SWX Bristol, 15th March
“The lens continually refocuses itself on the song—the feelings at hand. The future is waiting with a crooked smile and the photos you’re taking only leave the subjects more and more blurry”
Nothing about the Backseat Lovers performance at a sold out SWX this week was out of focus however. The Utah natives (Joshua Harmon (lead vocals/guitar), Jonas Swanson (lead guitar/vocals), KJ Ward (bass guitar), and Juice Welch (drums/background vocals) providing a glimpse of just why their star has risen so far, so fast even so far from home.
Its a star burning so bright the band have amassed 4.5 million monthly listeners and over 300 million streams.
Anyone expecting rockstar ego though would be sorely disappointed. Joshua Harmon leads the line with a great sense of humbleness & humility when speaking to the crowd, before morphing into a cavorting demon when playing guitar.
Touring 2022’s “Waiting To Spill” the crowd of mainly under 30s are treated to six tracks off the latest release. With album openers “Silhouette” & “Close Your Eyes” getting an early airing. Five months post debut, the new album is already held with reverence by the crowd. Eagerly singing the words back at the band, half in enjoyment, half to prove their devotion.
There is a lovely grittiness to The Backseat Lovers live that contrasts to the hazy, mellowness of listening to them on record.
2019’s “When We Were Friends” was not only the debut Long Play from the band, but also the record that lit the fuse, attached to the rocket marked stardom. Hearing “Pool House”, “Kilby Girl” and “Maple Syrup” live on a Bristol stage was nothing short of fantastic. Especially with a band that still seemingly enjoy playing and singing every note of them. Queue more rapturous adulation from the crowd, queue more genuine & heartfelt thanks from the band.
As the 13 song set faded the band quickly re-emerge for a double song encore that felt now more like a giant singalong with friends than a gig.
Certain bands burn bright & fast before fading away. Others leave such a indelible mark that you know they are here to stay.
@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
