The gothic setting of Bristol’s Trinity Centre, combined with a tempestuous storm raging outside, set the tone for a wild night.
Black Honey returned to Bristol for a second consecutive sold-out show, having previously sold out The Thekla last March.
The band appeared in a playful mood, sending out a full Las Vegas-era Elvis Presley to handle the warm-up and introduction. It did the trick, with the crowd already in a buoyant mood as guitarist Chris Ostler, bassist Tommy Taylor, and drummer Alex Woodward took up positions in the low light. Creating a fevered anticipation for lead singer and guitarist Izzy Baxter Phillips’ arrival.
As the stray lighting caught flashes of Izzy’s blonde locks crossing the stage, the crowd transformed into a room of high-pitched cries and outstretched limbs.
With a burst of light and sound, the opening salvo of fuzzy guitars fired, and we were off; we were “OK”. Izzy’s commanding presence and magnetic charisma drew energy from the bodies of those standing in awe like a succubus. Before blasting it back in their direction like a general giving their troops permission to be at ease. Permission granted, the mosh pits were in full swing by the time “Charlie Bronson” was injected into the eardrums, and you could feel the crowd ebb and flow like a tsunami crashing the shoreline.
“Somebody Better” took us four songs deep into the set before there was even a chance to come up for air. Izzy took advantage of a small breather to thank everyone for being there.
The respite was short-lived as BH continued their powerhouse opening by dropping huge tunes one after the other. Not least “Like The Way You Die,” which is sung by the crowd at maximum volume. It’s not until you see Black Honey live that you remember this is a band that has been consistently writing stellar songs for a decade now. And once you experience the full force of “Spinning Wheel” live, there is no going back. You’ll be aboard the Black Honey express forever. The soft, hushed vocal from Izzy lures you in like a siren on the rocks. Before transforming into a banshee and all hell breaking loose on and off stage.
Talking of off-stage, Chris and Tommy are given ample room to let loose for “Disinfect” as our lead vocalist can no longer resist the throng and rushes deep into the crowd to take charge of the chaos personally.
And this, by the way, marks only the halfway point in proceedings. The second half of the set pays homage to long-standing fans with the likes of “All My Pride” and “Cadillac” leading us toward the disco classic “Midnight”, but not before the band has some more fun with the crowd by covering “Wild Thing”. From Elvis to The Troggs covers, you simply never know what to expect from Black Honey. You could see them three nights on the bounce and have a unique experience each night.
The finale of the set sees two absolute crowd favorites in the form of “Run For Cover”, and of course our beloved “Corrine”. As has become tradition, the latter sees Izzy joining her sisters in the crowd for the ultimate safe space party.
Black Honey is a band for the believers that hard work is its own reward. Everything they have, they’ve earned. There have been no shortcuts, no favours. Just a determination that writing great songs and playing them immaculately live will reap its own rewards in time. That time is now.
@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
