• FLIES
• BORING
• Travelling
• STRONGER NOW
• Brave II
• Move Mountains
• Bystander
