Recap: LEISURE @ Thekla, Bristol
I went into LEISURE’s sold-out Bristol show at Thekla convinced it would be a fairly chilled affair—R&B-funk sounds that would provide a gentle glide into the weekend. What I got was the exact opposite—pure, unfiltered energy that transformed the entire room. Jackson Homer, a Midlands-based producer and DJ, kicked things off with warm, house-leaning grooves […]
How Screensaver Perfected The ‘Three Lens Approach’ On Their Dark, Weird And Unflinching New Album
Forming in Melbourne in mid-2019, darkwave post-punks Screensaver burst onto the scene with a barrage of vintage synthesizers and a jolty, gothic-tinged, angular sound. Their sense of urgency wasn’t confined to the studio either, with their first run of live shows making an impression and establishing them as an exciting new presence in the city’s […]
Recap: Water From Your Eyes @ Strange Brew, Bristol
Strange Brew has a reputation for the unpredictable and the eclectic. From African funk to mind-bending electronica, it’s Bristol’s go-to stage for acts that defy convention. That character was on full display when Water From Your Eyes took over the venue on a particularly icy Tuesday night. A man with metal on his teeth screamed […]
Recap: Wet Leg Take Bristol by Storm with Infectious Anthems, Fierce Stage Presence, and Indie Fire
Wet Leg’s ascent shows no signs of slowing. After producing an instant indie classic with their debut single “Chaise Longue” in 2021, the Isle of Wight outfit has been on one hell of a rollercoaster. Hell, in the few weeks before this show, the band appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, received three Grammy nominations—including one […]
Native James Close Out Their Tour with Utter Carnage at The Old Blue Last
Even if you haven’t heard their music, anyone wired into the alt scene and drawn to heavier sounds has likely crossed paths with the name Native James. Their debut EP, Confessions of a Sinner is gaining momentum, thanks to its kaleidoscopic mix of grime, punk, hip-hop, metal, and everything in between. The past two weeks […]
Recap: Mac DeMarco @ The Prospect Building, Bristol
There’s something fundamentally off about seeing Mac DeMarco on a soaking-wet evening in November. His slacker-rock catalog is built for hazy afternoons and sun-drenched loafing, after all. He’s one of the few artists who plays better in an easygoing festival slot than in a standalone show. With Storm Claudia rolling in and the rain absolutely […]
Album Review: Nusantara Beat, ‘Nusantara Beat’
Amsterdam’s music scene consistently punches above its weight in retro-inspired global sounds. Nusantara Beat’s self-titled debut album reinforces that reputation. Emerging from Amsterdam’s fertile psych-funk scene, the Indonesian-Dutch ensemble—including members from EUT, Jungle by Night, and Altin Gün—blends surf guitars, hypnotic percussion, and shimmering folk textures into music that feels both reverent and vibrantly alive. […]
Live Recap: Simple Things Festival 2025
With the holidays just around the corner, you’d think festival season was long over. But Bristol had one last gem to offer, and it didn’t disappoint my time or my wallet.. The Simple Things Festival started out as a multi-venue music event in Bristol’s city centre and has steadily grown into a sprawling celebration of […]
Album Review: Whitney, ‘Small Talk’
Whitney’s fourth album, Small Talk, marks a confident, self-produced leap forward for the Chicago duo. After years of collaborating with outside producers, Julien Ehrlich and Max Kakacek take full creative control, producing a sound that feels natural, spontaneous, and deeply aligned with their strengths. While it’s a compact project with just 11 tracks, its short-and-sweet […]
Recap: BC Camplight @ Electric Bristol
The first night of a tour can go either way—nervy and uneven or full of spark. BC Camplight’s show at Electric Bristol landed firmly in the latter. The Manchester-based songwriter (real name Brian Christinzio) launched his tour in support of A Sober Conversation—his best album yet and one of this year’s standouts—with a new band, […]