Strangebrew Bristol – 17th February
Hulking figures and co-frontmen Charlie and Ollie are the kind of boys you might not, on first impression, want to bring home to mum.
They’re all hard shoulders and jutting chins; tight-lipped and aggressive. Built more like boxers than singers – and dressed almost exclusively in Fred Perry – their riotous energy feels both intoxicating and delinquent. We dance on the knife-edge of what they decide to do next. What they’ve chosen, it seems, is to make it big.
On their song, ‘Cigarette’, they spit the words out like they’re chewing tobacco. They fix their eyes on strangers in the crowd as if they’re squaring up to fight; the taste their performance leaves behind is addictive.
They may have played as the support for Kid Kapichi and Panic Shack in the last few weeks alone, but just a drag of SNAYX isn’t enough. It’s only a matter of time until they outgrow the role of warm-up and burn venues down to the ground with their own matches.
A socialist band in the same vein as Bristol punk project IDLES, the audience separates into mosh pits that are as tight as corks in bottles, and just as explosive at breaking point.
Their delivery and musical style draw fans of slowthai in as their own; those counting down the days for the rapper’s post-punk album UGLY can find a second home here. They seem to lean into the similarity by performing ‘doorman’ – thai’s most iconic song – but it is a moment made all their own.
The air is tattooed from the pressure of their noise.
@ilnsimages
@katejeffrie
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.