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Time For Their Critical Acclaim

You cannot over look the sheer excitement that exudes from every member of The Blackout as they take to the stage, swiftly pummelling into 'The Best In Town', they waste no time launching their attack on the Birmingham crowd.

Energetic and with a cheeky confidence that instantly wins over all, co vocalists Sean Smith and Gavin Butler offer praise and humour laced abuse to the Brummie faithful in equal measure. Ridiculously energetic the six Welsh lads refuse to ease up from encouraging the crowd to sing along, even teaching them the lyrics to new track, 'Higher and Higher', before going as far as to demand that those standing should kneel down for the opening of one song, which surprisingly many are more than happy to oblige in doing. Tracks such as 'This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things' and 'Save Ourselves (Warning)' promptly generate mass sing alongs that of course the Welsh lads remark beat last night's efforts, but it's the positive reaction to newer tracks such as 'Ambition Is Critical' that prove that The Blackout are outgrowing their support slot status. At times you could be forgiven for mistaking the Welsh sextet as tonight's real headliners as their seemingly effortless command of the crowd begs for the rest of the rock world to sit up, take notice and give the men from Merthyr the true appreciation they have earned.

It may seem like a case of "always the bridesmaid, never the bride" for The Blackout but tonight they did more than merely warm up the crowd for the headliners, they set the bar which My Chemical Romance had to meet. Perhaps now they'll get the critical acclaim they so deserve?