London Alt-Rock Duo Light Up Bristol and Prove They’re One of 2025’s Must-Watch Acts
London-based alternative rock duo Candar are rapidly emerging as one of the UK’s most compelling new acts. Fronted by the quietly captivating Ella Crossland and driven by the irrepressible energy of drummer Finn McAuley, the pair fuse soul-drenched vocals with gritty guitar textures and pounding rhythms—crafting a sound that feels both timeless and cutting-edge.
We’ve been itching to catch them live ever since “Turned Blood Red” caught our ear while skimming Spotify in late 2023. On Sunday, we finally got the chance—and it was worth the wait. Candar’s first Bristol headliner, a sold-out basement show at The Exchange, proved to be a sweat-drenched triumph that confirmed the duo’s growing reputation as a live force to be reckoned with.
From the moment they launched into opener “Glitz and Glamour,” the tone was set: confident, stylish, and blisteringly tight. The chemistry between the two is magnetic—Finn’s exuberant, almost feral presence behind the kit perfectly balancing Ella’s modest but razor-sharp stage persona. Over the course of a nine-song set, they struck a near-perfect balance between raw power and poised restraint.
Midway through, they anchored the show with “Turned Blood Red,” the track that first turned heads and turned fans. But it was the newer material that hinted at even greater things to come. Unreleased cuts like “Girl You See” and “Wallflower” showcased a band unafraid to evolve—experimenting with darker textures and more expansive songwriting without ever losing their melodic punch.
And then came “Love Amnesia.” Already a contender for one of 2025’s biggest indie earworms, the track is a fuzzed-out anthem with a soaring vocal hook that lingers long after the final note. It’s also a masterclass in clarity—every lyric rings out with purpose, a rare gift in a genre so often mired in muddy mixes. Ella’s voice cuts through the distortion like sunlight through smoke.
They closed with “Flower In A Gun”—a brooding, slow-burning epic that rumbles with intent. It was the perfect closer: intense, memorable, and full of promise. If this performance proved anything, it’s that Candar aren’t just holding the gun—they’ve got the ammunition to be one of the breakout acts of the year.
With festival appearances on the horizon and a growing catalogue of releases via ReKognition Sound, Candar are heading for the big leagues. Catch them now—before the basements give way to arenas.
@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
