Just a few days ago, 80s popstrel, Rick Astley, was on the radio talking about “nostalgia shows”. Presumably to make himself feel a bit better, he said something like “every band that’s released more than about three singles plays nostalgia shows”. Thirty-five years after their acrimonious split, Fairground Attraction are back and happy to celebrate the oldContinue reading “Fairground Attraction – Bristol Beacon – October”
Category Archives: Indie
Sam Carter – St George’s – October
One of the many things that makes live Folk music such a delight is its variation. From the big bands, with loads of instruments, to solo glitch-folkers, from traditional fiddle led trios to stomping party starters, it is a thrilling, dizzying place to be. There is, however, almost nothing better than when things are keptContinue reading “Sam Carter – St George’s – October”
India Electric Co. – Folk House – September
Watching a band change and grow is a fascinating thing. Over the course of ten years and three albums, India Electric Co have gone from a quirky, off-beat folk duo to a band capable of writing some of the finest alt-pop you’ll ever hear. They’ve gone from acoustic tunes flecked with European influences to multi-layered, complex, clever, soulful,Continue reading “India Electric Co. – Folk House – September”
Richard Hawley – Bristol Beacon – June
All the best pubs have brilliant jukeboxes. Punch in a number for a huge, indie heart-pumper. Punch another for a scratchy rockabilly 45 with its tail on fire. Punch another for a slow-dance croon. Richard Hawley, and his band, are like a 6 headed Wurlitzer, a many-armed Rock-ola. You feel you could drop in a Quarter,Continue reading “Richard Hawley – Bristol Beacon – June”
Lambchop – St George’s – June
For the last 30-odd years Kurt Wagner has acted as the central creative core of Alt-Americana heroes, Lambchop. Over that time their wonderfully eclectic albums have taken in Country, Jazz, post-rock, Soul and almost everything in-between. Their live shows have often featured strings, an orchestra and a grand, lush sweep that fit Wagner’s intricate, carefullyContinue reading “Lambchop – St George’s – June”
Kathryn Williams & Withered Hand – Folk House – June
There’s something lovely about watching friends singing, swapping stories, and having fun. At one stage this evening, prolific singer-songwriter Kathryn Williams dissolves into a fit of giggles and Dan Willson (aka Withered Hand) looks on with mock bemusement. They’ve just been telling a story about their friendship, just been singing harmonies that are so jigsaw-puzzle perfect, justContinue reading “Kathryn Williams & Withered Hand – Folk House – June”
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard – Bristol Beacon – May
Sometimes it’s just best to let music take you wherever it fancies. Six-piece, Australian psych adventurers, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, seem to have a passport that allows them to venture to all parts and, if tonight at Bristol Beacon is anything to go by, they intend to take as many as they possibly can with them.Continue reading “King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard – Bristol Beacon – May”
Good Habits – Downend Folk & Roots – May
Sometimes folk music can take itself a bit seriously. There are a lot of drowned sisters and poisoned knights, lots of murder and longing. It’s a bit of a relief, then, when a duo like Good Habits come along. They are full of sunshine and stories, full of friendliness and fun. They blossom like Sunflowers.Continue reading “Good Habits – Downend Folk & Roots – May”
Hurray for the Riff Raff – Trinity – May
Over the past fifteen years Alynda Segarra has traded under the name Hurray for the Riff Raff, adventuring around the world, penning curb-side poetry and giving Roots music a damn good shake. They land in Bristol, acoustic guitar in hand, backed by an impressive trio and a burning heart full of raw truths. The setContinue reading “Hurray for the Riff Raff – Trinity – May”
Holy Youth Movement – Strange Brew – May
All of the best rock & roll bands do their homework. Think The Manics and their geek love for The Clash and McCarthy. Think The Ramones’ worship of Nuggets and countless 60s girl groups. Think The Stones paying homage to the Delta. Add to that list Bristol’s Holy Youth Movement, playing their biggest hometown show so far andContinue reading “Holy Youth Movement – Strange Brew – May”
TallFolk 