Ska legends The Beat loved the Mamas so much when they played together in Sheffield last year that they’ve invited Mama Matrix to support them at Birmingham’s O2 Academy on May 21st.

Originally formed in 1978, at the height of socio political upheaval, The Beat’s defiance of conventions and unashamedly multicultural influences rang true with Birmingham’s rebellious youth, and they hit the world’s stages with rock heavyweights The Pretenders, David Bowie and The Clash, notably putting their name to the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament before they parted company in 1983, with 5 top ten singles, a gold and silver studio album to their name.

Following a sold out one off concert in 2003, The Beat hit the road again and have been touring ever since. Their 2010 tour takes in venues across the UK, and there sure to be on top form in their home city of Birmingham on May 21st.

Thanks to the wonderful Qwoonsweird for sending in this live footage. To see the rest of Mama Matrix’ set at Moseley Folk Festival 2009, check the Videos page.

It’s official! Mama Matrix have been confirmed for the Cabaret Voltaire Stage at this year’s Aeon Festival. The self styled “shoestring boutique” festival takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend in Devon’s beautiful Shobrooke Park near Crediton. Over the event’s five year history, organisers have strived to create a “laid back bohemian feel, in the spirit of all the original festivals before commercialism prevailed.” The Cabaret Voltaire Stage, which shares a tent with the bar, promises “world music, funk, jazzy DJs, comics and poets” and invites you to “leave your troubles at the door.” It’s promoters are known for booking acts on the cusp of great things, and they certainly have an eye for talent- their gig with Speech Debelle in Exeter last year just before she won the Mercury Prize is a case in point. Other acts confirmed for Cabaret Voltaire this year include John Fairhurst, Maybe Myrtle Tyrtle and Hong Kong Ping Pong.

Brummie culture blog Digbeth is Good asked Mama Matrix guitarist Joel ‘Murpheus’ Murphy to choose between his home city Belfast, and the city where Mama Matrix was born. Click here to hear what he had to say.

Shamanic Shenanigans to blow your Balkan socks off!

Freaky fivesome Mama Matrix are back in style this Friday at The Wagon Horses in Digbeth, from 8pm, with support from the delectable Cat Green Bike. At a measley £4 on the door, you’ll be forgiven for thinking we’re really spoiling you!

The sheer size of the sound by this 5-piece band was way above the size of the main room at the Adam and Eve, which was full to the brim with fans. The set started with Daz’s huge voice screaming “Destroyer!!” a classic tune which set the fast and manic pace of the evening.

Clever and witty lyrics, accompanied by Anne’s dextrously gorgeous and hypnotising violin and a somewhat twisted jazzy drumbeat all the way, a dreamy and unexpected electric guitar and a very heavy & bassy tuba pushing through the night.

With all this going on you can’t help but be swept along blindly without a moment to stop and get a drink! Though they passed through a couple of somewhat slower tunes, even “Melancholy Flower”, which starts off slowly, speeds up to incredible velocity.

By the time they jumped into their classic song ‘Irene’ which incidentally, shows off Daz’s vocal genius and the band’s impeccable timing, the Adam and Eve didn’t know what had hit it. The whole place was jumping up and down with rarely-seen abandon.

Get out your finest crockery, because the new EP will be launched before you can say,”Tea’s ready!” In the meantime, whet your audial appetite by visiting Mama Matrix on Myspace.