Earlier this year The Last Internationale played their debut Birmingham gig just next door in the smaller confines of the Academy 3. That show was an intimate experience and for those who were lucky enough to be there they couldn’t have wished for a show that was filled more with passion and explosive rock n roll. Consequently, it still remains one of the highlights of this year’s gig calendar.
Four months on and The Last Internationale are back at the Academy, this time on the main stage playing in support to The Cult. The intimacy is less apparent but the passion is overflowing. It’s a bold start as Delila Paz takes to the stage alone and sings a capella before the remaining band join her and hit the Academy with the full force of ‘Life Liberty And The Pursuit Of Indian Blood’. The hypnotic stomp of ‘Wanted Man’ makes full use of Edgy Spires guitar effects and ‘Hard Times’ really hits between the eyes and while undoubtedly written from experience it’s lyrics are sure to be something to which many can relate.
They slow things down with a cover of Sam Cooke’s ‘A Change Is Gonna Come’ during which Delila comes down from the stage into the pit and leans over the barrier into the crowd. It’s a haunting rendition of the song and one of the reasons why The Last Internationale are so compelling. With only six songs and a half hour support slot, they manage to give a good representation of themselves and leave the stage with a huge response from the crowd having no doubt won over some new fans.
Having suffered greatly at the hands of Pledge Music, The Last Internationale are now rebuilding their profile. After their tour supporting The Cult, they will be following up immediately with some dates with The Rival Sons, and their ‘Soul On Fire’ album gets its full release on 8th November. A headline UK tour is planned for early 2020.
