The Marble Factory, 8th March
A Freezing cold downpour couldn’t keep the city of Bristol from queuing for miles at the chance of catching a glimpse of Northampton’s own problem child Slowthai.
Born Tyron Kaymone Frampton, slowthai has been making waves within the UK rap scene since the release of his debut ‘Nothing Great About Britain’ in 2019. His work has been known for not shying away from seemingly taboo subjects, such as UK politics and Brexit. Some of his work also shows a more vulnerable side of Tyron, highlighting his upbringing by a single teenage mother and the death of his younger brother at a young age.
The release of his third album ‘Ugly’ on 3 March has seen the artist divulge into a different genre from his previous two albums. Taking a direction into more upbeat indie-infused backing, lead single ‘Feel Good’ was released shortly before his Bristol show, with the music video depicting him surprising numerous fans listening to the song in their bedroom.
His close relationship with his fans was evident in his Bristol show, reiterating his love for them during song intervals and his interactions with the crowd throughout. The sold-out crowd he drew was largely young people, from late teens to young adults however all infatuated with the rapper. A rowdy crowd, already causing issues for security before the rapper even took to the stage, however just as expected at a show like this and Tyron fully embraced it – encouraging a ‘wall of death’ by splitting the crowd in two towards the end of the show. Energetic and chaotic from the start, on a cold day in a warehouse with hundreds of bodies moving around, it felt as if the walls themselves were sweating. Don’t ask about what the smell was like leaving.
Full energy from start to finish, the setlist contained many songs from his new album such as Yum and but finished with two classics, ‘doorman’ and ‘deal wiv it’ – both with features from producer Mura Masa. The return of Slowthai to the city of Bristol was well received – an album launch show presented by Rough Trade saw it sell out Marble Factory and people queueing through freezing temperatures, rain and even snow.
Following his appearance at grassroots venue Moles in Bath, where tickets for the ‘pub’ tour were priced at a staggering £1 and sold out within seconds (if that), it’s clear to any that the South West cannot get enough of him. Even with a new sound, he’s still the same old beloved Slowthai.
Daisy Kent – Music Photographer
Daisy Kent @daisylkent
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer
Hi! I'm Daisy, and I'm a music photographer and digital creative. I also write live music reviews.
Qualifications: 2:1 in BA Photography: Editorial and Advertising at the University of Gloucestershire.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Interviews and Touring
First attended gig: Mcfly at Westonbirt Arboretum, June 2009.
First gig shot: My first photo gig was The Stranglers at O2 Academy Bristol, in March 2019. My first writing and photo gig was Bastille at Marble Factory, in February 2022.
Dream gig: Taylor Swift, 100%. No doubt.
