Brakes

It has been about 11 years since Brakes were active, so their return to the stage is a bit of a surprise for those who followed the indie rock scene back then. The band, which includes members from Electric Soft Parade, Sea Power, and Tenderfoot, is reuniting for two shows on Thursday, 3 September 2026, at Alphabet on Dyke Road. This double-header is tied to the re-release of their debut album, Give Blood, via Rough Trade Records, and also marks the release of a live recording from a 2010 show in New York.

If you are planning to head down, the venue is hosting two distinct performances that evening. The first show is scheduled for 20:45, followed by a second set at 22:45. Tickets are priced at £22.50, which includes the booking fees. It is worth noting that the event is strictly for those aged 18 and over. Given the band's history, the setlist will likely draw from their specific blend of garage rock, alt-country, and punk, a sound that critics have previously compared to artists like The Fall, Pavement, and The Mekons.

This reunion follows an invitation from the End Of The Road Festival, bringing the group back together for this specific night in Brighton. Whether you were a fan of their earlier work or are just curious about the live energy they bring, the logistics are straightforward: two shows, one night, at Alphabet. It is a chance to see a band that has been quiet for over a decade step back into a live setting.