Bristol Live // Pinegrove by Bristol In Stereo

BRISTOL LIVE TURNS FIVE

5TH BIRTHDAY SPECIAL

PINEGROVE Feb. 17 | 61

B I RT H D AY S H O W 2 1 S T

5 YEARS

FEB

BRISTOL MUSIC INFLUENCERS

TA P T H E F E E D , B W I M , U S U C K & M O R E !

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Sat 4th Feb • From £20 adv

Yasiin Bey performing Classic Mos Def

Wed 8th Mar • £21 adv Rescheduled date

The Wailers + By The Rivers

+ Children Of Zeus

+ Solo Banton with Upper cut band

Tue 7th Feb • SOLD OUT

Fri 10th Mar • £14 adv

Tue 28th Mar • £17.50 adv

Sampha

Wed 29th Mar • £27.50 adv

The Jesus and Mary Chain

State Champs

Thu 30th Mar • £25 adv

+ As It Is + Northbound

The Stranglers

Fun Lovin’ Criminals

Sun 12th Mar • £18.50 adv

Thu 6th Apr • £20 adv

Sat 11th Feb • SOLD OUT

+ Theatre of Hate

Two Door Cinema Club Fri 10th Feb • £24 adv

Anthrax

+ The Raven Age

Sun 12th Feb • SOLD OUT

Busted + Natives

Wed 15th Feb • £21 adv

Tegan & Sara

Stiff Little Fingers

Blackberry Smoke Fri 7th Apr • £12 adv

Wed 15th Mar • £16 adv

Glass Animals

The Amy Winehouse Experience A.K.A Lioness

Thu 16th Mar • £24 adv

Tue 18th Apr • SOLD OUT

Black Star Riders + Backyard Babies + GUN

Fri 17th Mar • £22 adv

Rag ‘n’ Bone Man Wed 19th Apr • £25 adv Rescheduled date

Thu 16th Feb • £16 adv

Quantic Live with Alice Russell

+ Fred V & Graphix + TC

Sat 18th Mar • £22.50 adv

The Selecter / The Beat feat. Ranking Roger

+ Code Orange + Car Bomb

Wed 10th May • £16.50 adv

+ Alex Lahey + Ria Mae

Wilkinson

+ Pete Josef Band

Sat 18th Feb • £15 adv

Gojira

Mon 20th Feb • £16.50 adv

Sun 19th Mar • £32 adv

Deaf Havana

Agnieszka Chylinska

Tue 21st Feb • £22.50 adv

Mon 20th Mar • £16 adv

Sigala

The Saw Doctors Sat 8th Apr • £25 adv

Protoje & The Indiggnation Thu 11th May • £20 adv

Underoath

Mallory Knox

Fri 12th May • £3 adv

+ Lonely The Brave + Fatherson

BA1 Records Showcase

Wed 22nd Mar • SOLD OUT

Thu 25th May • £25adv

Thu 23rd Mar • SOLD OUT

Sat 10th Jun • £19.50 adv

Fri 24th Mar • SOLD OUT

Blossoms

Thu 15th Jun • £18 adv

Mon 27th Feb • £35 adv

Sat 25th Mar • From £5 adv 10pm-4am • over 18s only

Fri 22nd Sep • £13 adv

Fri 3rd Mar • SOLD OUT

Sum 41

Garage Nation

Fri 3rd Mar • £5 adv

Sun 26th Mar • £25 adv

Band Of Horses Thu 23rd Feb • £20 adv

Me First & The Gimme Gimmes + Masked Intruder

Fri 24th Feb • £11 adv

Cash

Joe & Ashanti

The Pogues Irish Whiskey present: A Shot At Discovery

All Time Low

James Arthur

Hey

Mon 27th Mar • £15 adv

Circa Waves

Skunk Anansie 2-Tone Tribute Tour The Wedding Present The Smyths

Wed 13th Dec • £27.50 adv

Fish

Fri 15th Dec • £19.50 adv

Purple Rain A Celebration of Prince

O2 Academy Bristol Frogmore Street, Bristol BS1 5NA • Doors 7pm unless stated Venue box office opening hours: Mon - Sat 12pm - 4pm

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Feb • 2017

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VAULTS

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MY BABY

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- THE FLEECE BRISTOL -

KATE NASH OUT + GOTHIC TROPIC

SOLD

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ALPINES

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MEW

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A L L T I C K E T S AVA I L A B L E F R O M

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PARQUET COURTS, P12

Bristol Live turns five! This month, we’re celebrating our fifth birthday. What started out as a passion project between two friends has turned into something truly special, and for that, we thank you dear readers! To honour the occasion we’ve put together some of our favourite Bristol music influencers from 2012 to today – those who keep the city inspiring. But that’s not all! We’ll also be holding a special ‘Bristol Live Turns Five’ party at The Fleece on 21st Feb with cover stars – and the band behind our 2016 album of the year – Pinegrove. Frontman Evan Stephens Hall talks to me about the importance of DIY spaces and of finding empathy in a world that could use a little love. Elsewhere Christian talks to cherished Bristolian treasure Oliver Wilde about completing his LP trilogy, plus loads more! Thanks for sticking with us. Sammy Maine Managing Editor Ed-in-Chief Loki Lillistone / Live Ed Mustafa Mirreh / News Ed Christian Northwood / Plus many amazing contributors in print and online.

PICKS WITH: TA P T H E F E E D

11 12

OLIVER WILDE

19 20 24 33

DEAR DICK

35 50

LIVE LISTINGS

BRISTOL MUSIC INFLUENCERS

COVER: PINEGROVE NEW RELEASES

BRISTOL BECAUSE: BWIM

THOUGHTS: U SUCK 5

PRESENTS

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT MYTICKET.CO.UK

PRESENTS

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT MYTICKET.CO.UK

GUEST PICKS

What our pals are into this month.

LOYLE CARNER

Mustafa Mirreh

Founder, Tap The Feed

Loyle Carner Motion, 12th Exactly a year ago we saw Loyle Carner perform at The Marble Factory; this month sees him return to headline Motion, a testament to his rise over the past 12 months. The rapper-songwriter has gripped listeners with his detailed approach, combining samples with deeply emotional stories and delivering a dexterous flow from his confined world. Debut album Yesterdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gone is one of integrity and honesty, with a key theme 8

of family throughout. From exploring grief and responsibility to dealing with relationships of all kinds, each song is truly close to home as Carner presents snippets of both his past and future. With eclectic instrumentation touching on an array of genres, Carner remains in constant motion, displaying the limitless inventiveness that sets him apart from his contemporaries. With a full UK tour scheduled to support the new album, Carnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world is set to become a whole lot bigger.

PHOTO: SHERVIN LAINEZ

Big Thief The Louisiana, 3rd Brooklyn’s Big Thief made an emotional impact last year with their breakthrough debut Masterpiece. Fronted by Adrianne Lenker, the band’s songs are as striking as they are personal, painting vivid tones of pain, loss and love. Masterpiece, released via Saddle Creek, brings Lenker’s tales to life through its rawness and beautiful yet piercing guitars. Intelligent stories and melodies that will twist and turn at every corner, these four deliver something clear and composed, with The Louisiana the perfect venue to communicate it in all its intimate detail.

PHOTO: LILY GREEN

Human Bones The Louisiana, 2nd Bristol favourites Breakfast Records are showcasing some exciting artists at the moment, with garage rockers Human Bones proving one of their most popular outputs. The band’s summery guitars, classic rock rhythms and humbling vocals will have you hooked in seconds. Debut DIY-style cassette release R.E.P – featuring the light-hearted ‘Salut Salem’ with its

clever hooks and warm lyricism – is sure to lend cheer to many amidst the spiralling events of our world today. Their show this month in one of Bristol’s most loved venues will no doubt get you through the tail end of winter at least. Tap The Feed is a music blog and webzine based in Bristol (previously: The Flux). Check them out at: tapthefeed.com

Oliver Wilde Words: Christian Northwood Photo: Dom Mitchison Oliver Wilde is a cherished member of the Bristol music scene. The dark, dreamy worlds he creates on his beautifully layered compositions have flourished over his trilogy of LPs – released via Howling Owl – and latest LP Post-Frenz Container Buzz seems even more expansive, and less introspective, than previous records. “I found more interesting things to say about other people,” Oliver says of his approach to the new album. “I’m pretty boring and ordinary really. Voices that won’t necessarily get the chance to be heard have the greatest things to say I’ve found.” He also mentions “abandoned parents in nursing homes and their… introspective poetry, yellow birds from Wiltshire, confusion in sexuality... phone videos of plane crashes, sexist magician murderers, shedding shitty friends, witchcraft and parts of more well known realities,” as influences. Wilde’s album titles are often a mindbending mouthful, and the new album is

“Voices that won’t necessarily get the chance to be heard have the greatest things to say, I’ve found.” no different. “The titles are always hiding something that some people get and others can’t, but I think explaining what they mean to me, or why they are the way they are, is pointless,” he explains. “People can build their own meaning into it. I don’t really understand the view that everything in art should need a ‘why’. It just is.” Transferring the lush textures of his music from the bedroom to a live setting has always seemed like a small miracle in itself, and for the new record, Wilde has enlisted “a newish bunch of beautiful people” to help. He has always welcomed collaboration with artists from Bristol and beyond, and Giant Swan, Fenne Lily, Nugget, as well as numerous others, all appear on Post-Frenz Container Buzz. “It’s nice to capture and document the people around me at the time when making these records,” Oliver adds. “I love for them to capture more than just music for a period of time. I try to pile in as much as possible in every sense.” Oliver Wilde’s Post-Frenz Container Buzz is out on 17th February via Howling Owl. He plays Thekla on the 24th. 11

BRISTOL LIVE TURNS FIVE

THE BRISTOL MUSIC

INFLUENCERS FIVE YEARS: WHO SHAPED THE SCENE?

Dave & Matt ‘Deadpunk’

‘Big’ Jeff

Dave Campbell and Matt Otridge have been bringing loud bands to Bristol for all of BLM’s little life. From the Croft days (RIP), to the opening of the Exchange, to what they’re perhaps most beloved for these days; the always epic Deadpunk Special. First wave of 2017 acts just announced.

What can be said about our oneof-a-kind Jeffrey Johns? While many on this list have made their mark on one side of the curtain, Jeff’s made most of his front and centre. His presence at a show can totally transform the vibe, as his enthusiasm for new music rubs off on everyone in the room.

James Hankins Oliver Wilde, Spectres, Scarlet Rascal, Kayla Painter, Trust Fund; Hankin Films has touched so many bands. His tireless work is not just original, but also brought quality music videos into reach for underground acts with modest budgets. He was also key at Rise Bristol and co-founded BULB.

Matt Aitken Remember Start The Bus? What about Simple Things? And Colston Hall’s The Lantern? The chances are Matt booked those memories. From curating amazing free shows to founding one of Bristol’s best festivals, we’ve got a lot to be thankful for. Shout-outs to Crack mag for taking ST to the next level.

This 11-strong collective of artists featuring Khan, Vessel and more carved out their own scene in Bristol. Their out-there production and thick-as-thieves collaboration made the entire scene work harder, as they pumped out everything from radio shows to a full-length collaborative album.

Tiffany Daniels

Young Echo Tiffany’s long-standing (2005!) music blog DrunkenWerewolf is frankly one of the most popular things to be made in Bristol. She’s done plenty in the last five years though, with involvement in LadyFest, the Unsigned Music Awards and more, plus speaking as a mentor at Prince’s Trust events.

“Music in Bristol is such an incredibly important part of me and my life - it’s my Sam & Rich ‘Intro’ soul food!” What would life be as a Bristol act without Sam Bonham and Richard Pitt to spin your new record and get you on your way to more BBC airplay? Few relentlessly promote and shape Bristol music as they do, even transforming 6Music Festival into a citywide party by helming a sea of fringe events.

Sam told us: “Bristol and the West Country has provided me with a soundtrack to the past five years. I’ve run marathons with Barnaby Carter, snuggled up late at night with The Bronze Medal and travelled around the world with Fenne Lily.” 13

“We’re not sure if we’d still be alive anywhere else.”

Joe & Adrian ‘Owl’

Joe Hatt and Adrian Dutt of Howling Owl Records have made one of the most notable impacts on the scene here since their inception just over five years ago. “We started the label after moving to a new city and being blown away by all the exciting music we’d landed in, and nothing has

changed.” Releases with the likes of Oliver Wilde, Klein, The Naturals and more, countless sweaty live shows and forming half of Spectres, Joe and Adrian have made a lot of their time in Bristol indeed. Adrian is also a core team member up at Rise Bristol.

Mike Pony Mike Pony founded Submerge Festival – a ground-breaking mixture of electronic music, audiovisual art and live performance. The first of its kind, last year it created an experience unlike any other. Mike is pushing Bristol’s cultural reputation forward.

In the last five years Rhys has gone from choice indie blogger to tastemaking via everywhere from Time Out Bristol to our own BLM. He’s also judged for Glasto’s Emerging Talent Competition and is on the team at the formidable Rise. He even just launched his own music mag, The Know. 14

Stephanie E. Third

Rhys Buchanan Photography is one of the many disciplines which converge with music to help create an act’s identity, and Stephanie has helped countless Bristol acts with theirs in her own distinct way, from Spectres and Idles, to Twin and Lionface. She also founded feminist art zine BOX and tons, tons more...

David & Richard ‘AIH’ Art is Hard are all about bringing DIY bands to the forefront. Two White Cranes, Neurotic Fiction, Oro Swimming Hour and Something Anorak have all released via David West and Richard Walsh’s label, with the team also responsible for bringing the likes of Diet Cig and Alex G to Bristol for the first time.

In her early 20s, Maya is likely our youngest entry, but in her short time she’s had her fingers in a dizzying number of pies. She’s worked on Love Saves, Banksy’s Dismaland and Glasto, even having a spell last year as Bristol manager for DICE, a company looking to revolutionise how we get tickets.

“We promoted some really memorable shows… From Shellac to St Vincent.”

Jo Bligh

Maya Gamble Five years ago Jo Bligh was a teenage music journalist making sense of his place in the world. After several permutations he and Kieron Gurner are now helping countless music lovers do just that, through their inclusive, utterly fun night THORNY; a true alternative outlet for the queer community.

Tim Bailey

When BLM kicked off, Tim had already made a dent in the scene as a tireless independent promoter. In the last five years however, he’s played a crucial role in building up The Fleece, followed by the Marble Factory and promoting across Bristol and beyond via MJR. Whatever you’re into, the chances are he’s brought

one of your favourite bands to Bristol. “I’m still super proud of playing a major part in turning [The Fleece] around… I still can’t thank owner Chris Sharp enough,” he told us. “Local music was in a bit of a wasteland pre-2011, but it’s super refreshing to now see artists like Turbowolf, Elder Island, Idles, Tamu Massif & She Makes War receive deserved attention. 15

“For me, BWIM has brought to light just how many ace companies have bases here...” Ellie Jones Ellie is a key member of Bristol Women in Music and part of the Bristol-based Stay Loose, which represents headliners like Daughter and St Vincent, down to choice locals like Fenne Lily. Since its formation in 2015, team BWIM have been busy running skill workshops and disseminating encouragement, and

are even launching the first ‘Sound Industry’ next month; a brand new music conference set to challenge and inspire even more. Speaking of Stay Loose, Ellie told us: “There’s a lot happening in our city. We recently had the pleasure of working with Fenne Lily on her debut single, ‘Top To Toe’... That was pretty special.”

Daryn J Carter As director of Bristol Pride, Daryn has been responsible for programming some of the biggest lineups of the last half-decade. After years on the job, within and beyond Bristol Pride, he was even awarded the Lord Mayor’s Medal last year in recognition of his sterling work.

Throughout the last five years this Bristol-based bigwig has made a lot happen. Launching the Bristol Summer Series and more from Metropolis Music’s Bristol office and grabbing local talent early (hi, George Ezra!), before going solo last year with Crosstown Concerts and subsequently its label, backing Keir, Soeur and more.

Aled Chivers

Conal Dodds Aled, of promotion, label and management outfit Chiverin continues to make waves with his network of refreshing, on-step acts. He’s gotten behind acts like Fenne Lily, Tamu Massif, RHAIN and more, putting on swathes of sold out shows in the process, not to mention the legendary Independent Venue Week of 2015.

Sol Curry Studios are vital, but Sol from Factory has gone above and beyond. Curating main stages for festivals, serving as a ‘pop-up club’ for Alfresco Disco and more, and even working with the government to give free rehearsals, recording and mentoring to young bands, he’s made Factory central to the scene.

From aboard the good ship Thekla, Patrick Somers has been a long term key player behind not only the 30-year-old venue, but festivals like Hit The Deck and the formidable Dot to Dot. Although recently jumping cities, he keeps a hand in Bristol music, still through promoter DHP.

Dom Mitchison Spectres, Towns, Oliver Wilde, The Naturals… So many excellent debut albums from the last five years have been laid down within the walls of Malthouse Studios that Dom and co have a lot to be proud of. Set to be one of the most nurturing spaces for Bristol bands for years to come.

BONUS: Team BLM! With 100+ contributors over the last five years, some of whom already made this list in their own right, a huge thanks is in order! Christian Northwood, Will Richards, Harriet Taylor, Tom Belshaw and so many more, you’ve all helped shape the scene. Celebrate with us and Pinegrove at The Fleece, 21st.

Goc O’Callaghan

Mustafa Mirreh

Patrick Somers Mustafa has been nurturing the scene for years via his music blog The Flux, relaunching as Tap The Feed this month. With trials and tribulations galore, he’s remained undeterred in his labour of love and Bristol has really reaped the benefits. TTF launches at The Loui with Cousin Kula and more, 18th.

Goc’s impact as a founder of ArcTanGent Festival has not only given an outlet for fans of all things mathy, gazey and heavy, but directly contributed to the welcome trend of smaller, better music festivals. She’s even mentored the next generation through her lectures at BIMM Bristol. 17

DEAR DICK The best bad advice on your musical problems.

Dear Dick, I got a bunch of music equipment for Christmas, to get my music career on the go… But I don’t know where to start! I’m not much of an ideas person. Can you help? Dave, Stokes Croft

Welcome to the panic-inducing world of music, PRO Edition. All the things that made your favourite tune your #1 are about to be dissected and harvested until it becomes a big, stinking #2. If you have even a modicum of creativity, it can, and will, be used against you. That being said, I’m riddled with tips on how to get you on your way up the sticky slope: 1: Get ahead of the curve. So many styles of music end up being recycled and rebooted. Ride that crest early by producing music that has only recently fallen out of favour, thus solidifying yourself as a household name by the time it becomes cool again.

2: Copy other people. It’s not any more complicated than that. Other people have already had the best ideas. Other people are loads better than you. 3: Only release on vinyl. This way, whatever nonsense you churn out will be protected under a fallacy of importance! Congrats. You’re now well on your way to a career that will only sustain you for 10 years, max. Bonne chance!

Do you have a question? Email dick@bristollivemagazine.com 19

PINEGROVE W.

S a m my M a i n e

A d a n C a rl o

Pinegrove was always an inquiry about love and how to love better, and I think that it’s pretty important that we’re asking these questions right now...

inegrove frontman Evan Stephens Hall is talking about life after the election. It’s early morning in Montclair – the New Jersey township in which Hall resides and after a year of touring the band’s debut LP Cardinal across America and Europe, the 27-year-old sounds reflective. “I think these are the things that need the most focus right now, because things feel really complicated and huge, and they are, but they should not obscure these really important tenets of humanism,” he continues. “We need to try and be our best selves, which means loving ourselves as well as we can and being the best partner for the people that we know and the people that we don’t know; that means trying to love them as well as we can too.” Pinegrove have the tendency to invest a nostalgic introspection through their songwriting that creates a proleptic impulse, allowing us to see ourselves between the lines. Through candid

lyricism, Hall creates a universal, empathetic discourse that at a time of fear and uncertainty, makes Pinegrove one of the most important bands around. “These were already the things that I wanted to write about but it just turns out that people need them even more now,” he laments. Hall is a passionate reader – “mostly fiction and lots of newspaper articles” – and he regularly quotes authors throughout our chat. “The writer Martha Nussbaum talks about how reading fiction is important because it helps us strengthen empathy or it helps us practise empathy,” he continues. “If you’re reading from someone else’s perspective and it’s really persuasive and you identify with it then you are more likely to understand where they’re coming from and you’re more likely to love them for who they are. And then you may contain a part of them as well. So basically, all of this comes down to wanting to understand each other but sometimes it’s just, the story isn’t told right, or someone’s not ready to hear it.” Pinegrove is the product of years of playing basement shows and DIY spaces, with Hall enthusing about Montclair’s non-profit, student-run organisation, Serendipity Cafe. But, like a lot of creative spaces throughout the United States, it was recently faced with being thrown out of its meeting space. After the tragedy of December’s Oakland fire, the shutting down of these ever-important locations seems to be spreading.

“I think the thing that was happening with Serendipity is exactly the way it happens, which is incrementally and quietly,” Hall says. “Something that’s being attacked in America right now is our right to assemble and our right to speak critically of people in power. I think they recognise that these creatively-fertile spaces are deeply threatening to the establishment, because these are smart, passionate people who are assembling and I

believe that they’re the kernels of the revolution.” He talks of a basement space he helped to run with a friend, where bands such as Connecticut’s Sorority Noise would attract up to 250 people to the house. Hall and his friend quickly realised it had become an unsafe environment, so the pals branched out and went looking for a legal, safe space. “We were eventually denied the zoning permit or something

We were just in Montclair making the music that we wanted to hear. like that – something very, just bureaucratic basically – that prevented us from doing it legally and now there’s no real space in Montclair that people can do that, with the exception of Serendipity,” he explains. “It’s the result of a country that does not respect the artistic community and I think that dangerous circumstances resulted because there’s not enough community or municipal support for something which I think everyone agrees is the biggest export for America – culture, for better or for worse.” Pinegrove’s gradual rise from Bandcamp favourites to the critically-acclaimed success of Cardinal has now seen them sell-out New York’s Bowery Ballroom in less than 24 hours, five months in advance. The album is also taking the band back on tour across Europe this month, with word-of-mouth seeing almost all the venues selling out ahead of their appearance. “We’ve appreciated the gradual awareness I think but it still seems pretty fast in a way,” Hall comments. “For years, we were not on the radar of anybody. We were just in Montclair making the music that we wanted to hear.”

Pinegrove play:

BRISTOL LIVE TURNS FIVE

The Fleece 21st Feb

The extensive touring however, hasn’t meant that Hall’s nerves have subsided when it comes to live shows. “I feel really nervous when I perform but then when I come out onstage, people are mostly there because they are already on board and they want to celebrate with us,” he says. “I mean Pinegrove as a serious inquiry into the nature of being human, especially myself, especially someone who makes art or wants to or who is spiritual or who is basically asking the big questions,” Hall pauses, picking his words with a notable sincerity. “I think that’s what a lot of listeners need right now and I want to try and be helpful.”

NEW RELEASES

VAGABON

OUR RELEASE OF THE MONTH

VAGABON INFINITE WORLDS Father/Daughter | 24.02

STREAM: ‘The Embers’ (YouTube), ‘Fear & Force’ (Soundcloud). 24

Delivering an arrestingly emotive debut with bursts of energetic punk power and tender ambient melodies, Vagabon, aka multi-instrumentalist and producer Laetitia Tamko, channels an affectingly visceral sincerity through her music. The gentle, glistening chords that accompany Tamko’s rich, earnest vocals on ‘Fear & Force’ lead on to the clattering guitars and drumbeat of ‘Minneapolis’, which in turn give way to dreamy synths on ‘Mal á L’aise’; Infinite Worlds is as diverse in its fusion of sounds as the influences behind it. Having grown up in Cameroon before her family’s relocation to New York, Tamko’s musical background encompasses the “East and West African music nostalgic of [her] childhood” alongside the varied range of sounds and instrumentation present on Infinite Worlds. With lyricism that poignantly expresses personal experiences and conveys a distinctive insightfulness – heightened by Tamko’s carefully-crafted arrangements and deeply compelling vocals – this is a passionately eloquent collection of tracks. Kezia Cochrane

OLIVER WILDE POST-FRENZ CONTAINER BUZZ Howling Owl | 17.02

Post-Frenz Container Buzz is a record of significant battle, discovery, consternation and undoubtable substance. Designed to subvert the middle grounds of happiness and melancholia, Oliver Wilde has approached and perhaps been defined by his third record – one that was made at a significant time personally and that is, perhaps coincidentally, also his best. The compositions which Wilde constructs remain undeniably empathetic, a control which destabilises the compassionate, tender elements to evoke the overwhelming consideration of existence that perhaps we should all study further. A soul-staring chronicle of profundity that was constructed to merely stimulate an idea of deliberation, and in doing so delivered Wilde’s most accomplished work to date. Ross Jones

DUTCH UNCLES BIG BALLOON Memphis Industries | 17.02

Manchester art pop quartet Dutch Uncles have returned this month with their fifth studio album, Big Balloon. Released via Memphis Industries, the ten-track record boasts a plethora of progressive guitar pop complimented by the distinctively quirky vocals of frontman Duncan Wallis, a variety of complex lyrical themes and a subtle post-punk undertone. While the album’s title track blends infectious hooks with an upbeat atmosphere, highlights such as ‘Combo Box’ and ‘Same Plan Dream’ combine darker tones with a smattering of melodic dream pop. The synth-heavy ‘Streetlight’ discusses themes of coming to terms with loneliness, but the most impressive track comes in the form of haunting, Bowie-inspired album closer ‘Overton’. Kelly Ronaldson

ALLISON CRUTCHFIELD TOURIST IN THIS TOWN Merge | 03.02

As a member of Swearin’ and often Waxahatchee, Allison Crutchfield has shown herself to be one of American indie rock’s most vital new voices over the past five years, but it’s on her debut solo album Tourist In This Town that she steps out as an integral, fascinating voice, and it reaps some unexpected rewards. Adding dancier, heart-thumping, poppy moments to her arsenal of scratchy, lifeaffirming indie rock sees Crutchfield channeling everything from Bruce Springsteen and Depeche Mode, while delivering the promise she’s hinted at for years. Single ‘Dean’s Room’ is instant in its delivery, adding lyrical bite to sugary melodies, a cocktail that proves infectious. Will Richards 25

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THEKLA

LIVE LISTINGS

The Grove East Mud Dock Bristol BS1 4RB theklabristol.co.uk | thekla.club F L theklabristol | I X theklabris alttickets.com • gigantic.com • bristolticketshop.co.uk

TUESDAY 7TH MARCH

WEDNESDAY 1ST FEBRUARY

C DUNCAN

MITSKI

+ STEVIE PARKER

WEDNESDAY 8TH MARCH

THURSDAY 2ND FEBRUARY

VANT

BOXED IN

MONDAY 13TH MARCH

FRIDAY 3RD FEBRUARY

THE PIGEON DETECTIVES

LIAM BAILEY

TUESDAY 14TH MARCH

SATURDAY 4TH FEBRUARY

BEN HAENOW

EVIL SCARECROW

+ CHRISTIAN BURROWS

+ ENDEAVOUR

THURSDAY 16TH MARCH

MONDAY 6TH FEBRUARY

CLOUD NOTHINGS

AMARAL

FRIDAY 10TH FEBRUARY

TURNPIKE TROUBADORS + ROBERT VINCENT BAND

+ DEAD HEAVENS: INTRODUCING ROBYN G. SHIELS

SATURDAY 11TH FEBRUARY

UNION J

+ IAN ERIX + THE SCHEME + TAKEN TUESDAY 14TH FEBRUARY

KATE NASH FRIDAY 17TH FEBRUARY

THE SHERLOCKS SATURDAY 18TH FEBRUARY

CABBAGE

+ THE SHIMMER BAND + APRIL FRIDAY 24TH FEBRUARY

OLIVER WILDE + RHAIN + NUGGET

MONDAY 27TH FEBRUARY

FENECH-SOLER THURSDAY 2ND MARCH

WEDNESDAY 13 + BOURBON CROW SATURDAY 4TH MARCH

THE ORWELLS

MONDAY 17TH MARCH

DAVE HAUSE AND THE MERMAID

WEDNESDAY 22ND MARCH

SOLD OUT

THUNDERCAT

THURSDAY 23TH MARCH

THE LEMON TWIGS + SHOCK MACHINE

FRIDAY 24TH MARCH

LEWIS WATSON

SATURDAY 25TH MARCH

SLAVES (US)

SUNDAY 26TH MARCH

GREGORY ALAN ISAKOV

TUESDAY 28TH MARCH

FRANCOIS AND THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS

WEDNESDAY 29TH MARCH

PULLED APART BY HORSES

DEAR READER DAY FEVER

City Slang | 24.02

Cherilyn MacNeil has cast herself out of her comfort zone for Day Fever, the first record in four years from orchestral-pop project Dear Reader. In doing so, MacNeil has created an album of natural vision, one uninfluenced by over-consideration and delivered at its most pleasingly honest. Dipping and swelling without constriction, MacNeil directs a fervent orchestra through imposing notions of apprehension and vulnerability, yet it’s MacNeil’s own voice that unsurprisingly stuns most amongst these liberated arrangements. Drawing with an elegant prose and informed creditably, MacNeil unveils through her convictions a personality that is defiant and unenclosed, compelling in its richness and unrefined strength. Here is an album of vast sustenance. Ross Jones

PVT NEW SPIRIT Felte | 17.02

Known as Pivot in some circles, PVT deliver their fifth album which is smooth yet jarring throughout. An interlude perfectly bridges together ‘Salt Lake Heart’ and ‘Another Life’ but the standout track is ‘Kangaroo’ – the title a clear nod to their Australian roots. Instrumental tracks prove unlikely highlights, while elsewhere experimental vocals add impressive flourishes. ‘Morning Mist, Rock Island Bend’ feels slightly dragged-out at nine minutes, however. Title track ‘New Spirit’ would make an ideal introduction to the album, setting the LP’s intentions of avant-garde execution and electronic additions. Fans of HONNE, SOHN, and SBTRKT will enjoy PVT’s rich and experimental output. Callum Stevens 28

LEIF VOLLEBEKK TWIN SOLITUDE Secret City Records | 24.02

From start to finish, Twin Solitude is an album of eloquence. Leif Vollebekk’s second LP delves even deeper into an intimate journey of sincerity and grace, drifting from contemplative reflection to hopeful optimism. His warm and soulful vocal is the perfect destresser, with the lyrics accompanied by soft drums, melodic keys and acoustic guitar. Closing track, ‘Rest’, is an eight-minute folk lullaby, offering a welcome, peaceful escape. Dreamy wave sounds float amongst chimes as lengthened keys are held together by Leif’s wistful vocal. There’s no doubt this is an album for a lonely Sunday afternoon, so clear the diary and enjoy in its sweet and solemn entirety. Hannah Wakeman

ISHMAEL ENSEMBLE SONGS FOR KNOTTY Banoffee Pies Records | 03.02

Contemporary jazz is not a genre 20-somethings are all too familiar with. Except for now, it really should be. Ismael Ensemble throw stereotypes out of the window, conjuring up a beautiful, intricately fine-tuned musical journey. On their second EP Songs for Knotty, a mix of saxophone, electronica and sweet Bombay Bicycle Club-style chirping is a pleasure to listen to – especially on second track ‘Bembe’. It’s relaxing, yet refreshing, and continues to inspire until its last second. While the genre means a lot of exploration and investigation to uphold, Ishmael Ensemble will definitely make electronica-jazz greats like Snarky Puppy stand to attention. Emmie Harrison

THE BLUNDERBUSS PRESS NUDISTS WITH REALLY BIG HEADS Self-release | 20.02

Nudists with really big heads – not a phrase you usually come across, but for now, it’s the latest single from Bristolian alt-folk duo, The Blunderbuss Press. Originally written in the style of a poem to break up a live set, it has since become a glowing hit for the pair. After a few twangy chords from guitarist Andy Norton, vocalist Stuart Tidy takes a deep breath and breaks out into an extraordinary, gloopy Americana drawl. Think Kings of Leon in their ‘Molly’s Chambers’ era. The lyrics equate to something Will Varley would be proud of and match the tone perfectly. Definitely a tune to witness live and raw. Emmie Harrison

HANNI EL KHATIB SAVAGE TIMES Innovative Leisure | 17.02

Hanni El Khatib’s Savage Times is an anthology of bluesy, punk-inspired rock with a sprinkling of garage and hiphop influences. This experimental collection is made up of 19 tracks from five EPs and four new bonuses, in which Khatib enters new realms of solo-guitar portraiture, a prime example of this being ‘Black Constellation’. The LP also delves into more political, personal and social issues in tracks ‘Born Brown’ and ‘Gun Clap Hero’. Nevertheless, he also keeps it playful with the funk-fuelled grooves of ‘Paralyzed’ and ‘Freak Freely’. The guitarheavy title track is an anthem for the modernday punks, and perfectly rounds off a masterfullycurated, instinctive and innovative album from a multi-talented artist. Georgia Balch

Behind Every Musician

@WeAreTheMU 30

BRISTOL BECAUSE... City chat with our fave people.

This month: Ellie Jones, BWIM When did you first move to Bristol? I’ve been living in Bristol for about six years now.

What was the last gig you went to here?

just being able to pick and chose what you fancy at the time.

What’s your favourite thing about the city? Its independence.

And your least favourite?

I’ve purposefully had a quiet start to the year on the gig front so at the time of writing this I think my last Bristol show was actually the Crosstown Christmas Party at the Louisiana. Soeur downstairs were LOUD and sweaty and brilliant.

The hills. Whilst they make for great views, they’re a right pain for cycling!

Who’s your top Bristol band / artist at the moment?

Which Bristol artist(s) do you think will make it big this year?

Stevie Parker. Everything she’s done so far has been exquisite, I’m intrigued to see what new material she’s got up her sleeve for this year.

Well if I’m doing my job right then hopefully we’ll be seeing a lot more from Fenne Lily and Meadowlark in 2017, I can say that they’ve both got exciting plans on the horizon. But from a nonbiased perspective and on a completely different note, I’m hoping this year will be a good one for Elder Island.

How would you describe the music scene here? Eclectic. There’s a real mix, loads happening across genres so it’s great for

Where are the best eats around town? Thali Cafe.

Sound Industry, a brand new music conference from BWIM will take place on 30th March at Colston Hall. With panel talks, workshops, and keynote speeches from some of the UK’s leading music industry professionals, it’s a platform for debate and ideas to equip both men and women working in or aspiring toward the music industry. More: sound-industry.com

O CTO B E R

D R I F T

W W W. O CTO B E R D R I F T. C O . U K

Instagram of the Month

LIVE LISTINGS The Louisiana Wapping Road, BS1 6UA

@TheklaBris • “Don’t forget your roots.”

The Marble Factory / Motion 74-78 Avon Street, BS2 0PX Mother’s Ruin 7-9 St. Nicholas Srreet, BS1 1UE

Anson Rooms 105 Queens Rd, BS8 1LN

No. 1 Harbourside 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol BS1 5UH

Arnolfini 16 Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA

O2 Academy 1-2 Frogmore Street, BS1 5NA

The Bristol Fringe 32 Princess Victoria Street, BS8 4BZ

The Old Market Assembly 25 West Street, BS2 0DF

The Canteen 80 Stokes Croft, BS1 3QY

Roll For The Soul 2 Quay Street, BS1 2JL

Colston Hall & Lantern Colston Street, BS1 5AR

The Stag & Hounds 74 Old Market, BS2 0EJ

The Crofters Rights 117-119 Stokes Croft, BS1 3PY

SWX Bristol 15 Nelson Street, BS1 2JY

Exchange 72-73 Old Market, BS2 OEJ

Thekla The Grove, BS1 4RB

Fiddlers Willway Street, BS3 4BG

The Thunderbolt 124 Bath Road, BS4 3ED

The Fleece 12 St. Thomas Sreet, BS1 6JJ

Tobacco Factory Raleigh Road, BS3 1TF

The Gallimaufry 26-28 The Promenade, BS7 8AL

Trinity Centre Trinity Road, BS2 0NW

The Grain Barge Mardyke Warf, BS8 4RU The Gryphon 41 Colston Street, BS1 5AP Kingsdown Wine Vaults 31 Kingsdown Parade, BS6 5UE The Lanes 22 Nelson Street, BS1 2LE 35