Dareshack, 30th May
Calva Louise
What a coup for Dareshack, the venue for the last leg of the Calva Louise UK Tour. This multicultural band, hailing from Venezuela, France, and New Zealand, has been making waves in the music industry since its formation back in 2016. With Jess Allanic (vocals) at the helm of their creative vision, the band, consisting of Alizon Taho (bass) and Ben Parker (drums), draws inspiration from both British and American bands, as well as Latin rock.
Their debut album, Rhinoceros, released in 2019, was followed by the ambitious concept album Euphoric in 2021.
Calva Louise’s unique sound is a fusion of grunge and punk rock, with a strong Latin influence, giving their music an unmistakable edge. The band’s music is characterized by loud and brash guitar riffs, driving basslines, and energetic drumming. Their lyrics delve into introspective themes such as self-discovery, mental health, and social issues, making for an immersive and thought-provoking musical ride.
The packed-out, dark black, cube of a room offered the band the perfect opportunity to blast a neon shockwave onto the tightly gathered crowd. We were taken on a journey by a band that, since its inception, has been shapeshifting its sound and is now metamorphosing into a vision of cyberpunk rock fit for a world sleepwalking into an AI future.
The set was fantastic at storytelling, giving us a brief glimpse of the Calva Louise of the past, present, and future. Crowd favorites “Euphoric” and “Belicoso” opened us up for a vibrant, fast-flowing set punctuated by monologues from Allanic that added substance to the creative experiences the band was drawing on. Finally hearing “Camino” live was mind-blowing, as we shifted gear into a newer, heavier sound with the latest tracks “Third Class Citizen” and “The Feast Is Over”.
By the time we reached “Oportunista,” the crowd was at fever pitch. There was a palpable sense of how lucky we were to see this band in such an intimate venue, as the next time they return to this city, we guarantee it will be on a much bigger stage.
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Gen and the Degenerates
Unapologetically in your face, political without being preachy, riotous fun.
We fell a lil bit in love with Gen and the degenerates when we caught them supporting Skunk Anansie at the O2 last year. So we jumped at the chance to catch the 5 piece again.
Their brand of anthemic rock and aggression brings a swagger, charm and presence to the stage that others can try for years to master and fail.
The acid tongued humour and be yourself, F the haters attitude makes for a always lively, always fun gig.
Backed up by the band’s infectious energy and 110% performance ethic is a solid set of tunes.
Yeah we all know smash “Girl God Gun”, but there is so much else to sink your teeth into, as demonstrated by their seven song set. Snipes at record company execs with “Big Hit Single”. The poker hot “Anti-Fun Propaganda” or the song we sometimes all need to hear in “All Figured Out”.
Gen and the degenerates are everything I want my alt rock / punk bands to be in 2023.
And you need not wait long to catch them in the city again. They will form part of @attitudefestivaluk stellar punk line up @exchangebristol on September 2nd.
Blacklist
Blacklist, consisting of Saul Blease on bass/vocals, Elliott Tottle on guitar, and Joe Webb on drums, has become a staple of the local scene for the past few years. Their brand of alt rock draws crowds not only from local fans but also from their peers in the music community who highly respect the trio.
Their stage presence is uncomplicated, with a broody atmosphere that puts the focus on the music. The dynamic bass lines and catchy hooks are punctuated with imaginative and emotive lyrics that immediately connect with listeners. The band performs a set of six tracks, including popular ones such as “The Replacer” and “Super Predator,” which are already familiar to the busy venue. However, the standout track for me is “Dead Ringer.”
Overall, we are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the Blacklist story.
@bristolnomad_gigphotography / @thebristolnomad
@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
