Live Review: The Vintage Caravan – Mama Roux’s, Birmingham
30th October 2025
Support: The Motherz
Header Image: Tim Finch
Words: Matthew Williams
It’s been several years since I last saw The Vintage Caravan, so I thought it was incumbent upon myself to rectify that and drive down the M6 to Mama Roux’s in Birmingham. I first saw the band back in 2014, when they supported Blues Pills and their brand of 70’s hard rock fused with psychedelia was an instant winner in my eyes. Having reviewed their latest album, “Portals” in September, I was excited to hear some new songs alongside some old favourites.
Inside the dimly venue, they had brought along a little-known band called The Motherz. I searched in vain for some of their music to listen to beforehand, but as bassist and vocalist Cedric Pfister said on stage, they actually “haven’t released anything yet” so well done to their booking agent I’d say. The fact that their intro music was Danzig’s “Mother” made me warm to them instantly, as the trio get straight down to business.
They sound like sleazy rock n’ roll, and come fully loaded with some cracking songs, like “Burn the Pages”, “Bulletproof” and “Ashes”. For a band who were only on their 6th gig, they are tight, and supremely confident, as they mix their tempos well across several of the songs. With Miguel Montalban showcasing his guitar skills as every opportunity, he adds more with his vocal range as the melodies and rhythm get people’s heads rocking.
Drummer Jake Cook is a bundle of energy and keeps the place bouncing throughout their set. They have a decent selection of heavier riffs, that weave around slow elements and moody solos, creating a nice atmosphere and in parts, a raucous sound. At one moment Pfister did forget where he was when he asked, “Are you still with us Bristol?” which brought a few ironic cheers. The big songs kept coming and after announcing that this was “their first ever tour as The Motherz”, and Montalban having a few tech issues, they finish with “Sweat” which had a heavier, rockier Kyuss vibe to it. A band worth keeping an eye on.
It seemed strange seeing The Vintage Caravan bassist Alexander Orn Numason walking through the crowd with his bass chatting to a friend about ten mins before showtime, but he was quickly followed by Oskar Logi Agustsson, and they spoke briefly before entering the stage.
An icy blue light filled the stage as the intro to “Philosopher” began and the crowd got revved up. Showcasing their excellent new album, we were treated to 6 new songs, and the harmonised vocals were in full flow from the off. The strong opening trio of songs included “Here you Come Again” and “Reflections”. They sounded amazing with the bass being prominent but not overpowering.
“Good evening, Birmingham. We are The Vintage Caravan from Iceland” announced a beaming and bedazzled Agustsson, as they continue with the excellent “Can’t Get You off My Mind” which sounded funky and gets the audience clapping along. “We have a new album out, but sadly no copies here tonight due to shipping, blah, blah, blah” says Numason, “but we have t-shirts to fit all your body sizes up there. This is off the new album, and it’s called Current” which has a slow and tender beginning.
One thing that struck me was the sound of the cymbals from drummer Stefan Ari Stefnsson, as they pierced each song like a dagger to the heart, creating a huge sound alongside the bass lines. What was also apparent, is how good a guitarist Agustsson is, as his solos were imperious and although him and energizer bunny Numason appeared to be entering a gurning competition most of the night, they complement reach other exceptionally well.
“Riot” was followed by “Let Me Be” which was introduced by Agustsson telling us that “a woman in Vienna wanted to lick my teeth, but it was OK, because her husband wanted to film it” so they dedicated the song to her, as he told us he’d said no. The ending to this and beginning to the fantastic “Expand Your Mind” had a drum solo sandwiched in-between and the band get the chance to really let go and showcase their individual talents, which are very impressive.
With the trippy, psychedelic sound in full bloom, they switch tempos and rhythms so easily, and the crowd are loving every minute of this dynamic performance. “Crystalized” flows delectably, before green lights flood the stage for the introduction to “Crossroads” which they play with power, precision and elegant poise. “You guys still doing good?” they ask. “This song is the opposite of what we are doing” explains Numason, “in fact, it’s the opposite of being together” which gets a big laugh from the crowd, as they play “Alone”.
“Now, this song is a different tuning to every other song in the set, and I sometimes forget what I’m playing” comments the bassist, “it’s like an extreme sport for me” as he beams once again playing the tremendous song that is “Babylon”. The crowd chant along, as the trio are in complete control, with high tempos, slow parts, big amounts of energy and a few lighters appear at the start of “On The Run”.
They disappear for a few moments as they start the encore with “a song we haven’t played yet on this tour, so here it is – Crazy Horses” which sparks wild celebrations amongst those who asked for it on the front row of the crowd. They end the set with the majestic “Midnight Meditation” which has the crowd is full vocal mode. I certainly won’t be waiting years until I see them again, as this was one hell of a set and they are stacked with old and new songs that will impress anyone who sees them.