We first encountered Brooke Combe at The Louisiana back in 2022—a raw, magnetic talent who left little doubt that Scotland was nurturing its next great voice. Fast forward to April 2025, and a huge crowd packs into Bristol’s Thekla to witness Combe headline in support of her critically acclaimed debut album, Dancing At The Edge Of The World. Any early proclamations of her star potential now feel less like predictions and more like prophecy fulfilled.
Whether in the studio or on stage, Combe exudes focus, determination, and creative conviction. That same tenacity led her to part ways with Island Records, seeking greater autonomy over her artistic direction. The decision paid off: teaming up with The Coral’s James Skelly as producer, Combe crafted a debut LP praised for its seamless fusion of vintage soul textures and contemporary R&B stylings. Tracks like “This Town,” “L.M.T.F.A.,” and “Butterfly” pulse with emotional intensity and lush instrumentation, with additional contributions from guitarist Danny Murphy, bassist Charlie Salt, and the unmistakable string arrangements of Sean O’Hagan.
Tonight’s show is part of a headline UK tour that has already rolled through Liverpool, Norwich, and Birmingham, with major dates in Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds, and a homecoming in Glasgow still ahead. In Bristol, she’s met with an audience primed and ready.
The 16-song set leaned heavily into the new album, showcasing 10 of its 11 tracks, alongside earlier material that earned her stages at Glastonbury and other major festivals. The set opener, “This Town,” proved an immediate crowd favourite, the audience greeting it with full-throated singalongs and a reaction that clearly delighted Combe—her beaming smile said it all.
The show’s opening stretch, dominated by the album’s first three tracks, found Combe shifting effortlessly between tambourine and guitar, reaffirming her versatility and commanding presence. But it wasn’t just the music doing the heavy lifting.
At just 23, Combe’s stagecraft already rivals veterans. She’s effortlessly charismatic, peppering the evening with dry humour, candid asides, and the kind of self-awareness that makes her feel both larger than life and completely relatable. Her introduction to “L.M.T.F.A. (Leave Me The Fuck Alone)”—a song, she jokes, not about heartbreak, but inspired by disdain for her stepmother—had the crowd howling with laughter. It’s this blend of grit and charm that makes her so compelling.
The set briefly veered into cover territory with a soulful rendition of “Summer Breeze,” delivered with such conviction that the entire crowd joined in, eyes closed, transported. But make no mistake—this was a night about Combe’s own songwriting prowess, and how it’s evolved into something truly special.
The main set concluded with a heartfelt tribute to neo-soul icon Angie Stone and the soaring ballad “Butterfly,” before Combe exited the stage with a cheeky warning: “You’d better be loud or we ain’t coming back out.” The Thekla faithful responded in kind, raising the roof in demand for more.
She returned with a three-track encore that turned a midweek night into a full-blown celebration. “Are You With Me Honey”—a streaming hit well over the million-mark—sent the boat rocking in more ways than one. Fittingly, she closed with the title track, “Dancing At The Edge Of The World.” If Combe ever does find herself at the world’s edge, she’ll be far from alone. Nights like this ensure she’ll be followed by a devoted army of fans every step of the way.
Brooke Combe is the real deal: a soul powerhouse with the wit of your funniest mate down the pub. Long may she reign.
@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
