Cleo and the Patras epitomize the vital essence of supporting grassroots bands and the venues that foster them. In a world where the spectacle of sold-out arenas, seismic footfalls, and sound systems that rival interstellar transmissions reign supreme, the soul of live music beats strongest in small, intimate venues. These are the crucibles where tomorrow’s superstars are forged, and to neglect them in favor of grandiose events is to miss the raw, unfiltered energy that defines the live music experience.
While Taylor Swift’s juggernaut tour was setting off tremors in South Wales, Cleo and the Patras were commanding the stage of one of Bristol’s most cherished venues with the same mantra: entertain, entertain, entertain. This four-piece rock ensemble—Cleo on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, WillPower on lead guitar, G-Man on bass, and Morton Frankfire on drums—melds classic rock influences with the themes of contemporary life to create a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly unique.
Cleo’s soaring soprano pairs with WillPower’s lyrical guitar solos, G-Man’s resonant bass, and Morton’s driving rhythms to form a sonic tapestry that has been winning over local audiences. Their journey has seen them perform at iconic Bristol venues like The Louisiana, The Fleece, and The Thunderbolt, with a self-released EP showcasing their standout tracks.
The band’s origins trace back five years to a different lineup that eventually disbanded during the pandemic. Cleo returned as a solo act, playing open mic nights until a chance encounter brought guitarist WillPower into the fold. Their chemistry was immediate and electric, leading them to recruit the seasoned bassist G-Man and versatile drummer Morton. Together, they have coalesced into a formidable unit.
On a sultry evening at The Louie, Cleo and the Patras delivered an eight-song set that escalated from a spark to a conflagration. By the fourth track, “Hey, Trickster,” it was evident they possessed that elusive X-factor. Cleo’s voice, oscillating between operatic highs and gritty rock lows, melded perfectly with the band’s dynamic sound. Their stage presence was a visual feast, with Cleo wielding everything from pub chairs to a megaphone, and WillPower and G-Man engaging in rockstar theatrics, while Morton’s relentless drumming anchored the performance.
Tracks like “Toxic Kiss,” “Something To Believe In,” and “Burn It Down” from their debut EP already hint at their potential, but new songs like “Hey, Trickster,” “Crossroads,” and “I Knew You” promise even greater things.
Cleo and the Patras underscore why supporting local bands and venues is crucial. Today’s grassroots musicians are tomorrow’s arena-filling superstars. Miss them now, and you miss the raw, unfiltered essence of live music.
@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
