There’s something in the water in Brighton, and whatever it is, it’s producing some of the most exciting bands we’ve seen in the past five years. WREX, one of the city’s most electrifying exports, has been on our radar for some time, and after missing their last stop in Bristol, we were eager to finally catch them live.
WREX is a Brighton-born duo—Mae Seaton (vocals) and George Donoghue (vocals, guitar)—who craft a high-voltage blend of electro-charged alternative rock that’s equal parts heart-racing and neck-snapping. Their sound pulls from a vast pool of influences, from punk and nu-metal to pop and trance, but never feels disjointed. Instead, they fuse these styles into something that feels fresh yet familiar, with nods to the likes of While She Sleeps, Faithless, and Linkin Park.
When we crossed paths with Mae and George ahead of the show, stretching and warming up with more energy than some bands muster in an entire set, it was clear that WREX’s attention to detail was as sharp as their stage presence. Every moment leading up to their performance at The Lanes—Bristol’s quirky bowling alley-turned-music venue—was spent fine-tuning the details. You could sense something special was about to go down.
And when they hit the stage, joined by their live bandmates Joe Constable (bass) and Greg Walton (drums), it was like watching warriors preparing for battle. Mae kicked things off with a roar that sent shockwaves through the crowd, and George’s ferocious guitar work made it instantly clear why BBC Introducing Sussex & Surrey hailed them as an “absolutely phenomenal live band.” It took less than a minute for the room to ignite.
The chemistry between Mae and George is electric, their energy seemingly limitless. Mae didn’t just command the stage—she owned the entire room. From the floor to the drum kit to the booths in the back, she moved with explosive force, exuding an infectious enthusiasm that lit up the crowd. Meanwhile, George provided the perfect counterbalance, his guitar work sharp and precise, keeping the performance grounded while still delivering all the intensity you’d expect from a band with this much charisma.
But all the showmanship in the world wouldn’t matter if the music didn’t hold up—and WREX’s foundation is rock solid. After teasing fans with singles, the duo dropped their debut EP, *Paradise*, in 2022. However, their latest release, *This Hell Goes a Long Way Down*, marks a clear evolution in their sound.
Their set pulled heavily from this new EP, with tracks like *Heaven’s Gate* and *Take a Walk* showcasing the duo’s vocal interplay—Mae’s dance-inspired melodies and George’s gritty, nu-metal edge. It’s a perfect blend that elevates their sound to new heights. Of course, they didn’t forget their roots, mixing in earlier cuts like 2021’s *Vacant* and the standout single *Recovery*, but it was the new material that truly shined.
Closing with *Paradise*, WREX delivered a set that didn’t let up from start to finish. It was a whirlwind performance, full of memorable moments, equal parts beauty and fury. If you haven’t heard of WREX yet, it’s time to start paying attention—because they’re not just the next big thing out of Brighton, they’re a band with the potential to leave a lasting mark on the alt-rock scene.
@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
