The Exchange, March 4th
For those who know the phrase ‘going to Grandma’s House’ as slang for getting drunk, their name seems obvious as instinct for a band that have kids across the country getting debauched. On tour for their new extended play, ‘Who Am I’, Bristol-based Grandmas House take on the task of painting their hometown red.
Despite the set being riddled with technical issues – smoke curtains the stage with heavy-mist fog, and mics stay silent – Grandmas House lean into it. It gives the gig a garage, do-it-yourself appeal, and their ability to pull off what should have been polished in such a heavyweight way is what makes the band so essential to the city’s music scene.
Yas, the frontman and guitarist, is all huskiness and gravel; she preaches punk from the pulpit. She summons up mosh pits that begin but never really seem to end. For ‘Pasty’ – the song written about a woman working in one of Bristol’s bakeries – the crowd becomes all arms and legs; anarchic moving parts of one great, conflicted machine.
On songs like ‘How Does It Feel?’, ‘Golden’, and ‘Girl’, wit burns through their punk like a cigarette cherry on a blazer. Ears are ringing for all the right reasons.
Zoë and her outsize bass circle the stage like it’s leading her in a dance. It speaks to the co-ordination these girls have. Poppy – the drummer and one of the vocalists – explained after the set that they all live together, and it shows in the music. They know what they’re doing, and they see each other from the inside out. If one of them is out of step on the path to Grandma’s, the others outstretch a firm hand.
Later, Poppy says that this has been the best crowd they’ve ever had, and it might well explain why they play well on into the night, far after curfew. When a night’s as good as this, why call time?
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@katejeffrie
Kate Jeffrie @katejeffrie
Role: Lead Writer / Interviewer
I review gigs, and interview bands and musicians.
Available For: Gig Reviews, band interviews
Qualification: I study English Literature at the University of Bristol.
First attended gig: The first gig I remember going to see was Lewis Watson when I was 13, at a pub a few towns over from where I lived. My friends and I all loved him, and I remember how shocked I was that someone I had on this pedestal could be stood on a stage just a few feet away, drinking a beer and playing guitar!
First gig reviewed: The first gig I ever reviewed was Palace at the O2 Academy Bristol. As a band I wasn’t particularly well acquainted with, it was a testament to how live music can bowl someone over, even when it’s coming from strangers.
Dream gig: My dad saw The Smiths on their first tour, and since they’re my favourite band, I think seeing them in an intimate venue would be a dream
Isaac Stubbings @ilnsimages
Role: Photographer & Reviewer
Hey! I'm a photographer who uses music as a core influence in all my photography. I love looking towards colour and lighting to try and emulate a narrative that enhances my work.
Qualifications: I study Photography at the University of the West of England, Bristol.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots and Touring
First attended gig: The first gig I went to was to see the band Beach House in Brighton when I was about 14. It was in a big church and I remember the dreamy vocals and synths sounded amazing with the acoustics of the place. After that, I was hooked on the experience of going to see live music.
First gig shot: In college I shot a couple of my friends’ bands in tiny venues, but I think the first proper gig I shot was Newdad at Thekla. Wanting to get back into music photography, I reached out – not really expecting to hear back – and it meant a lot to me when I was put on the list to shoot one of my favourite bands. It was such an enjoyable and rewarding experience for me, so after that I was set on pursuing it further.
Dream gig: Big question. There are so many I could think of, but it would have to be The Cure in a small intimate venue.