Rough Trade, Bristol
Ever wondered how you go about joining a cult? Then read on.
When the team from Donut Records put on a show, they really put on a show. Top venue, great beers, amazing atmosphere during acts courtesy of Bristol based DJ duo Waxhogs. And great booking with the acts we were to enjoy.
Kicking off three very different sounding bands were Bristol based , surfy, post punk, female three piece Grandmas House.
Having caught the soundcheck we knew this was gonna be a loud one. And the ladies did not disappoint.
Fast riffs, blistering drumming and an altogether grungy feel.
Standout track “Devils advocate” is a must listen…
Kimbo Nice glided on to the stage and immediately changed the whole feel of the night. The Bristol foursome might as well have lit a spliff and told the crowd to chill out… An incredible contrast to the raucous tones of our opener.
Describing themselves as providing sunshine pop and good vibes, they had a way about them that wouldn’t look out of place on a Cornish surf beach. And a sound that conjured images of sitting around a beach camp fire at the end of a warm day, sipping cider whilst four of your friends strummed guitar and sang about the good times.
The crowd were so into this band, it was akin to being at a summer music festival. It was clear there is a sizeable following for the band already and an even more sizeable future.
Kimbo are a must see band if you want to escape the daily grind and just chill out.
We will be looking to cover these guys in the New Year such was the impression they left on us.
Now… it’s confession time.
Due to some ridiculous parking restrictions we had to leave just after the main act Keg took to the stage, so for the purposes of this review Birdman Cult are our worthy headliners.
We have lost count of the amount of times this band have been recommended to me us over the past few months, so getting to finally see what the fuss was all about was going to be pretty cool.
However, first things first….
You may remember at the top of the review we asked if you’d like to know how to join a cult. Turns out Birdman are recruiting and to join all you need to do is prove your worthiness by climbing Cheddar Gorge naked and retrieving a large egg. If this sounds like your bag then the band are waiting to hear from you.
In terms of the set itself, these guys are a fast out the blocks, hit your senses kinda band.
We have heard BC described as a post punk band, but in truth there are so many different styles and elements to their sound that it seems unfair to pigeon hole them in one category.
They take us on a journey from good old fashioned Rock n Roll, to dabbling around the edge of punk. As well incorporating spots of rockabilly.
The mix works however. The five musicians blend well and add to that a sprinkling of great tunes and you can see why they are supporting acts such as The Heavy at venues like the iconic Electric Ballroom, London…after only 5 gigs.
In tune “Snakes” they have one of my favourite records of the past 6 months. And almost a week after the gig I am still find myself unconsciously whistling it
There is sure to be a lot more from the cult of the Birdman. And we look forward to seeing how the band develops during 2020.
