Two years ago, we crammed into the pitch-black box that is Rough Trade Bristol, eager to witness the launch of The Mysterines’ debut album “Reeling.” Fast forward just over 1,000 days, and here we are again, shoulder to shoulder with a sold-out crowd, buzzing with anticipation. We’re waiting for Lia Metcalfe (vocals and guitar), George Favager (bass guitar), Callum Thompson (guitar and backing vocals), and Paul Crilly (drums and backing vocals) to deliver a very special, stripped-back performance of their sophomore album, “Afraid Of Tomorrows.” Their debut hit number 9 on the UK Album Chart, and the bar is set even higher this time around.
Tonight, The Mysterines might just have a 12-track dynamite collection that could outshine their first album. We’ve had a tantalizing taste with “The Stray” and “Sink Ya Teeth,” both of which carry that unmistakable Mysterines’ sound—a heady mix of alternative rock, grunge, and indie rock, defined by gritty guitar riffs, driving bass lines, and dynamic drumming. Lia’s dark, sultry vocals add an intense, emotional layer to their tracks.
You’d expect a preview to feature a solid sample of perhaps half a dozen tracks, but in true Mysterines fashion, they treat us to the album in its entirety. Starting with the first single “The Stray,” they weave through a treasure trove of delights, including “The Last Dance,” “Jesse You’re A Superstar,” and the spine-tingling “Inside A Matchbox.”
Their genre might be broadly classified as alternative rock, but The Mysterines draw heavily from grunge and punk, infusing their music with a rebellious edge reminiscent of the ‘90s rock scene. They’ve been compared to the likes of Nirvana and The Smashing Pumpkins, yet their modern twist keeps their music fresh and relevant in today’s rock landscape.
The preview culminates in the hypnotically beautiful “So Long,” before the curtain drops with the title track, “Afraid Of Tomorrows.”
The Mysterines remain my go-to road trip band, and judging by their already sold-out October return to the city, I’m far from alone in this sentiment.
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@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
