Trunc
Manchester’s scene’s spinning gold again, and in the midst of this sonic alchemy emerges TRUNC – an artist defying categorization. They’ve got the nods from the BBC Radio 1 titans like Alyx Holcombe (Introducing Rock) and Nels Hylton (Future Alternative), as well as the venerable Tom Robinson of BBC Radio 6, not to mention a hometown salute from Manchester Introducing. TRUNC, having rubbed shoulders with trailblazers like Calva Louise, Delilah Bon, and Belako, seamlessly slots their queer and alternative voice into this artistic enclave.
The Exchange becomes a canvas for TRUNC’s performance, a vivid swirl of hues and a chameleon-like display. This band’s forging its path beyond the usual boundaries, crafting music that scoffs at confinement. The live set unfurls their spirited sound and lyrics laced with passion and fury. Martha’s vocals, Sam’s guitar, and Tom’s drums tread a line through indie, alt rock, hip hop, pop, electronica, and spoken word – all within a single track. A rebellion mirroring their recorded releases’ disdain for pigeonholing. It shouldn’t click, but it does, and they unfold something uniquely invigorating for the audience.
Tracks like “Figure In The Fog” and “Bored” emerge as beacons deserving widespread acclaim. Dive in for a taste of the paradoxes defining this band’s essence – a musical rollercoaster painted in contrasting strokes.
GURL
Bristol, that mystical crucible of national musical prowess, weaves its spell once again through Gürl, a bewitching quartet. With Josh on Vocals, Jonny on Guitar, Jay on Bass, and the recent addition of Tom on Drums, they’ve metamorphosed from neo-soul to a pop-metal hybrid, a concoction of heavy riffs and anthemic choruses brewed in the cauldron of baritone guitars and trap production.
Gürl strides boldly at the forefront of Bristol’s vibrant musical tapestry, as evident in their recent Exchange spectacle, a hometown crescendo of grand proportions. Their evolution echoes through the shadows, maintaining a tenebrous, seductive glam that traces back from early tracks like “Surrender” and “Last Night I Read Your Diary” to the debut EP “Ouija” and the 2023 revelations of “Bad Blood” and “Hexy.” Each track, progressively ensnared in barbed wire, diverges sharply from the saccharine norm, setting them apart in Bristol’s thriving sonic landscape.
The recent gig was a cabalistic rite; black silhouettes, macabre puppets, converging with razor-sharp pink lights, and the dynamism of Josh. Gürl’s feral and beautiful stage presence ensnared the crowd like moths to an enchanting flame, establishing them as Bristol’s paragon of raw energy. The sorcery of Gürl live resides in performances that feel like fervent homages to the fans, a setlist concocted like a mesmerizing warlock’s potion.
Blistering tracks like “Hexy” and “Bad Blood” intertwine with the remarkable live rendition of “Medic,” fusing gospel with metalcore in a transcendental harmony. Staples like “Mezze Life” and “Cavier Gold” elicit fervent responses from the devout audience. Gürl’s lyricism delves deep into the wells of narcissism, obsession, and decadence, tapping into the primal and darker hues of modern existence. The night crescendos with the arena-ready anthem “AntiPop,” birthing the grandest mosh pit of the evening.
In summary, Gürl embodies the auditory equivalent of a clandestine backstreet tattoo – gritty, irresistible, and hauntingly beautiful, leaving audiences spellbound and enamoured by their distinct sonic alchemy.
@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
