The city’s harbourside day festival went out with a bang on Sunday. With Grandmas House, CSS, and The Breeders stacking the bill, this was a night for women who rocked out until Bristol needed Monday to recover. With the sky clouded with seagulls around the stage’s amphitheatre, a whole new battle began to take place.
The darlings of Bristol’s heavy rock scene, Grandmas House emerged from the hood of the Bristol Sounds stage with a blast of hard rock that cut through the clouds like scissors through post-breakup hair. With a new guitarist in tow and a whole new strut, Grandmas House appealed to all ages. Just ahead in the crowd were two little girls headbanging like their lives depended on it; it reminded me of the curiosity and eclecticism that Bristol Sounds is all about.
CSS’ bubbly disco showdown was an unexpected favourite for the afternoon slot. Winking at the camera as they played ‘Music Is My Hot, Hot Sex’ and ‘Hits Me Like a Rock’, CSS’ frontwoman Lovefoxxx made enough outfit changes to make even Bucks Fizz blush. Sonically like a cheerleading team ran by Hinds and Let’s Eat Grandma, it was their stage presence that made them so special.
Like sitting in a dive bar between Aerosmith and Alice in Chains, Ty Segall’s classic rock was a wildfire. Dressed to the nines in American denim, Segall and his backing band were the salt on the rim to the hard shot Kim and Kellie Deal were about to serve.
Despite the daytime talent, Sunday was The Breeders’ time to shine. Delivering an understated, touching set – with a crowd they called the best of their English tour – the Deal sisters dished out stone-cold classics and warmer new material in spades during a ninety minute runtime. The songs sometimes carved out and full and other times performed acapella, the band were smiling, even gleeful, touched that they’d garnered a crowd stretching as far as the eye could see. The song ‘Gigantic’ (co-written by Kim Deal whilst still in the Pixies) and a touching rendition of The Beatles’ ‘Happiness is a Warm Gun’ ended the evening like a co-signature on a day of unexpected delights.
Kate Jeffrie @katejeffrie
Role: Lead Writer / Interviewer
I review gigs, and interview bands and musicians.
Available For: Gig Reviews, band interviews
Qualification: I study English Literature at the University of Bristol.
First attended gig: The first gig I remember going to see was Lewis Watson when I was 13, at a pub a few towns over from where I lived. My friends and I all loved him, and I remember how shocked I was that someone I had on this pedestal could be stood on a stage just a few feet away, drinking a beer and playing guitar!
First gig reviewed: The first gig I ever reviewed was Palace at the O2 Academy Bristol. As a band I wasn’t particularly well acquainted with, it was a testament to how live music can bowl someone over, even when it’s coming from strangers.
Dream gig: My dad saw The Smiths on their first tour, and since they’re my favourite band, I think seeing them in an intimate venue would be a dream
Isaac Stubbings @ilnsimages
Role: Photographer & Reviewer
Hey! I'm a photographer who uses music as a core influence in all my photography. I love looking towards colour and lighting to try and emulate a narrative that enhances my work.
Qualifications: I study Photography at the University of the West of England, Bristol.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots and Touring
First attended gig: The first gig I went to was to see the band Beach House in Brighton when I was about 14. It was in a big church and I remember the dreamy vocals and synths sounded amazing with the acoustics of the place. After that, I was hooked on the experience of going to see live music.
First gig shot: In college I shot a couple of my friends’ bands in tiny venues, but I think the first proper gig I shot was Newdad at Thekla. Wanting to get back into music photography, I reached out – not really expecting to hear back – and it meant a lot to me when I was put on the list to shoot one of my favourite bands. It was such an enjoyable and rewarding experience for me, so after that I was set on pursuing it further.
Dream gig: Big question. There are so many I could think of, but it would have to be The Cure in a small intimate venue.