Bristol Rough Trade, Saturday 2nd October 2021
If you ever want a showcase for just how incredibly talented the Bristol music scene is right now. Then you only need to look up the next Doughnut Records live event..
Saturday at Rough Trade was packed to see four hands all making waves in their own individual styles.
The fact that the crowd was also smattered with a who’s who of Bristol talent, from the likes of Cuffs to Erotic Secrets of Pompeii is testament to the pull anyone associated with Doughnut records can expect.
The evening kicked off with a band we’ve been waiting for ages to catch… The New America. A post punk infused four piece that sums up so much about the Bristol music scene. Unapologetically brash, incredibly talented and with just the right amount of swagger to spread their wings much further than the city limits.
There was no discernible running order to the night as all four bands could have easily taken the headline spot. The benefit of this being TNA had the crowd primed for what was to follow.
Junktrips were the unknown quantity for us, not having heard of them prior the event poster dropping.
Never has the phrase “never judge a book” been so apt. The threesome making their way onto stage in such unassuming fashion. The crowd talking amongst themselves, not really paying any mind.
Then that first note dropped and we were whisked to a land where the B52s had some crazy love child with Nirvana and force fed the kid acid.
Full energy, full throttle and foot stomping goodness.
About a month ago we caught Polemics for the first time.
Then a duo, they’ve now added bassist Raf into the fold. And that added dynamic has propelled the band forward. Technically an astonishing act to watch, the pedal work alone is dizzying. Polemics blend lyrical intellect with thumping drums and catchy riffs with genuine ease.
Birdman Cult, the musical arm of Doughtnut records finished the night off in their usual style. Dark, fuzzy, groovy, sleaze rock, with a touch of humour that is impossible not to love.
The perfect blend of cheeky swagger and musical talent. Birdman are infectious to watch, you simply can’t help but dance along with a smile on your face. The likeability factor isn’t just based on the stage performances either. The songs are catchy and memorable with the likes of “Janet” sticking in our heads for days post show.
Do not be a doughnut, if you see an event poster from the Doughnut Records team then bag a ticket for a guaranteed good time.