Gig Preview: Darius Zaltash and Puma Theory with Kontours
Friday, 29th May – The Victoria, Birmingham – Doors: 7:30 pm
A powerful co‑headline night of electronic‑charged emotion, alternative rock catharsis and rising‑talent energy arrives at The Victoria on Friday, 29th May as Darius Zaltash and Puma Theory share the top spot, with special guest Kontours opening the evening.
Bristol‑based British‑Iranian artist Darius Zaltash brings his explosive blend of electronic rock, emotional intensity and dance‑floor catharsis to Birmingham. His music sits at the crossroads of Linkin Park‑sized drama and The 1975’s glossy vulnerability: loud, heartfelt and built to make you move as much as it makes you feel.
Darius writes with raw honesty, channelling dark times into songs that hit with both power and sincerity. Whether he’s leaning into soaring hooks, distorted textures or cinematic electronics, his work is designed to connect deeply with listeners. Expect a set that’s bold, cathartic and impossible to stand still through.
Reading’s Puma Theory bring a darker, more introspective edge to the co‑headline bill. Defined by distorted guitars, confessional lyricism and themes of anxiety, identity and emotional unrest, their music cuts deep while still delivering huge alt‑rock moments.
Their first three singles, ‘Hit & Run’, ‘Sobering Lights’ and ‘Foolish Boy’, were shaped in collaboration with producer Ian Davenport (Gaz Coombes, Demob Happy, Band of Skulls) after he discovered the band by chance at a hometown show. Recorded at Courtyard Studios in rural Oxfordshire, the tracks capture the band’s intense, inward‑looking creative process.
Their latest release, ‘Hit & Run (Live at Farm Road Studios)’, offers a raw snapshot of their visceral live sound and hints at the larger body of work set to arrive in 2026. Expect atmosphere, grit and emotional weight.
Opening the night is Coventry’s Kontours, bringing their own gritty post-punk flavour to the bill and setting the tone for an evening built on bold sounds and emerging talent.
A Friday night stacked with electronic rock intensity, alt‑rock depth and fresh new voices that’s perfect for anyone who loves their live music loud, emotional and full of edge.