The Louisiana, 17th January 2023
Goldfever
We bang on and on about the importance of getting to gigs early. Some of our favourite bands have been opening act gems.
Bristol trio Goldfever fit that bill perfectly. Especially when they’ve given us such a tough task describing their sound.
Frontman and guitarist Oscar JD Sault, drummer Callum Wright and bassist Emily Andrews paint a brooding, shoe gazing aura on stage. The sound is distinct, unique and hard to pigeon hole. And thoroughly refreshing in its approach. They flicker between alt-rock and alt-pop, but bubbling underneath is an unmistakably 80s dark pop vibe. There is a lot to sink your teeth into here.
The set builds nicely and really picks up a head of steam in its second half. Stand out track for us also happens to be the bands next single, “DB Cooper” drops Feb 3rd and we heartedly recommend you take a listen.
Wilderman
Having been legit blown away when we caught @bobbyrebel45 in solo action last December at Rough Trade, when for various reasons the full band were unable to make it, we were desperate to ensure we were on hand at the very next opportunity to catch Wilderman in full five piece glory.
They did not disappoint! Bobby is a breathtaking vocalist and stage performer on his own, but throw the power of a full band in the mix and it hits another level again.
The chemistry was equally impressive and it was great to see a band play with smiles on their faces. Bantering with each other & the packed crowd.
The set was succinct in length, but brimming with quality.
The Gig Guide thoroughly recommend you check this band out. They are a guaranteed good time.
The Pleasure Dome
Coming out of the traps like a honey-badger on speed, Bristol trio The Pleasure Dome shook the walls of a packed Louie on Tuesday night.
There is a space somewhere between the political ramblings of Yard Act and the barbed wire baseball bat of Idles waiting to be filled. The Pleasure Dome just might be the band to fill it.
Coming out of Bristol in 2019, the band have built a solid base following. Regularly packing out the city venues with their reputation for high impact, high energy shows. And with a record deal in the bag @houndgawdrecords and a European tour underway TPD look set for a very bright 2023.
In front man Bobby Spender they have both a poignant wordsmith and charismatic frontman. More than ably backed up with Loz & Bert’s thrashings on Bass n Drums. Its raucous, riotous, modern punk goodness.
TPD’s take on modern society convincingly conveyed across a 13 song set that energised and provoked thought in equal measure. Stand out tracks “What a shame (cocaine) & “Pass The Parcel” belted out in a cacophony of sounds. “Pretty Picture” & “Do You Know Better” a pleasure to here live for the first time. New single “If Meaning” is given a great reception as were the band themselves and the end of a great night that once again cemented the city as a capital of the new punk era.
We send Bristol’s next big export off to Europe to show our continental cousins that punk is far from dead in the UK It’s alive, growing and spitting in your face.
@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
