SWX Bristol, 17th March
St Patrick’s Day 2023 saw singer songwriter Nick Mulvey play to a packed SWX crowd in a soulful performance that marked the ninth date of his ‘New Mythology Tour’
Upon entry the buzz of the ‘sold out’ Bristol crowd was palpable however as soon as Mulvey picked up his acoustic guitar and began to sing his 2014 hit ‘Fever to the Form’ SWX shifted from a St. Patrick’s day booze up to a heartfelt singalong.
An atmospheric and unique performance.
Mulvey played both new material as well as the songs that have seen him rise to prominence over the last 10 years. The melodic and intricate guitar parts paired with his rich voice and introspective lyrics made for an understated but completely enriching gig.
The backdrop saw all the symbols and motifs of his 2023 album ‘New Mythology’ projected behind him as Mulvey himself could hardly be made out on stage, with the smoke machine and low lighting deeming him just a mysterious, musical silhouette.
Mulvey even took a moment midway through the set to discuss Buddhist values and link them to his tunes. A moment of crowd interaction that continued Mulvey’s fusion of music and a ‘higher plane of consciousness’ that he has discussed in interviews and that is sustained through his latest body of work.
The set concluded with two of his most popular tracks ‘In Your Hands’ and ‘Mountain to Move.’ People around me of all ages sang the lyrics back to him with a passion and energy that was telling of the emotional response Mulvey’s songs illicit. I found myself hypnotised by Mulvey’s fingerpicking guitar parts, and climactic chorus lines. ‘Cucuruccu’ being the stand out example. An intentionally nonsensical refrain, that in the context of Mulvey’s musicality and poetry left both me and Max captivated by its melodic earnestness.
The concert ended, and the crowd flooded out onto the Bristol streets. A flock of all ages; some headed home, some headed on Guinness-fueled adventure but all seemed truly bonded by Mulvey’s simplistic but beautifully sincere St Paddy’s day performance.
📝 By Leo & Max
@1eo_mark5 & @maxkuhill0w2
📸 Soul Media – Elliot Hingston
@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
