Let the Kid Dig – a homegrown music collective encouraging local and independent talent – debuted their own skills this weekend. Showcasing six upcoming acts, the collective might be digging, but they’re not panning for fool’s gold; what they’ve got is the real thing.
First up was Dogsbody, a folksy, breathy band who found a new Greenwich Village in the cavernous Loco Klub. Their frontwoman is an almost haunting reincarnation borne from the same fault lines as Jesse Jo Stark and Anita Lane, but with her own tunnelling voice: it is as if Florence and the Machine forewent the yellow brick road for the breadcrumb trail less followed. The band’s songs are more raw hem than perfect stitching, but it’s in their realness that the wait becomes so worthwhile.
Wych Elm, veterans of the Bristol rock scene, hypnotise the evening, stretching time by hand. Their set feels like stepping, at turns, into new doll-house rooms. Singer Caitlin, with a voice she can throw like she’s aiming down a haunted corridor and the stage presence of a pointe dancer on hot coals, mans the ship, but it’s a group effort. Debuting their new drummer, it’s clear Wych Elm are only becoming more intricate and complex as time goes by.
Despite some technical trickiness on Sam Paul’s set – their saxophonist was missing in action for the first half of the set, then soldiered in, Horatio-style – they were at turns sweet, soft, husky, gravelled. A touch of Shane MacGowan, Baby Dave, and the cosy DIY touches of Daniel Johnston, Paul was desperately exciting in a way that felt both unexpected and entirely worthwhile.
Then were Sugar Darling – a band part novelty act and part genuine hard rock – replete with hats that got increasingly ridiculous depending on which bandmate you cast your eyes over to. Veering from barnyard ditties to mosh pit classics, Sugar Darling seemed to invoke the muse of the Dead Milkmen, or even of Bristol legends Getdown Services.
Headlining the day is Gorz, whose setlist conjured a kind of undead amalgam of X Ray Spex and The Dresden Dolls. With babydoll dresses and trad tattoos, their unique brand of hard rock, metal, and thrash felt more like a call to war than a night-time wrap-up.
Words: Kate jeffrie Images: Isaac Stubbings
Kate Jeffrie @katejeffrie
Role: Lead Writer / Interviewer
I review gigs, and interview bands and musicians.
Available For: Gig Reviews, band interviews
Qualification: I study English Literature at the University of Bristol.
First attended gig: The first gig I remember going to see was Lewis Watson when I was 13, at a pub a few towns over from where I lived. My friends and I all loved him, and I remember how shocked I was that someone I had on this pedestal could be stood on a stage just a few feet away, drinking a beer and playing guitar!
First gig reviewed: The first gig I ever reviewed was Palace at the O2 Academy Bristol. As a band I wasn’t particularly well acquainted with, it was a testament to how live music can bowl someone over, even when it’s coming from strangers.
Dream gig: My dad saw The Smiths on their first tour, and since they’re my favourite band, I think seeing them in an intimate venue would be a dream
Isaac Stubbings @ilnsimages
Role: Photographer & Reviewer
Hey! I'm a photographer who uses music as a core influence in all my photography. I love looking towards colour and lighting to try and emulate a narrative that enhances my work.
Qualifications: I study Photography at the University of the West of England, Bristol.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots and Touring
First attended gig: The first gig I went to was to see the band Beach House in Brighton when I was about 14. It was in a big church and I remember the dreamy vocals and synths sounded amazing with the acoustics of the place. After that, I was hooked on the experience of going to see live music.
First gig shot: In college I shot a couple of my friends’ bands in tiny venues, but I think the first proper gig I shot was Newdad at Thekla. Wanting to get back into music photography, I reached out – not really expecting to hear back – and it meant a lot to me when I was put on the list to shoot one of my favourite bands. It was such an enjoyable and rewarding experience for me, so after that I was set on pursuing it further.
Dream gig: Big question. There are so many I could think of, but it would have to be The Cure in a small intimate venue.