The Jam Jar, 10th August 2023
A kaleidoscope of color that delivers smoother-than-silk vibes.
A packed Jam Jar seemed to have a palpable static charge of electric anticipation in the air as an eclectic crowd eagerly awaited the arrival of headliners Kaleida Wild. As each member of the Bristol-based band was introduced (Harry Layfield – Guitar, Miles Beirouti – drums, John Megson – bass, Cameron Sanderson – sax, Eshiva Wright – 2nd vocals), the pitch of excitement grew higher, reaching a crescendo of applause as the debonair lead vocalist, Javier Rei Boisson, emerged onto the Jam Jar’s uniquely colorful stage, complete with trademark bunny ears.
The exceptionally hot temperature of the room was going to take something special to match it on stage, but KW not only hit that bar but vaulted over it. Their unique blend of psychedelic soul, infused with funk & pop, creates a melting pot of sound to enjoy, all delivered with a playful swagger & smile.
The crowd gets their money’s worth and then some as we are treated to effectively x2 45-minute sets split with a short interval. Having only heard the two tracks the band currently has available on Spotify, “Rainfall” & “Choices,” the music was an unknown quantity to me, but seemingly not to a lot of the crowd who sang along in earnest to the likes of opener “Red.” The ensemble of six seemingly with a burgeoning fan base across the city already.
The standout track from the first half for me was “Energy,” which did exactly what it said on the tin. The crowd fully engaged & dancing along.
The small interval did nothing to quell the party atmosphere as the band returned with a further 5 tracks that shifted in tempo effortlessly and really showcased the band’s cross-genre talent. A 90-minute set that seemingly flew by with ease and never once dipped in performance level or charm really does show what an engaging and talented band we have here. Certainly, a band that should be front and center in the planning of the major local festivals such as Harbour Fest, St Pauls Carnival, and Dot 2 Dot. There is so much crossover appeal here. A great watch and a great performance.
@bristolnomad_gigphotography
@thebristolnomad / @bristolnomad_gigphotography
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer
Chief, the one that bugs the team for team for their reviews and images. Creator and founder of The Bristol Gig Guide. Can usually be found swamped in admin or getting cramp kneeling at the front of a gig.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Videography work, Interviews and Touring
First attended gig: Republica, circa 1996.
First gig shot: Hands Off Gretel, at The Louisiana!
Dream gig: Huge metalhead and my ultimate dream gig would be shooting my heroes Slipknot at a huge stadium gig, or as festival headliners. And to experience shooting a headline tour outside the UK
