Ever since discovering Jet and listening to their debut album “Get Born,” they’ve had a place in my usual rotation. The catchy lyrics of “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” and the guitar led fast paced “Take It Or Leave It” have earned them a permanent spot on first my iPod growing up, and now my Spotify playlists. Needless to say I was absolutely thrilled to get to see them live in Birmingham at O2 Institute.
Opening for them at this show was the band Tempesst. While they’re originally from Australia, they’re now based in London. Led by twin brothers Toma and Andy Banjanin, they’ve been described as psych-pop/rock. In my opinion they were a solid opener for Jet. In contrast to some of Jet’s more intense songs like “Cold Hard Bitch,” Tempesst had more of a smoother, calmer vibe. Sunset at Maria’s (Parts 1 and 2) transports you to another world, filled with sand and beautiful sunsets. And later into “Mushroom Cloud,” a melancholy song about ego, contempt and the destructive effects on a relationship.
On to Jet. . .
Starting out their set, they played some of their newer songs. “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is,” “She’s a Genius,” “Black Hearts” and their newest single “Hurry Hurry.” They then went into playing the entirety of “Get Born” from start to finish. Hearing songs I grew up with: “Are You Gonna Be My Girl,” “Roll Over DJ” and “Lazy Gun” was absolutely surreal and so much better live than on a recording. They followed the songs from the album, with “Shine On,” “Seventeen” and “Rip It Up.”
All in all, it was a phenomenal show by two fantastic bands. I look forward to hearing Tempesst’s newest album “Forbidden Fruit” when it comes out late next month as well as whatever Jet has in the works for the future. Tempesst have shows next month in several cities in the UK. Meanwhile Jet are currently wrapping up the American leg of the tour with supporting act Super American Eagle before moving on to shows in their native Australia.