If you’re looking for a band that truly captures the spirit of classic rock while bringing a fresh, electrifying energy to the stage, look no further than Alabaster, a Birmingham-based group that had Digbeth buzzing with their undeniably captivating live show at The Rainbow on the 8th of March.

I’m talking about the kind of performance that makes you feel like you’ve just stepped into a time machine straight back to the 70s, but with a fresh twist that gives you chills. Alabaster looks like they stepped straight out of a Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours album cover, from their vintage attire to their retro-inspired sound, they transport you straight to an era where the eclectic bohemian lifestyle was at the forefront of a fast-evolving musical age – a time many of us in the room have only experienced through TV and film.

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At the centre of it all is vocalist Leah, and to say she’s simply a performer would be an understatement; from the very moment she steps on stage, it’s like she becomes the heartbeat of the room. What’s truly captivating about Leah is how naturally she inhabits her role as the frontwoman of Alabaster. There’s no hesitancy, from the way she moves, to the way she interacts with her other bandmates, she exudes an effortless coolness that makes everything look so damn easy. The stage is her domain, and she’s simply inviting everyone into it, without any pretence or hesitation.

Alabaster’s set showcased a combination of classic rock covers, as well as some incredible unreleased originals that have me begging for an EP release (fingers crossed, in the near future…). Their original song, Second Breakfast, was a true standout number on the setlist. This was no typical alt-rock tune, it’s a refreshing departure from the usual formulaic sound that often dominates the genre. It was refreshing to hear something this bold, seductive, and intoxicatingly catchy from an alternative band.

What really set Second Breakfast apart was the way it redefined the band’s sound compared to their covers; the sultry grooves and smoky undertones combined with rich, layered instrumentation created a mood that was sophisticated yet bold, blending vintage allure with modern sensibilities.

Now let’s talk about the band as a whole because, holy smokes, these guys know what they’re doing.

Jack, one of the guitarists of Alabaster, is undoubtedly one of the finest guitarists Birmingham has to offer, and that’s no small feat in a city rich with musical talent. Jack’s ability to navigate between the intricate complexity of his solos and the steady thrum of his gritty lead is nothing short of breath-taking. He can carve through a series of rapid-fire notes with precision, each one a sharp, crystalline shard of sound, only to suddenly shift into something evocative. His guitar work never feels isolated or self-indulgent — it’s always balanced with the rhythm section, giving space when necessary and then filling the space with his unmistakable energy. There’s a subtlety in his playing that’s easy to overlook if you’re focused only on the flashier moments, but when you hear his intricate, smooth riffs underpinning the band’s sound, you realise just how deep his skill set really runs.

And then there’s Kai, the other guitarist of Alabaster, who plays an equally integral role in crafting the band’s sound, often acting as the steady anchor that holds everything together. While Jack’s solos may grab your attention with their fiery intensity, it’s Kai’s unwavering precision and deep musicality that shape the foundation of Alabaster’s rich, layered sound. His ability to carry the sound of the band, weaving intricate, dynamic guitar lines with a level of skill that deserves far more recognition, is truly remarkable.

What’s especially impressive about Kai’s playing is his versatility. He’s not merely following the rhythm or playing a standard accompaniment, he’s adding layers, texture, and a depth of tone that elevates the band’s overall sound. There’s a subtlety to Kai’s playing that can’t be ignored. It’s easy to get swept up in the more obvious moments of a performance, but it’s the delicate balance that Kai creates between the two that is what allows the band to breathe as a unit.

Most notably, when drummer Jamie took centre stage with their drum solo during an incredible rendition of Led Zeppelin’s Whole Lotta Love, the entire venue seemed to hold its breath, caught in the magnetic force of their every move. The solo was a furious display of technical brilliance, yet it felt utterly alive, pulsating with energy that surged through the crowd.

What made Jamie’s solo truly unforgettable, though, wasn’t just the speed or force, but the emotional depth he infused into every roll. The tension built and built as Jamie slowed things down, letting the cymbals sizzle and hum in the silence before crashing back into another whirlwind of chaotic brilliance. It was a mesmerising push and pull between delicate moments of near-perfect control and explosive bursts of unrestrained intensity. Even beyond the solo, Jamie’s overall performance was pure brilliance. The way he held the band together with such precision and passion was a testament to their deep connection with the music, making every beat feel like it mattered.

Jamie’s thunderous drum solo was certainly a highlight, but the addition of Ben, Alabaster’s new bassist, was equally pivotal in shaping the band’s live sound. From the moment Ben locked in with the rest of the band, it was clear that he had found his place within the group’s dynamic. His basslines were both rich and tight, laying down a solid foundation that anchored the bands skilful performance. The live sound was noticeably more dynamic with Ben’s addition, adding layers of complexity that made each track feel fuller, more grounded, and more expansive. His playing was smooth and groovy but also unafraid to get gritty when needed, reflecting a depth that made the entire performance feel like it had evolved into something even more remarkable than before.

Alabaster’s entire set transported me to the past in a way I never could have anticipated, it truly was one of those moments where you look at the stage and think, this is why I come to live shows.

They are a band that has truly found their voice in a live setting, delivering a performance that is as captivating as it is technically impressive.

From the magnetic presence of Leah at the helm to the lightning-fast solos of Jack and the steady precision of Kai and Jamie, every member of the band contributes a unique element that blends perfectly together. The addition of Ben on bass adds a fresh dimension, strengthening the foundation of their sound and giving it a fuller, more expansive vibe that elevates the entire show.

But what truly sets Alabaster apart is their ability to channel the spirit of classic rock while making it their own, adding modern energy and intricacy to their retro-inspired sound.

It’s clear that this band isn’t just committed to paying homage to the past, but they’re also transforming it, taking the foundations of 70s rock and crafting something entirely their own.

If last week’s performance at The Rainbow is any indication, Alabaster is a band on the rise, one that promises to leave an indelible mark on the live music scene in Birmingham and beyond.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of classic rock or simply looking for something fresh with a retro twist, Alabaster is a band you won’t want to miss.