Bristol Sounds: Day 2 23/6/22
Holding a string of major outdoor festivals at the same time as Glastonbury, a famously wet and ultimately somme like experience, was always going to be chancing fate. The heavens opened but this did not stop the crowds from swelling in their masses to the Grecian style amphitheater for a night of Scott induced indie charm. People had come all over for this mini festival, from Liverpool to London, to witness Paolo Nutinis return to the stage after a 5 year gap.
Opening tonight we had a relative newcomer to Bristol, Brooke Combe. To set the scene, the sun was shining in the golden hour and the crowd were ready and Brooke delivered. Absolutely in her A-Game she produced a soulful set of indie infused dub beats, pleasing both the surprising number of ska-heads and the indie kids with a spectacular cover of Arctic Monkey’s seminal “why do you only call me when you’re high”. Brooke Combe can be seen at Glastonbury this weekend, no doubt cementing her position as a rising star.
When Paolo stepped on stage, I must admit I had a certain amount of trepidation (As I am sure did he). Would his return to the stage be thunderous? The answer was unequivocally yes. With the air of someone who has really found his place back home on the stage Paolo played a blend of somber new material and fan favourites, often with a unique twist. Pencil Full of Lead, once a rowdy club smash hit was turned into a slower and more mature ballad, a sound that is reflected in the new direction his recent singles have been going. Unlike some acts who return after a hiatus, Paolo came in screaming like the eagle of Scottish Soul he is, and one that even had me tearing up during Candy. As the sun set and the crowd swayed it was clear that we’d all been part of a very special moment for a great many people, and one I will remember.
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