The Fleece, 17th October 2022
Zand
Mean green sass machine…
Zand is a potential powerhouse of the new gen of performers.
Combining multilayered elements to form “ugly pop”. Gritty, genre bending pop music that is uncomfortable and messy and industrial. A sound they describe as perfect for weirdos, the underdogs, the misunderstood.
Its very of the moment and a few days on I can still feel the thumping bass in my chest and Zand’s ice cold stare burning into my soul.
The theatrical and dramatic performance builds a raw energy amongst the crowd.
Not afraid to cover the subjects that are “not for the dinner table” Zand delivers a potent set. Taking us on a ride through Religion, Sexuality and behaviour associated with Toxic masculinity.
Performance, look and sound all serving not to divide or antagonise, but rather boost up those in the crowd who feel marginalised, ignored or derided for simply being themselves.
@bristolnomad_gigphotography / The Bristol Nomad
Vukovi
Every now and then you watch a band you follow intently metamorphose into something much greater than anyone could anticipate.
With Octobers release of third album “NULA” Vukovi (@janinevukovi & @hamishvukovi) have transitioned to another level. The album charts a journey through the stars and this new record truly has set the Scottish duo on the path to the heavens.
They say the greatest art often comes from a deep, introspective searching of ones soul. And Janine gives up so much of herself emotionally in this new album. That it forms a human to human connection with anyone who truly listens to it.
A heady mix of electro rock, pop, numetal and packed with heavy riffs NULA is one of our favourite albums of 2022.
And we are obviously not alone in feeling this as you could feel the electricity of anticipation pulsing through the sold out Fleece on Monday night.
The band appear with almost an aura of magnetic energy binding them to the crowd as they launch straight into “LASSO” & “C.L.A.U.D.I.A”
The Fleece exploding into a writhing sea of outstretched arms trying to connect physically with a singer that connects to so many on a emotional level.
The new album makes up the bulk of the set with “QUENCH” & “HADES” sang back at the band with incredible volume. Hamish pivots and strides the stage with the broadest of smiles. Whilst Janine drops to her knees on multiple occasions to connect at eye level with the crowd.
“I EXIST” proves to be a song that will forever connect band and fans. Its a very special piece of work that will help a lot of people in their darkest of hours.
Gear switch again to finish with “Run/Hide” and Vukovi anthem “La Di Da” and by now this isn’t a gig anymore, its a out of control house party with Janine at the centre of it, diving head first from stage into the throng as band and crowd realise this is one of those nights that’ll live long in the memory.
@bristolnomad_gigphotography / The Bristol Nomad
