The Old England, Bristol
A tucked away pub, in the heart of Bristol’s indie heartland. The Old England is about as traditional a live music venue as you can’t get.
There was however nothing traditional about the line up for this past Thursdays gig. Personal Best, Leggy and Oh The Guilt embrace everything that is good about the inclusiveness of modern music. Drawing their influences from the sounds and styles of the past and smashing them out with a very modern vibe.
Openers Oh The Guilt both surprise and delight. A melancholy start that builds to a crescendo of Drums and Riffs.
Skilled musicians that exude a seriousness in both sound and lyrics. That set a mood in keeping with the venues over zealous smoke machine.
Performance wise, the set was tight, the musicianship on point and the vocals clear if a little low due to the sound issues that would plague the venue all evening.
My yardstick for opening acts is “Would I pay to see them on their own” and the answer with Oh The Guilt is most definitely
First of the duel headline acts for the evening were South West locals Personal Best. I have been waiting to catch these guys for a while. Interest pricked with the their social media tag line of “Classic Rock for Tragic Lesbians”. And that tongue in cheek humour fits so well with a band that blow you a way with their zest, energy and fun. From first note to last these guys were delivering classic rock to power pop with broad smiles and unlimited skill.
This band have some absolute, sing along, bangers in their arsenal. And permeate a feel good vibe that had the whole room smiling, laughing, jumping and singing along.
Such was the energy and lost in the moment enjoyment of performing I believe a tornado could have ripped the venue to pieces and this band would still be on stage playing throughout.
A growing back catalogue enabled Katie, Emily, Ben and Jason to pull songs from previous EP’s and debut album “Arnos Vale” to accompany stellar performences of new album tracks such as Love Letter and Radio.
All the elements of what makes a good band are here. Skilled, catchy lyrics and melody. Great hooks, tightness and high energy performances.
Set List
- Just Friends
- Every day she kills me
- Baby
- One Damn Thing
- Love Letter
- This Time Next Year
- Radio
- Jennifer
- This Is What We Look Like
Cincinnati must feel a very long way from home when you walk into a place like the Old England, but Leggy have seen it, done it and got the T-Shirt and certainly were not phased as they kicked off a very strong set.
The American trio doing a sterling job of belting out tunes such as Habit, Burner and prosper.
All whilst reminiscing on their love of all things English. If there isn’t a song on the next album called “Toby Carvery” I shall be very disappointed.
Elements of pop punk, indie and rock combine to produce a sound that remind me of great grunge bands such as Hole.
And the way they ploughed through some substantial sound problems mid set when one of the venues monitors blew was testament to their professionalism. I have witnessed many a band simply stop and refuse to carry on in similar circumstances.
The current UK tour has been very well received and their performance, charm and tenacity will have won them many a heart and many a new fan in Bristol.
Set list
- Habit
- Burner
- Antwerp
- Eden
- My Room
- Taffy
- Prom
- Girls
- Prosper
- Not What You Need