by Brandon van der Berg @vdb.brandon
Warm weather, busy streets and the sound of cold beer flowing through the floor and walls is something that will make any day of the week quite special but Saturday 29th, April, saw 7 bands come together to collectively host a very memorable night of hard-hitting, chorus belting music.
At this point The Sunshine Blues Band (@sunshinebluesband) are a Bristol delicacy aired in a memory of sunny days and good laughs. An authentic experience from a new age of doowop bluesy goodness.
AVA (@ava.officialband) always set a show on fire with a performance filled with real passion and some in-your-face hooks. Pop-punk band Buds. (@budsfullstop) have some crazy energy live and their singer makes you feel really at home, big brother vibes. And last but certainly not least Mallavora (@mallavoramusic) explore themes of mental health and shine a light on the lived experience of disability. Honourable, necessary, and wrapped up in an entertaining show.
Every band was unique and talented but unfortunately not all could be covered so here are 3 acts that I think really stood out.
Warrens House
Deep Chested, Animalistic and WEIRD.
Something I’d like to mention before diving in. My previous ‘Warrens House’ experience showcased frontman Flynn’s shirt branding “Don’t bully me I’ll c*m”. Seemingly irrelevant but at this event he wore a new shirt which held the title, “Sexual Fantasy”, which must be a continuation of the first shirt. 10/10.
If you’d like a 19-year-old boy to punch you in the chest, look no further than the eyes of Flynn on stage, its enough I promise. One of few frontmen who are charismatic enough to pull off looking bored of being cool and still hold a crowd of screaming fans in the palm of his hand while they go absolutely feral.
A good mix of post punk, goth, and terraced aggression.
They put you in a place of impatient tension and leave you there to brew like a good cuppa before exploding. Their strong blues influence from the lead guitarist, Will, who’s riffs and stabs are somewhat reminiscent of The Police is refreshing to hear in a style of music that often needs something else to widen the eyes and bring a sense of identity.
A powerful experience with a whisper of spoken word dropped in for good measure. Warrens House are well worth the visit for anyone in search of a new punk act who demonstrate a more authoritarian approach to a set full of realism and unapologetic themness.
For fans of Joy Division and Bauhaus.
Find them on Instagram @warrens.house
Gürl
If you wanted to relive Gürl live, you simply need a box. It must contain the potent angst of your youth, the uncanny feeling of walking through dark woods alone and the biggest handful of ecstasy you have access to.
Like something out of an Electro-Metal-Fall Out Boy infused fever dream, this was one of the most uniquely exhilarating shows I’ve seen in Bristol to date. Gürl combine aspects of hysteria, 2000s nightlife and a surreal level of immersion brought about through Bassist, Jay, who on top of being an incredible performer also made some of the heavier parts of the set come to life through her jolts of anger and vitality.
The front person, Joshua, is a lightshow of lachrymosity and sweeping confidence, they appear as a Martyr to all things unconforming and use that stage like a hybrid between a runway and rave floor.
It is influential, formidable, and truly creative. Hats off.
Their use of backing tracks to accentuate melody or carry rhythm was pulled off flawlessly, this is a band who know who they are with a front person who struts ALL of their stuff as in your face as they can. At the very least they will earn your respect. Divine.
I personally recommend checking out “Mezze Life” for a Gürl anthem you will put on loop.
For fans of Fall Out Boy and Ashnikko.
Find them on Instagram @thegurlband
ANIIMALIA
Few things I’ve seen in my life are comparable to the love child of an old Viking Berserker and Buggs Bunny, but Max, the bassist of Marshall Records quartet ‘Aniimalia’ comes quite close whilst on stage. From Kieran wielding his guitar like an extension of himself across from a rabidly enthusiastic Ben throwing himself into his drum kit, it’s high-octane fun with an emotional bath bomb thrown in, one of those fizzy ones.
Their performance was nothing short of captivating and genuine and it is flawlessly glued together by Kira, a lyricist that holds you right there in that warmish blue area between fury and misery, leading you through it hand in hand. It’s admirably intimate and something you really feel apart of.
The LED ring around the kick drum is a nice touch and something I’d like to see from more bands. It adds that something else to the experience of a live show that is often overlooked.
Honestly, they seemed distracted at first, the room had emptied for ciggy breaks and refills and there is nothing more daunting for a headlining band than looking down at the pit and seeing nothing but the gum on the floor. However, it didn’t take long for the Bristolian horde to charge the gates, fill the room and warm the air enough to see the band go full throttle.
The group performed material from their EP “Pressure Points” released 19th August 2022.
for fans of Muse, Paramore and Bring Me The Horizon.
Find them on Instagram @aniimalia_uk
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