Wrist band exchange done and playing to what seemed like a packed out lower deck at the Thekla were New Cut. Although still relatively new (originally formed 2021) this local Bristol band provided a stirring and energetic start to proceedings. A mature sound, cleverly crafted songs and confident delivery belied their young and fresh-faced appearance. Post punk and a bit grungy, songs such as Valuable customer and Family business soon had the crowd engaged and moving. Edgy guitars and a New York sound with hints of Parquet Courts are never more evident than in their latest release Chrs Pckhm. If you like wonderfully quirky both musically and lyrically (“I’d like to see them when they’re eaten by their horses”) then this could be for you. Check them out on the Thekla 27th August.
After watching the great My First Time at the Fleece it was off to the Academy to see another fairly new Bristol act Clemencie. Delivering their own brand of upbeat indie synth pop a good crowd were soon dancing along to Choose me and What if one day he’s you. With catchy guitar riffs and dreamy melancholic vocals there is a nod to Wolf Alice in the excellent Formal wear. We enjoyed this set a lot and it will be interesting to see where next for this melodic Bristol / Brighton 5 piece.
As this was the 20th anniversary edition of Dot to Dot it was fitting to have a band headlining that was approaching its own 20th anniversary. The Horrors have always been innovative and creative, and this has helped them stay at the top of their game for so long. Atmospheric, intense and at times menacing their own brand of Gothic post punk went down perfectly to a packed and appreciative Academy audience. Horrors have taken a slight but impactful change of direction with their new album ‘Night Life’. They seamlessly blended more recent songs including Silence that remains with classics such as Still Life, Sea within a sea (introduced as river to the sea) and the anthemic Something to remember me by. If you want to see The Horrors they are playing Y Plas in Cardiff on 24th November.
One Big House 