Date: Wednesday 11th March
Venue: The Victoria, Birmingham
Doors: 7:30 pm
Tickets: https://uncover.seetickets.com/event/special-friend/the-victoria/3544512
The Victoria hosts an evening of immersive indie soundscapes and rising Midlands talent as Special Friend headline on Wednesday 11th March, supported by Faucet Van Gough and Heavy Focus.
Formed in 2018, Franco American duo Special Friend (Erica Ashleson and Guillaume Siracusa) have steadily built a reputation for their understated yet emotionally resonant blend of indie pop, noise and minimalism. Their music sits somewhere between the gentle haze of Yo La Tengo, the lo fi warmth of Duster and the hypnotic pull of Electrelane, all while maintaining a melodic identity that is unmistakably their own.
Their most recent album, Wait Until the Flames Come Rushing In (2023), sees the pair expanding their sonic palette with violin, keyboards and richer arrangements, without losing the delicate balance of restraint and noise that defines their work. On stage, their songs unfold with a quiet intensity: intimate, atmospheric and subtly powerful.
Main support comes from Birmingham’s Faucet Van Gough, an emerging indie rock act whose melodic sensibility and DIY edge have quickly earned them attention. Expect jangling guitars, sharp songwriting and a set that channels the charm of classic indie while pushing into new territory.
Opening the night are Heavy Focus, a four piece weaving together indie folk warmth and alternative textures. Drawing inspiration from Big Thief, Alvvays and The Smiths, their intricate arrangements and emotive melodies offer a fresh, modern take on timeless guitar music.
A thoughtfully curated mid week lineup that blends international indie craft with homegrown talent, ideal for anyone drawn to atmospheric, quietly affecting guitar music.