The Bittersweethearts are on a mission to herald a new era of New Wave and make you smile and dance while doing it.
The LA-based quintet—Zoe Infante (vocals), Zach Andrews (bass), Maria Grace Ono (guitar), Olivia Malbran (keys), and Daniel Jun (drums)—are a new band with an old soul. Their sleeves-up, nose-to-the-grindstone approach to cracking the music industry has to be admired in a time of bands that are all facade and no substance. Bittersweethearts are determined to do it the hard way: penning solid tunes and then playing any venue, any city, any country until they have built something real, something organic.
It’s that work ethic that sees them arrive at the Thunderbolt in Bristol less than a day after flying from LA to London to kick off a 17-date UK & European tour.
In surroundings far less glamorous than iconic LA hangouts Whisky-a-go-go and Viper Rooms, Zoe and co put on a show that a young Debbie Harry would have been proud of. The band in its current lineup has incredibly only been together a month, but it doesn’t show as they provide the solid platform for Zoe to let loose and deliver a new wave of new wave that beautifully fuses elements of pop, punk, and funk with a thoroughly modern twist. Zoe is the insanely charismatic tip of a very sharp spear.
We have been obsessed with the latest single “Empty” for a while now; to hear it live (including one of the best guitar solos of the past 12 months) was a real treat. Coupled with a set full of new material that will consolidate into the band’s debut album later this year suggests a band that has a vision that they intend to act on. The set wraps with “Polly Plastic” and leaves the crowd feeling like they’ve been transported into the soundtrack of a John Hughes movie, ala “The Breakfast Club” or “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”
These Sweethearts have nothing to be bitter about. For their future is basked in Golden State sunshine.
📸📝 The Bristol Nomad
Nestled along the South Coast, Skinny Knowledge emerges as a beacon of alt-rock zeal, dedicated to both revelry and musical prowess. Comprising Andy Smooth on Guitar/Lead Vocals, Max Harris on Guitar, Rab McGowan on Bass, and Mike Rigler on the Drums, the quartet injects each stage they grace with an unabashed, high-octane energy.
With influences rooted in the golden era of 90s pop-punk and grunge, Skinny Knowledge delivers a sonic palette that thrums with unfiltered authenticity. Their performances transcend mere entertainment, fostering an immersive atmosphere where infectious melodies intertwine with spirited banter, coaxing even the most reluctant of onlookers to succumb to the groove.
However, beneath the veneer of exuberance lies a formidable musical proficiency. Andy’s songwriting prowess imbues their catalog with a raw emotional depth, delving into the tumultuous intricacies of life’s journey. Tracks like “Strike Out” and “Goes Around Comes Around” serve as poignant testaments to this narrative, each lyric laden with visceral honesty and conviction.
Despite their relatively nascent presence on the scene, Skinny Knowledge has already carved a niche with two full-length albums under their belt. Their latest opus, “Twentytwo”, marks a departure into darker, heavier territory, yet retains the infectious hooks and incisive lyricism that define their sound. Live, they command the stage with an unwavering intensity, seamlessly weaving between anthems old and new, ensuring each performance is an electrifying sonic voyage.
In essence, Skinny Knowledge transcends the confines of a conventional musical act; they are architects of sonic escapades, crafting a soundtrack that resonates with the sun-kissed memories of endless summer road trips. And hours lost to Tony Hawks Pro Skater on PlayStation.
📝📸 The Bristol Nomad
@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
