Sam Amidon at the Tin Angel, Coventry

Because I co-run Type with John we often get pre-release MP3s from people we’re in contact with. I’ve had this in my iPod/iPhone for months now, and I can wholeheartedly say it’s one of my favourite releases in a long time.

So it felt good to actually go and buy a physical CD from him to say thanks.

Have a listen on the iTunes store.

The venue

‘Why is Birmingham so short of venues like this?’ was my first thought when we got there. It was a converted shop that sells sandwiches during the day and turns into an intimate gig space by night.

We sat on the front row.

The front row of one, consisting of eight chairs.

I think there may have been 30 people tops in the room, and we were joined by Steve Gerrard and his wife Evelyn who are both fans too. Steve seems to get around all sorts of interesting places. The last gig he shot was Mayhem at the Sanctuary, complete with severed pigs head and blood on stage - this was a stark contrast.

Wouldn’t it be nice if a few of these micro-venues would pop up around Birmingham - what’s stopping that happening? Rents? Availability?

I’d certainly recommend the Tin Angel - lovely people, nice location, good list of shows they’re running. I’ll be back.