Album Review: Long Fling, ‘Long Fling’
It’s no secret that CONE are big fans of Personal Trainer. Fronted by Willem Smit, the indie outfit shines live and on record, with his impassioned yet witty songwriting hitting both the head and the heart. So when word got out that he’d teamed up with fellow Dutch alt-favorite (and partner) Pip Blom under the […]
Live Recap: SPRINTS @ Rough Trade, Bristol
SPRINTS don’t do half measures. Even for a small in-store show—200 people crammed shoulder to shoulder, tickets snapped up long in advance—the Dublin four-piece treated the release of All That Is Over like a proper event. There were stripped-back acoustic versions or teaser sets. Instead, the band played their second album in full with real […]
Album Review: SPRINTS, ‘All That Is Over’
It’s time to dig out a cozy sweater, settle in with a hot drink, and cue some seriously moody music to soundtrack the shorter days ahead. Luckily, Dublin four-piece SPRINTS have just the record for it. All That Is Over is tailor-made for foggy mornings and late-night window-staring. It’s a brooding collection that drenches their […]
Live Recap: The Beths @ O2 Academy, Bristol
Two Kiwi bands on one Bristol stage? Hard to argue with that. On their first return to the O2 Academy since supporting Death Cab For Cutie in early 2019, The Beths found a room not just ready but devoted. Loyal fans turned up in numbers—many in well-worn tour tees—proving that the band’s reputation has quietly […]
Live Recap: Mei Semones @ Exchange
You can often judge a show’s success by the length of the merch line when the lights come up. These are economically tough times, and pricey shirts or vinyls usually take a backseat to rent and utilities. Yet despite that—and despite much of the audience being students under 25—half the crowd at the Exchange pressed […]
Live Recap: Breakfest 2025 @ Strange Brew
Creeping up on their 10th year in the biz, Bristol’s Breakfast Records has earned a solid reputation for putting out some of the city’s most stonking indie, folk, and punk releases. With their outfit Get Down Services making waves and Bristol’s independent spirit running through the label, the timing was perfect for another round of […]
Live Recap: Dutch Mustard @ The Louisiana
It’s been a hot minute since I last stepped into The Louisiana. Returning to one of Bristol’s most important venues is always a pleasure. At first glance, the Georgian building looks like a quirky yet unremarkable city-centre spot. It’s dressed up with a touch of New Orleans flair. Downstairs, there’s a cosy, run-of-the-mill pub. Upstairs, […]
Live Recap: La Sécurité @ Thekla
Despite legions of bands currently tearing through the festival circuit, the lure of Bristol’s floating venue, Thekla, remains strong. The beloved boat is still more than capable of delivering exhilarating midweek entertainment. Bella Union’s new recruits, La Sécurité—a Canadian dance-punk group from Montreal promising a funky treat—headlined Wednesday’s show. Kicking things off, however, was a […]
Album Review: The Beths, ‘Straight Line Was A Lie’
From The Beatles to The Byrds, jangly guitars have long carried the weight of complex human emotions. One of the latest torchbearers for the good old arpeggio is New Zealand’s The Beths, returning with their fourth studio album, Straight Line Was a Line. Their debut for ANTI- Records and first release since the year-end-list-topping 2022 […]
Festival Recap: Forwards, Saturday
Bristol is never short on opportunities for a good rave, but Forwards Festival has quickly cemented itself as a highlight of the city’s annual calendar. Taking place over two days and drawing up to 60,000, it’s the city’s biggest inner-city festival, blending electronica, pop, indie, and dance. Already renowned for its diverse lineup, Saturday’s bill […]