Since 2022, we’ve been unapologetically banging the drum for Bristol’s “bubblegum n razor blade” alt-rockers, Gürl. It all started when Spotify slipped them into our playlists, and since then, we’ve tracked their meteoric rise through the local circuit—from early support slots at Crofters Rights and Lost Horizon to commanding headliners at The Exchange and landing on bills like Misery Loves Company.
From the first time we caught Gürl live, it was obvious they were something special. Bristol’s music scene is teeming with talent, but standing out in that crowd is no small feat. Gürl doesn’t just stand out—they dominate, staking their claim as one of the city’s brightest prospects destined for bigger stages.
The ingredients that launch bands from local darlings to national heavyweights are all here. Gürl’s work ethic is relentless—they live, breathe, and devour the chaos of the music industry. The band is a well-oiled machine where each member plays a crucial role. Josh, the swaggering frontman, brings a charisma that rivals any big-league vocalist. Johnny, a guitar virtuoso, propels the band to new heights with solos that melt minds. Jay’s basslines create atmospheric magic, delivering those spine-tingling moments that linger long after the gig, while Tom’s drumming powers the whole operation with unstoppable force. Catching Gürl live is like watching a masterclass in musicianship—every member brings their A-game, and it shows.
Add to that a sharp understanding of how the industry works, including how to market their brand, and you’ve got a band that’s more than just a flash in the pan. Gürl backs it all up with incendiary, hook-laden tracks that embed themselves in your subconscious, looping in your head for days after the gig ends.
The truly great bands can all point to those game-changing moments in their careers—the ones that define their future. For Gürl, that moment came last Tuesday at Bristol’s O2 Academy, where they opened for the mighty Mallory Knox. The pressure was on—it was their biggest stage yet, a hometown gig with everything to prove. And they didn’t just rise to the occasion—they obliterated it, leaving the crowd stunned and breathless.
You could feel the nerves, the weight of expectation. Six songs to show why they deserve the spotlight—not easy when you’re the opener at 7:30 pm. We’ve all seen crowds tune out for the opening band, but not this time. The second “Last Night I Read Your Diary” kicked in, the room snapped to attention. Heads turned, gasps of “Yes!” echoed through the crowd. The energy was palpable.
Gürl delivered a masterclass in how to grab a room by the throat. They rolled out early favorites like “Gucci Honey Dirty Money” and “Caviar Gold,” before diving into newer cuts like “Evil Twin,” which was clearly built for stages this big. And if you haven’t seen Johnny rip through a guitar solo live, you haven’t truly lived.
Then there’s “Antipop”—the band’s ace in the hole, an anthem that already feels like the kind of track destined to cement that special bond between band and fan. They unleashed it at the close, with the crowd—now fully engaged—swaying in unison. It’s a rare feat for an opener, but Gürl pulled it off with style.
For the band and their fans, last Tuesday felt like one of those defining “I was there” moments. A glimpse into the future, where Gürl’s name will be in lights. They’re not just here to play—they’re here to conquer.
@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
