Date: Thursday 19th March
Venue: The Victoria, Birmingham
Doors: 7:30 pm
Tickets: https://uncover.seetickets.com/event/polite-bureaux/the-victoria/3573772
A night of sharp edged electronics, spoken word bite and industrial leaning alt rock arrives at The Victoria on Thursday, 19th March, as Polite Bureaux headline, with special guest The Arboretum opening the show.
Bradford’s Polite Bureaux is the brainchild of broken beat creator Joe Smith, joined live by his Blood Sister Maya Lili and raver in arms Viv Maher. Together, they deliver a fierce, unpredictable energy: a yin yang dynamic that fuels their genre smashing performances. Their sound pulls from a wide spectrum: the poetic grit of John Cooper Clarke, the pulse of Underworld, the darkness of Joy Division, and the ferocity of The Prodigy and Sleaford Mods.
Their multicultural roots and nomadic upbringing feed into a project built on honesty, urgency and emotional clarity. Smith’s father, poet Rob Smith, remains a key influence, with his words woven into the band’s mission to confront stigma and elevate everyday truths. Expect a set that’s raw, rhythmic and unafraid to hit where it hurts.
Opening the night are The Arboretum, whose dirty basslines, searing guitars and industrial rhythms collide with cinematic visuals. Their blend of alt rock, post punk and psych rock creates a dark, immersive atmosphere designed to shake the senses and spark something visceral.
A night of bold sounds, uncompromising energy and boundary pushing creativity, ideal for fans of experimental punk, electronic grit and live music that refuses to sit still.