Bristol O2 Academy 10th May 2022
Like the album tracks, but with 1000x the OOMPH.
Alt-J are a divisive band for sure. With experimental synth loops, quirky time signatures and lyrics that’ll confuse even the most fine-tuned fans, they’re far from a sing-along band.
These guys have been on my radar for years. I never really ‘got the hype’ when they first emerged into the scene, but get them in a good set of headphones or a crispy sound system, and they truly shine. I think that’s why their live performances really matter.
This is a band that’s technically flawless. The first thing you’ll notice at their gigs is the copious amounts of kit on (and around) the stage. The band themselves are elevated on a platform that perches them in front of a huge LED screen, surrounded by lights in all directions. In a small venue like the academy, it seems initially like overkill. Once they’re up there though, it all makes sense.
With bass that’ll shake you to the bone, and masterful musicianship, all the flashy lights and screens are barely a distraction. It all unfolds as if this is the missing piece of the puzzle that a lot of the haters out there are missing. Live, their music is complete.
The crowd were pleased with the healthy dose of old material, as well as some picks from the new album “The Dream”, including their opening track “Bane”. This really came into its own as a live track. The song builds and builds perfectly to set the tone for what’s to come.
So, what was to come? A fabulous mix of click-perfect performance, enough visuals and lighting to keep the party-ers happy, and a flawlessly pieced together setlist.
Alt-J are complete when they’re live. Catch them if you can.
@whatishayden 
Porthjess
@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
