Bristol O2 Academy, 20th June
A lil bit pop, a lil bit rock, a lil bit punk, a whole lotta good.
Proving again why its so important to get to shows early are Aussie 4 piece Seaside. Currently traversing the UK & Europe with @oceanalleyband the Byron Bay ballers are a absolute gem of a band.
Initially coming together in 2018, (Darcy – Vocals, Kento – Guitar, Tom – Bass & Chris – Drums) the band our now awakening from a period of inactivity brought about by the pandemic, to a new and exciting chapter in their career. A EP isn’t far away and the singles released so far demonstrate that the time away has matured and honed the bands sound.
Their performance in front of a busy, early doors crowd at Bristol O2 was drawing praise and superlatives from those around me as Darcy owned the stage. With echos of a young Chrissie Hynde we are looking at a born performer. Invigorating both the crowd and her band the static charge.
With only one support slot it gave Seaside a great opportunity to showcase their obvious ability with a extended set. A dozen tracks performed with such polish you’d be forgiven for thinking this gig was a co-headliner. The band with a chameleonesque ability to shift genre at ease, the tracks drawing on alt rock, pop and punk effortlessly. The set interspersed with some genuinely funny anecdotes of track inspiration to life on tour that really warmed the Bristolian crowd to the band. This is a extremely likeable bunch.
The 12 tracks were a mix of old and new, charting both the bands progress musically and lyrically since breakout banger “Golden Girl” dropped in 2019. And which has now amassed over 1 million streams. To the more dreampop, jangly sound of “Sycamore”. The performance was rounded off with the highly infectious “We’re on Fire” that has some seriously impressive hooks and Darcy’s trademark wispy vocal. And latest drop “Housewife” with its up tempo riffs and 90s reminiscent guitar-pop vibes.
A seriously impressive Bristol debut for the band. And we will be eagerly checking the listings for their return.
@bristolnomad_gigphotography / @thebristolnomad
@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
