LIVE. MUSIC. CULTURE. OCTOBER 2018.
â„– 81 // F R EE
Bristol in Stereo: 1
facebook.com/o2academybristol twitter.com/o2academybris instagram.com/o2academybris youtube.com/o2academytv
Mon 1st Oct
Sun 4th Nov • SOLD OUT
Thur 29th Nov
Fri 18th Jan • 6.30pm
The Magic Gang
Less Than Jake & Reel Big Fish
Shaun Ryder’s Black Grape
Enter Shikari
Mon 5th Nov • SOLD OUT
Fri 30th Nov
Skid Row
Leon Bridges
Cast
Wed 30th Jan
Tue 6th Nov • SOLD OUT
Sat 1st Dec
Shinedown
Heaven 17
Death Cab for Cutie
Thur 8th Nov
Mon 3rd Dec
Wed 6th Feb • 6.30pm
The Decemberists
Miles Kane
Fri 9th Nov
Wed 5th Dec
MC50
Young Fathers
Buckcherry & Hoobastank
Sat 10th Nov
Fri 7th Dec
Tue 2nd Oct
Glenn Hughes performs classic Deep Purple “Live” Wed 3rd Oct
Pale Waves Fri 5th Oct • SOLD OUT
Jorja Smith Sat 6th Oct • 10pm
Jungle Mania Wed 10th Oct
Beat It Fri 12th Oct • SOLD OUT
Daughtry Sun 14th Oct • SOLD OUT
Tom Grennan Tue 16th Oct
John Butler Trio Wed 17th Oct
Toots and the Maytals Fri 19th Oct
Elvana: Elvis Fronted Nirvana Thur 25th Oct
Darius Rucker Fri 26th Oct
Sigala Sat 27th Oct
Flatbush Zombies
Killing Joke Sun 11th Nov
Fireball – Fuelling The Fire Tour
Blackberry Smoke
ft. Flogging Molly, Face To Face, Lost In Stereo
Tue 13th Nov
Sat 8th Dec • 10pm
Rat Boy
Nicky Blackmarket & Fatman D Birthday Bash - Casino 2
Wed 14th Nov
Jessie J Fri 16th Nov • 6.30pm
Kurupt FM Sat 17th Nov • SOLD OUT Sun 18th Nov • SOLD OUT
The Cat Empire Mon 19th Nov
Lil Pump: Harverd Dropout Tour Tue 20th Nov • SOLD OUT
Slaves Fri 23rd Nov • 6.30pm
Levellers Sat 24th Nov • 10pm
Mon 10th Dec
Mabel Tue 11th Dec
Christmas Queens Wed 12th Dec • SOLD OUT
Blossoms Sat 15th Dec
The London African Gospel Choir Present Graceland
Fri 25th Jan • 6pm
Fri 8th Feb • 6.30pm
Fun Lovin’ Criminals Sat 9th Feb
Gorgon City Live Sun 10th Feb
The Dead South Tue 12th Feb
White Denim Frid 22nd Feb • 5.30pm
Mayday Parade & The Wonder Years Thur 7th Mar
U.F.O. “Last Orders” 50th Anniversary Tour Fri 8th Mar • 6.30pm
Maribou State Tue 26th Mar
NAO Sat 13th Apr • 10pm
The Feeling
Foreverland Enchanted Forest
Thur 1st Nov
Tue 27th Nov • SOLD OUT
Tue 18th Dec
State Champs
Courteeners
Clutch
Party With The Greatest Showman Club Tour
Fri 2nd Nov • 6.30pm
Wed 28th Nov
Wed 19th Dec
Fri 31st May • 6.30pm
Bugzy Malone
Bowling for Soup
Bjorn Again
Cash
Tue 30th Oct
Sun 16th Dec
Orbital
O2 Academy Bristol
ticketmaster.co.uk
2
o2academybristol.co.uk
Frogmore Street, Bristol BS1 5NA • Doors 7pm unless stated Venue box office opening hours: Mon - Sat 12pm - 4pm
seetickets.com • gigantic.com • ticketmaster.co.uk
October • 2018
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SEASICK STEVE
JOHN BUTLER TRIO
- MOTORPOINT ARENA, CARDIFF -
SOLD
JEALOUS OF THE BIRDS
- O2 ACADEMY BRISTOL -
16|O10 UT| 18
IDLES
20| 11 | 18
- HY-BRASIL -
- SWX -
29| 11 | 18
16| 10 | 18
GLASVEGAS
DINOSAUR PILEUP - THE FLEECE -
- THE GLOBE, CARDIFF -
01| 12 | 18
MY BABY
19| 10 | 18
ASH
- THE FLEECE -
- SWX -
04| 12 | 18
26| 10 | 18
BAD SOUNDS
BUFFALO TOM - THE FLEECE -
- SWX -
08| 12 | 18
31| 10 | 18
WILL HAVEN
RAZORLIGHT - SWX -
- THE TUNNELS -
30| 01 | 19
06| 11 | 18
FIRST AID KIT
- MOTORPOINT ARENA, CARDIFF -
12| 11 | 18
DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE - O2 ACADEMY BRISTOL -
03| 02 | 19
GRUFF RHYS - SWX -
D
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SOL 17|SOO 11UL|T18 & 18|11|18 OUT
THE CAT EMPIRE
- O2 ACADEMY BRISTOL -
SWEARIN’
- CROFTERS RIGHTS -
12| 02 | 19
WHITE DENIM
- O2 ACADEMY BRISTOL -
A L L T I C K E T S AVA I L A B L E F R O M
SEETICKETS.COM - GIGANTIC.COM
Bristol in Stereo: 3
LIVE INSTORE EVENTS CAFÉ / BAR OPEN BEFORE ALL EVENTS @ROUGHTRADE
1ST OCTOBER
GET THE BLESSING
FREE ENTRY | DOORS 6.30PM
2ND OCTOBER
VIRGINIA WING
TICKETS AVAILABLE | DOORS 7.30PM
3RD OCTOBER
KERO KERO BONITO SOLD OUT
4TH OCTOBER
STEREO HONEY
TICKETS AVAILABLE | DOORS 7.00PM
6TH OCTOBER
KILL ‘EM ALL - JOHN NIVEN IN CONVERSAITON WITH JAMES DEAN BRADFIELD TICKETS AVAILABLE | DOORS 7.30PM
7TH OCTOBER
DIDIRRI + GUESTS
FREE ENTRY | DOORS 7.30PM
9TH OCTOBER
KALEEM TAYLOR + GUESTS TBC | DOORS 7.30PM
10TH OCTOBER FAR FROM ALASKA + DOT LEGACY
TICKETS AVAILABLE | DOORS 7.O0PM
11TH OCTOBER
GANG + GUESTS
22ND OCTOBER
12TH OCTOBER
ANTEROS
TICKETS AVAILABLE | DOORS 7.00PM
13TH OCTOBER
YVES + GUESTS
TICKETS AVAILABLE | DOORS 7.30PM
15TH OCTOBER
BARNEY + GUESTS
TICKETS AVAILABLE | DOORS 7.30PM
16TH OCTOBER
FRANKIE STEW & HARVEY GUNN
TICKETS AVAILABLE | DOORS 7.00PM
18TH OCTOBER
KAYLA PAINTER & GUESTS
TICKETS AVAILABLE | DOORS 7.30PM
19TH OCTOBER
WILLIE J HEALEY
TICKETS AVAILABLE | DOORS 7.30PM
PAN AMSTERDAM
TICKETS AVAILABLE | DOORS 7.30PM
23RD OCTOBER
MOSS KENA
TICKETS AVAILABLE | DOORS 7.30PM
24TH OCTOBER
JENNY HVAL IN CONVERSATION
FREE ENTRY | DOORS 7.00PM
25TH OCTOBER
BAMBARA
TICKETS AVAILABLE | DOORS 7.30PM
26TH OCTOBER
MENACE BEACH
TICKETS AVAILABLE | DOORS 7.30PM
27TH OCTOBER
FATHERSON
TICKETS AVAILABLE | DOORS 7.30PM
28TH OCTOBER
MINA ROSE
20TH OCTOBER
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21ST OCTOBER
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SIMPLE THINGS FESTIVAL 29TH OCTOBER TICKETS AVAILABLE | DOORS 1.00PM HATER
SWANS - SACRIFICE AND 30TH OCTOBER TRANSCENDENCE - IN BEDOUINE CONVERSATION WITH FREE ENTRY | DOORS 1.00PM AUTHOR NICK SOULSBY FREE ENTRY | DOORS 7.00PM
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VISIT ROUGHTRADE.COM FOR FULL EVENTS CALENDAR ROUGH TRADE BRISTOL 3 NEW BRIDEWELL, NELSON STREET, BS1 2QD (OPPOSITE THE LANES)
After nearly seven years at it, Bristol Live Magazine has hit a new chapter, as we become: Bristol In Stereo. Our sister magazine, London In Stereo, has been making it happen in The Big Smoke for nearly as long and it’s high time we joined forces to create something bigger and better for our much-loved respective cities. What’s changing? We’ve got a slick new layout and some brand-new features, but don’t worry – we’re still raving about Bristol and have (almost) all your old faves. Another day at the office, for the same team, now with a few more pals and wetting our collective pants with excitement for the future. This month sees the legendary Cat Power grace our cover to talk about the deep challenges and personal evolution that went into making Wanderer. Elsewhere, we have Empress Of, listings, the best new releases and a seven-page alternative student guide to get the new arrivals feeling just as lucky as we do to live in a thriving, vibrant place like Briz.
Loki Lillistone Editor-in-Chief
STAFF ON REPEAT
the music we can’t stop listening to this month Loki: RHAIN - Time Traveller Jon: Emma Ruth Rundle – Light Song Christian: No Violet – She Goes Her Own Way Lor: Estrons – Body Beth: Mercy’s Cartel – 6 Tears MERCY’S CARTEL
Ross: The 1975 – Sincerity Is Scary Bristol in Stereo: 05 5 Bristol in Stereo:
book
0117 203 4040 colstonhall.org
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Colston Hall loudly and proudly presents great shows in venues across the city Tue 2 Oct
Tue 16 Oct
Wed 24 Oct
Thu 8 Nov
Virginia Wing
Chatham County Line
Lisa O’Neill
Georgia Anne Muldrow
Rough Trade Bristol Sat 6 Oct
Fiddlers
The Crofters Rights Wed 24 Oct
Fiddlers
Suzanne Ciani
Wed 17 Oct
Tunng
Wed 14 Nov
Colston Hall Foyer
Baloji
Fiddlers
Seamus Fogarty
Thu 11 Oct
Fiddlers Sat 20 Oct
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
Chris Ramsey
Fiddlers
Anson Rooms
Sat 13 Oct
Sun 21 Oct
Martin Simpson
Third Wheel Tour: BlackWaters / Retro Video Club / Redfaces
The Station Sat 13 Oct
YVES Rough Trade Bristol
The Louisiana
Mon 15 Oct
Tue 23 Oct
Barney Artist
Pan Amsterdam
Rough Trade Bristol Tue 16 Oct
Daniel Brandt & Eternal Something Exchange
Rough Trade Bristol Wed 24 Oct
Sophie Hunger Exchange
Fri 26 Oct
The Allergies feat. Andy Cooper (live) Colston Hall Foyer Sun 28 Oct
The Crofters Rights Wed 14 Nov
Madeline Kenney Rough Trade Bristol
Mutual Benefit
Fri 16 Nov
Exchange
Marie Davidson + Not Waving
Mon 29 Oct
The Space Lady Colston Hall Foyer Mon 29 Oct
Mt. Joy The Louisiana Sun 4 Nov
Jerron ‘Blind Boy’ Paxton The Folk House
Colston Hall Foyer Fri 16 Nov
Phoria Rough Trade Bristol Tue 20 Nov
Alela Diane St George’s Bristol
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INTERVIEWS 14
EMPRESS OF
26
CAT POWER
WHAT’S ON 18
42
EVENTS
FULL OCTOBER LISTINGS
FEATURES 10
19
Cat Power Cover Story: Page 26
NEW SOUNDS
STUDENT GUIDE 55
IN BRISTOL
61
THOUGHTS
REVIEWS 34
ALBUM RELEASES 58
LIVE Editor-in-Chief: Loki Lillistone loki@bristolinstereo.co.uk Releases Editor: Lor Nov
New Sounds Editor: Christian Northwood News Editor: Ross Jones
Live Editor: Jon Kean
Sales: loki@bristolinstereo.co.uk
Photography: Cat Power cover story: Phil Sharp (philsharp-photo.com) Contributors: Hassan Anderson, Tim Boddy, Rhys Buchanan, Kezia Cochrane, Rhian Daly, Thomas Hannan, Charlotte Krol, Emma Madden, Nate Rockwell, Kelly Ronaldson, Harriet Taylor, Lee Wakefield, Simone Scott Warren. bristolinstereo.com
@bristolinstereo
Bristol Stereo:07 7 Bristol in in Stereo:
we the curious Planetarium Nights Weekly trips to far-flung worlds Registered charity number 1049954 Image: Helix Nebula © NASA
Tickets from £7.50 (Age 16+) Colliding galaxies, distant planets, new perspectives in the UK’s only 3D Planetarium wethecurious.org
PRESENTS
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT MYTICKET.CO.UK
Bristol in Stereo: 9
THE ORNSTEINS
DOE (photo: Andrew Northrop)
TOP TEN: New Sounds Zilo - Sometimes Fenne Lily - Unfucktheworld (Angel Olsen cover) The Goon Sax - We Can’t Win Doe - Labour Like I Do Rhain - Time Traveller Bodega Sisters - Our Disco Dilly Dally - Doom Harvey Causon & Gabriel Gifford - Murphy’s Hand Yves Tumor - Lifetime Skeggs - Up In The Clouds GET MORE NEW MUSIC FROM CHRISTIAN EVERY MONDAY AT BRISTOLINSTEREO.COM
by Christian Northwood The Ornsteins The Ornsteins is what happens when you take the insular, bedroom-bound thoughts of one individual and explode them out, unfiltered, in full technicolour. Luckily, these thoughts are those of Bristol’s Joe Groves. The project’s first proper single, ‘Bitter Gills’ was gifted to the world via Breakfast Records in August, with this and its b-side, ‘For Hendo’ already making for fascinating listening. Built on looping samples, the a-side fuses elements of psychedelia and dreampop, with its scuzzy guitars, plunging bassline and fluid, overlapping vocals. Sparse, mechanical drums help to drive a motorik rhythm, feeling warm despite the static clicks. SIR BABYGIRL (photo: Tonje Thilesen)
‘For Hendo’ shows a different side entirely. A beautiful ode to a friend, the choral vocals that back Groves’ tender delivery are simple yet wonderfully uplifting. While these recorded versions are astounding, watching these and equally-mesmerising songs recreated live is simply breathtaking. With a table of drum-machines, loop pedals and other electronic wizardry, Joe layers his voice and guitar, his onstage isolation the perfect counterpoint to his yearnful music. A genuinely exciting new project, The Ornsteins will run as far as Joe’s imagination will let it. LISTEN TO: For Hendo LIVE: The Old England, October 26th @theornsteins
/theornsteins
Sir Babygirl Sir Babygirl wants a future free of genre and gender boundaries, and judging by the powerhouse that is their debut single, ‘Heels’, they’re going some way to make it happen. ‘Heels’ feels truly genreless, mixing in all kinds of influences; racing from hypnotic percussion to skittering hip-hop beats in a flash, or switching from pulsating synth stabs to sweeping chords. All this is underpinned by Sir Babygirl’s sugar-sweet vocal. At times fragile, at times powerful, it details melancholically of dating in the modern age, over a beat that calls upon pop’s best elements. The future is sounding pretty great. LISTEN TO: Heel @sir_babygirl
/sir_babygirl Bristol in Stereo: 11 Bristol in Stereo: 11
CLUB & LIVE EVENTS GUIDE
SUN 23RD SEPT
THURS 1ST NOV
TUES 27TH NOV
DOORS 6.30PM / CURFEW 10PM
DOORS 7PM/CURFEW 11PM
DOORS 7PM/CURFEW 11PM
THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS From £25 + BF
THURS 27TH SEPT DOORS 6.30PM / CURFEW 10PM
SCARLXRD £19.50 + BF From £12.50
SAT 29TH SEPT DOORS 6PM / CURFEW 10PM
SONS OF APOLLO From £19.50 + BF
FRI 5TH OCT DOORS 6.30PM / CURFEW 10PM
THE STORY SO FAR From £17 + BF
SAT 6TH OCT DOORS 6.30PM / CURFEW 10PM
ANNA CALVI From £20 + BF
MON 8TH OCT DOORS 7PM / CURFEW 11PM
THE AMITY AFFLICTION From £17 + BF
TUE 9TH OCT DOORS 7PM / CURFEW 11PM
THE CORAL From £20 + BF
FRI 12TH OCT DOORS 6.30PM / CURFEW 10PM
THE ORB 30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR From £25 £17 ++ BF BF
SAT 13TH OCT DOORS 6PM / CURFEW 10PM
HOOKWORMS FEAT LUKE ABBOTT From £15 + BF
SUN 14TH OCT DOORS 7PM / CURFEW 10PM
ENSLAVED From £18 + BF
MON 15TH OCT DOORS 7PM / CURFEW 11PM
SUPERORGANISM From £13.50 + BF
TUES 16TH OCT DOORS 7PM / CURFEW 11PM
IDLES SOLD OUT
THURS 18TH OCT DOORS 7PM / CURFEW 11PM
FICKLE FRIENDS From £12 + BF
For up to date listings please visit:
swxbristol.com
FRI 19TH OCT DOORS 7PM/CURFEW 10PM
ASH
From £22.50 + BF
SAT 20TH OCT DOORS 2PM/CURFEW 10PM
SIMPLE THINGS FESTIVAL
Tickets available from:
ticketweb.co.uk
From £34.50 + BF
SUN 21ST OCT
THE HOUSE OF LOVE From £25 + BF
FRI 2ND NOV DOORS 6.30PM/CURFEW 10PM
HEADIE ONE From £13.50 + BF
SAT 3RD NOV DOORS 6PM/CURFEW 10PM
DUBIOZA KOLEKTIV
From £17.50 + BF
SUN 4TH NOV DOORS 7PM/CURFEW 11PM
LEWIS CAPALDI From £13 + BF
MON 5TH NOV DOORS 5PM/CURFEW 11.45PM
IMPERICON NEVER SAY DIE! TOUR From £15 + BF
TUES 6TH NOV DOORS 7PM/CURFEW 11PM
PARCELS From £18 + BF
THURS 8TH NOV DOORS 7PM/CURFEW 11PM
DASHBOARD CONFESSIONALS From £25 + BF
FRI 9TH NOV DOORS 7PM/CURFEW 10PM
BAXTER DURY From £15 + BF
SAT 10TH NOV DOORS 6.30PM/CURFEW 10.30PM
PARQUET COURTS SOLD OUT
MON 12TH NOV DOORS 7PM/CURFEW 11PM
GRUFF RHYS From £18 + BF
TESSERACT From £19 + BF
THURS 29TH NOV
DOORS 7PM/CURFEW 11PM
SUNFLOWER BEAN From £13.50 + BF
FRI 30TH NOV
DOORS 6.30PM/CURFEW 10PM
RALEIGH RITCHIE From £1.50 + BF
SAT 1ST DEC DOORS 6.30PM / CURFEW 10PM
808 STATE From £20 + BF
SUN 2ND DEC
DOORS 7PM/CURFEW 11PM
INTERRUPTERS From £15 + BF
MON 3RD DEC
DOORS 7PM/CURFEW 11PM
NADINE SHAH From £15 + BF
WEDS 5TH DEC
DOORS 7PM/CURFEW 11PM
GREGORY ALAN ISAKOV From £15 + BF
FRI 7TH DEC
DOORS 6.30PM/CURFEW 10PM
SEVENDUST & ALL THAT REMAINS From £23 + BF
SAT 8TH DEC DOORS 6.30PM / CURFEW 10.30PM
RAZORLIGHT From £22.50 + BF
TUES 11TH DEC DOORS 6PM / CURFEW 11PM
BURY TOMORROW From £16 + BF
WEDS 12TH DEC DOORS 7PM / CURFEW 11PM
TUES 13TH NOV
CKY
YXNG BANE
SAT 15TH DEC
DOORS 7PM / CURFEW 11PM From £13.50 + BF
WEDS 14TH NOV DOORS 7PM
GOGO PENGUIN From £18.50 + BF
THURS 15TH NOV DOORS 7PM / CURFEW 11PM
SHAME From £13 + BF
FRI 16TH NOV DOORS 6.30PM / CURFEW 10PM
DUTTY MOONSHINE From £15 + BF
SAT 17TH NOV DOORS 6PM / CURFEW 10PM
A + WHEETUS + INME From £21 + BF
From £16 + BF DOORS 7PM / CURFEW 10PM
GAZ BROOKFIELD & THE COMPANY OF THIEVES From £10 + BF
TUES 22ND JAN 2019 DOORS 7PM / CURFEW 11PM
DAN + SHAY From £17.50 + BF
SAT 26TH JAN 2019 DOORS 6PM / CURFEW 10PM
ESDR PRESENTS AQUARIA From £20 + BF
MON 28TH JAN 2019 DOORS 7PM / CURFEW 11PM
MATT CORBY From £16 + BF
TUE 20TH NOV
SAT 23RD FEB 2019
DOORS 7PM / CURFEW 11PM
DOORS 6PM / CURFEW 10PM
THERAPY? From £21 + BF
HIPPO CAMPUS From £15 + BF
DOORS 7PM / CURFEW 11PM
WEDS 21ST NOV
WEDS 27TH FEB 2019
+ THE JICKS
DOORS 7PM/CURFEW 11PM
DOORS 7PM / CURFEW 11PM
STEPHEN MALKMUS From £22.50 + BF
FRI 26TH OCT DOORS 7PM/CURFEW 10PM
BAD SOUNDS From £10 + BF
WEDS 31ST OCT DOORS 6.30PM / CURFEW 11PM
ANTI FLAG
CANCER BATS From £16.50 + BF
PITCHSHIFTER From £21 + BF
THE RUTS DC From £19.50 + BF
THURS 22ND NOV
FRI 1ST MAR
DOORS 7PM/CURFEW 11PM
DOORS 6.30PM / CURFEW 10PM
HONNE
From £14 + BF
TANK AND THE BANGAS £17 + BF From £15
FRI 23RD NOV
FRI 26TH APR 2019
BASEMENT & JOYCE MANOR
DOORS 6.30PM / CURFEW 10PM
DOORS 6.30PM/CURFEW 10.30PM
From £16 + BF
SHOWHAWK DUO From £18 + BF
SAT 6TH JULY 2019 DOORS 2PM / CURFEW 11PM
@swxbristol
ASTRAL FESTIVAL From £25 + BF
Bristol in Stereo: 13
“I’ve been learning how to say what I really mean weed out the bullshit...”
Empress Of words: Gemma Samways photography: Fabian Guerrero
orely Rodriguez is done with sharing specifics. Three years ago, she poured detailed personal experiences into her first full-length set as Empress Of, and came away feeling exposed to the extent that performing the album live became exhausting. For the follow-up to the lyrically-introvert, sonicallyextrovert Me, she’s now reestablishing intimacy by operating on a more universal level. Or as she puts it during the song ‘All Or Nothing’, “I like to keep my stories untold.” “This record is more about the stories we all share with each other,” she elaborates down the line from L.A., in typically sunny tones. “And part of that is taking the weight off me and having it be a mutual exchange of ideas… That’s why it’s called Us.” It’s testament to Rodriguez’s tenacity, and to her skill as a songwriter, musician and producer, that this excellent second record is every bit as personality-packed as its predecessor.
Written and recorded over the course of two and a half years in southern Californian locations including the Topanga Canyon and Ojai Valley, Us was a true labour of love. “I had to write so many bad songs first,” she laughs. “It was about having a strong musical identity, but also not wanting to make the exact same music over again. And that was a learning process, like, how do I reflect my growth as an artist?” The answer? Firstly, by drawing on a diverse palette of musical inspirations, including This Mortal Coil, Fatima Yamaha and Ariana Grande. Secondly, by calling in favours from previous collaborators Pional, Blood Orange and L.A. production duo, DJDS. And thirdly, by finding the confidence to be forthright, both melodically and lyrically. “I thought I was pretty emotionally vulnerable on the first album, but this record is more direct,” she reflects. “I’ve been learning how to say what I really mean - weed out the bullshit.” That deceptively uncomplicated, filter-free approach is brilliantly illustrated on twinkling
Bristol in Stereo: 15 Bristol in Stereo: 15
single-in-waiting ‘Timberlands’, which serves up a heady hit of immaculately-layered pop, plus the impressively unapologetic lyric, “I’m my own worst enemy / I’m my favourite centrepiece / Whatever, at least I’m trying to be myself more.” Rodriguez’s productions radiate real warmth this time around too, with songs like ‘When I’m With Him’ and ‘Trust Me Baby’ exuding their own hazy glow. As per every Empress Of record since 2013’s Systems EP, Spanish is used on Us as a vehicle to veil her most personal lyrics. And yet, in the context of Donald Trump’s discriminatory immigration policies, Rodriguez openly embracing her Honduran heritage now feels like a pointed act of defiance. Is it? “I feel very strongly about being Latinx, and growing up in southern California and seeing the cultures clash,” she replies thoughtfully. “I feel like my music reflects that… I just wanted to represent myself as a kid of an immigrant, raised in Los Angeles.” “I’ve always embraced [my heritage],” she continues. “What I’ve noticed is the rest of the world embracing it. And to me that’s something that’s really special. It’s a snowball thing. The more you see people like you
doing things - and the more you have artists like Cuco and Kali Uchis - the more it will show the rest of the world that this is normal. We’re just like you.” Despite her recent support for L.A. clothing line ‘Kids Of Immigrants’ and her appearance at a local benefit for undocumented immigrants, Rodriguez modestly rejects the title of activist. “I think when there’s any type of adversity in your life, activism is just a part of your life. I’m just trying to exist as a kid of an immigrant, just trying to be seen equally by my peers. But, yeah, seeing everything unfold in America, you want to raise awareness and you want to be that voice. I just want to help…” Ultimately, the end goal is to positively affect the audience’s mood: “What I really like about listening to other people’s music,” she explains, “Is when I listen to a song and I’m like, ‘Wow, this makes me feel so good!’ It’s like how do I make other people feel this good?” The precise formula remains a mystery but Rodriguez’s talent for it is undeniable. Empress Of releases her new album, Us, October 19th via Terrible Records. @EmpressOf
@EmpressOf
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Bristol in Stereo: 17
PRESENTS
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Bristol Women in Music, see p.20
STUDENT GUIDE 2018
Welcome, new students, to one of the friendliest and most culture-per-square-inch cities in the UK: Bristol. Whether you’re here to study the arts, civil engineering or something to save me from the ever-increasing sense of dread I feel about the future of the world (probably a good mix of the above), you’re going to love your time here. Across these seven pages, let Bristol In Stereo run you through one brief, A6 slice of the brilliance that goes on here, from the most welcoming musical communities to the tastiest eats. Learn where you might find a like-minded person or three, find creatively fertile places to lay your term-time roots, or just your new favourite place to cure a hangover. If low-budget teen movies have taught us anything, it’s that uni is a chance to be your finest and freest self – and whoever you are, there’s a place for you here. Sweaty moshalongs, arty queer extravaganzas, wall-to-
wall club culture, safe spaces to hone a craft; there’s frankly more happening than this humble part of the Southwest can hold. Whatever you’re here for, now is the time to fill your mind. Not just on campus, but all across your new city. Try new things, make your voice heard, take on life with a healthy mix of positivity and critical thinking. Bristol is yours now, take good care of it – and each other. Read on for more. Loki Lillistone, Editor
Bristol in Stereo: 19
BRISTOL MICROSCENES B R E A K FA S T R E C O R D S DIY is a phrase you’ll hear a lot in Bristol. We like to do things ourselves, and Breakfast Records are one scrappy guitar label refining it to an art. One of the city’s most prolific collectives at the moment, there’s a real community feel. Head to a show and expect to make friendships that’ll last long after your degree, when you’re unemployed and wondering what it was all for. Recent releases include Pork Pie, Kate Stapley, Langkamer and Something Anorak, plus, they have a show coming up with IDLES tourmates, JOHN, October 19th. Kate Stapley (Simon Holliday)
Mix Nights
B R I S TO L W O M E N I N M U S I C The BWIM team have been doing much-needed work since 2015. Striving to raise awareness of the roles, issues and successes of women within the industry, they use their growing network to uplift women in all areas. Their ‘Mix Nights’, for example, curate a space where women’s participation is often undermined. DJ mentors help to build skills and confidence behind the decks, with regular ‘end of term’ shows at the Love Inn, networking events and more.
THORNY Remember when we said there was a place for everyone in Bristol? THORNY is an artist-led platform for the underrepresented voices of this city and beyond. Everyone is welcome at their queer-leaning, multi-discipline shows, but most importantly, theirs are nights at which those who may feel out of place at a standard ‘gig’, can be themselves – and see some cuttingedge music too. Check online for dates.
Photo: Paul Samuel White
A Better Break
NOODS RADIO
FAT L I P Remember how big ‘All The Small Things’ was when it came out? These guys do. Fat Lip is a celebration of all things pop-punk, and the numberone monthly social for rock chicks and whatever male rock chicks are called. Having been bossing fun and unpretentious (funpretentious) parties on the last Saturday of the month for nearly five years, they now have their own ever-growing music festival that’s presented some of their scene’s most loved names, all across top Bristol venues. Nana, na-na, na-na, na na na na...
Noods is a Bristol-based radio station, broadcasting around the globe via the magic of the interwebs. They’ve got a ton of radio shows that run the full gauntlet of EDM, from techno to far more abstract sounds. Most residents go out once or twice a month, so find your new favourites or tune in any time to have your ears treated right. These broadcasts are on-air only, so check out the schedule and catch them while you can. The team regularly broadcast from live events, the most exciting being their upcoming third birthday on November 9th – featuring Young Marco & Jackin’ Patz.
P L U S TO N S M O R E . . .
Fenne Lily (Holly Fernando)
Dubcult cultivate a diverse community for fans of cutting-edge bass music and soundsystem culture. Label, promoter and more, Chiverin showcases some of the best leftfield bands and acts in Bristol right now, including our last live session guest, Fenne Lily, plus Cousin Kula, Rain and more. Vegan spot, Café Kino has a long-standing inclusive community around it, where open-minded people gather to see shows, draw, work or just eat bean burgers. Bristol in Stereo: 21
MUST-TRY FOOD B I B LO S We love Biblos so much that we had them cater our entire music festival a few years back. With locations across Stokes Croft, St Werburghs and Wapping Wharf, this Bristol institution is well-loved by us Bristolians. Expect a fast-food fusion of Middle Eastern and Caribbean favourites, the grub-derésistance being their amazing wraps. The Stokes Croft spot is open late and situated right by some of Bristol’s most important clubs. Order one with everything and let it salve your soul. It’s even B.Y.O.B.
S T. N I C K ’ S M A R K E T St Nick’s Market was built in 1743 and somehow survived Bristol having the shit bombed out of it in the war. Now, just down from the tourist tack, its covered market is one of the last bastions of amazing-food-for-a-fiver left in the Western World. The Moroccan place or Zak’s greasy spoon will cure your hangover, Eat-a-Pitta or the kofta stall make a great lunch to-go and Royce Rolls will take you back to the 70s with its baps and yoghurt-covered raisins. No joke.
SWEET DEALS... No. 51’s (Stokes Croft) stone-baked pizzas for £7 before 7pm, Burger Theory’s (centre) Tuesday-Friday student deals or the Lebanese, Mezze Palace, who will serve you more food than you can eat for the change found in your sofa, before 2pm. Know that food deal app, Wriggle? It’s Bristolian and they have you covered here. Magic Roll (Triangle) and Falafel Hut (Stokes Croft) both also bring bang-for-buck.
FAVE STORES ROUGH TRADE
C O. L A B Co.Lab brings makers and buyers together in a very cool way. Established in 2011, they’ve been hand-picking creatives from in and around Bristol to showcase their products, both online and in their store, now on Gloucester Road (just up from Stokes Croft). Expect to find artists’ prints to de-Kafka any student building, jewellery and clothing items that are very ‘where d’you get that, babes?’ and tons more. There’s even a co-making space upstairs that you can get involved in. What a glorious, important thing Co.Lab is for Bristol.
Those who’ve spent time in the capital will know Rough Trade, but it’s not all about London, or NYC either. Our store is looked after by the team behind the long-standing Rise Records and is an independent space for vinyl, books, coffee, booze and shows. Their staff eat, sleep and breathe music, many of them prominent musicians themselves, so their recommendations are top. Touring acts even stop here for instores, where you can meet them, get things signed and generally geek out.
R E P S YC H O Bristol is seemingly full of vintage stores, some better value than others. RePsycho is a hidden gem on Gloucester Road. They’ve been going since the early 80s and, while you won’t find them all over Instagram, they do sell great clothes for fair prices. There’s even a record store in the basement, Prime Cuts, which is well worth a spelunk. Other shops to magpie in include: LOOT, Urban Fox (both centre) and Uncle Sam’s (Park Street). Bristol in Stereo: 23
KEY EVENTS u p c o m i n g h a p p e n i n g s t o k i c k o f f yo u r f i r s t t e r m . . .
A NEW MUSIC SMORGASBORD THING SIMPLE THINGS 2018 These last few years, Simple Things Festival have been making Bristol move and impressing with their general booking prowess. Back with a slightly different format this year, due to Colston Hall’s £50m refurb, the line-up still excites and recalls many of the acts we’ve been shouting about at In Stereo this year. Tirzah, Helena Hauff, Slowdive, Sorry and Black Midi are all on the bill, but the importance of these kinds of ‘discovery’ festivals is the acts you haven’t heard of. Bristol’s own LICE are also expected; they played our live sessions this summer and we highly recommend. WHEN: October 20th. WHERE: Various Bristol venues. INFO: @SimpleThingsUK // simplethingsfestival.co.uk Day and night tickets are separate.
A 50 ACTS DESCENDING ON LAKOTA THING PSYCHED 5TH BIRTHDAY Psyched have been impressing ever since their 2013 debut at Blue Mountain. Now, they celebrate their fifth birthday at Lakota, bringing no fewer than 50 acts to the table, quite literally. Heading up the bill is a takeover by formidable drum’n’bass label, Jungle Cakes, seeing Ed Solo, Deekline, Serial Killaz and Benny Page all go back to back. London via Barcelona via Birmingham collective, Chopstick Dubplate send Aries and Jacky Murda Bristol-bound for their b2b set. Bristol’s own Phaelah is our gem of the bill. If you’re looking for a homegrown electronic artist to sink your fresher teeth into, here’s a good place to start. ‘Cinematic’ is the only fitting word. WHEN October 13th. WHERE: Lakota. INFO: fb/psychedbristol
A FUN INDEPENDENT PUBLISHING THING BRISTOL COMIC AND ZINE FAIR The Bristol Comic and Zine Fair brings together artists, writers and publishers from across the city and beyond for a one-day market. With 2018 marking their eighth year at it, the quantity and quality of makers on display is spot-on, and with it being held at The Station, just two minutes from Bristol Bus Station, you’d be mad not to drop in for a look around. WHEN: October 6th. WHERE: The Station. INFO: bczf.co.uk // fb/bristolcomicandzinefair
A YOU DO YOU, BOO THING EAT SLEEP DRAG REPEAT Drag has been clawing its way into mainstream culture for some time now, leaving nail marks on our televisions, nightlife and vernacular (yaaas queen!). Eat Sleep Drag Repeat is the home of RuPaul’s Drag Race artists in Bristol – and since elsewhere – having hosted big names like Sasha Velour, Latrice Royale, Katya and more. Theirs are nights of beauty, comedy, charisma and lip-syncing, this instalment featuring Monét X Change. WHEN: October 19th. WHERE: UoB Student Union INFO: esdrevents.co.uk // fb/ESDRevents
A FLYING THROUGH SPACE WITH A BEER THING PLANETARIUM NIGHTS Here’s your chance to get higher than you’ve ever been in your life. I’m talking, of course, about space. Hosting two shows every Thursday throughout this month, fun science-y type place, We The Curious invites you to see the world as you’ve never seen it before, via the UK’s only 3D planetarium. Grab some pals, a drink from their well-stocked bar and get astral. WHEN October 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th WHERE: We The Curious INFO: wethecurious.org/group/planetarium-nights Bristol in Stereo: 25
words: Danny Wright photography: Phil Sharp
he front cover of Cat Power’s new record is a candid snapshot - Chan Marshall and her young son in the bedroom of their house as a guitar topples over and she catches it. It’s an image that had been stored on her phone until the record label asked for the artwork. “I had no single concept, so I thought ‘I’ll just use this picture’. I didn’t analyse it, I just cropped it and wrote the word ‘Wanderer’ with my finger.” It’s only now that she can see what the image represents. “It’s a symbol of strength. With my words and guitar I’ve been able to survive and travel the world and meet people who told me that I made a difference in their life, which makes me feel not alone, which gives me the fortitude to not feel fucking mixed up and crazy and alone on this planet. And my son is the greatest gift of my life, the truest love I’ve ever felt and I never knew I deserved. And then my silhouette is myself - this is my life right now and I’m fine with it.”
BristolininStereo: Stereo: 27 Bristol 27
That she’s fine is good to hear – for the six year journey that led to Wanderer has been a complicated, dramatic one. In 2012, the day after the release of last album Sun, Marshall was hospitalised. “I had so much pressure trying to make a hit record, spent my life savings trying to control the process, that my immune system collapsed.” She was diagnosed with hereditary angioedema, an immune disorder that causes swelling of the face and throat. Thankfully, after a year of postponed gigs, she found a homeopath who helped to stop the swelling. Life however, as it likes to do, continued and transformed, and there was soon more life-changing news. “I was dating someone for five months, then we split up and I found out I was pregnant.” She moved back to Miami and, two years after fearing that she was on the brink of dying, Marshall gave birth to her son. Chan talks openly about everything she’s been through, her voice as rich and evocative as it is on record. She shares pictures of her little boy; she mimics the people walking past in the noisy, bustling hotel foyer. It’s clear, though, she’s been through a lot - “it definitely feels like six years”. She takes her time, making sure she picks the right words, her voice sometimes drifting off without finishing answers if she can’t find them. It’s this deliberation that inspired Wanderer and the decision to move record labels. “With Sun I wanted to hear outer space, but with this I wanted to hear the space within.” “I was told by my ex-record label I needed a hit record and I did that with Sun. So when I gave them this record and they said they didn’t like it, it was just like, ‘Say what?’. I think having my kid gave me more of a put-my-foot-down vibration. I didn’t want to injure the songs with the idea of making a hit record, I wanted to protect whatever it is the universe wanted me to make. Because when I make music I thrive on my intuition – it becomes a meditation, the vibration resonates through your bones, it becomes part of your heartbeat.”
The cosmic way she talks of her craft is reminiscent of the American poet, Ruth Stone, who, as she worked in the fields, would feel a poem coming at her over the landscape and run to the farmhouse to write the words down before they escaped. It’s the same for Chan: “There’s a passing melody train in my head and I have to jump on it and just start singing. It’s like there’s something my subconscious needs to create and I don’t know why or for what. I have to rush to find the tape recorder with the batteries in.” And so we have Wanderer, her tenth studio album – pure and unflinching songs that eschew the synths of Sun and revert back to guitar, piano and that voice. The journey to the record began in Miami as Chan set up her house as a recording studio. “The first thing I recorded was ‘If I had a dime for every time...’.” That’s the first line from ‘Woman’ the defiant, shimmering song you’ve probably heard that features Lana Del Rey, her recent touring partner. Yet it’s a song that nearly never saw the light of day. “I wasn’t sure it belonged sonically, so I didn’t deliver ‘Woman’ [to Matador]. But then when Domino came into the picture and they loved the record, I said ‘Er, can I add a song to the record?’.” “I’d met Lana years ago. She’s a beautiful woman and a beautiful spirit. I knew she’d lend the song that resonating, divine feminine quality that I thought it needed. I’m very happy that song’s on the record now.” As the album developed, the wandering continued. She spent time in a studio that Diplo had recommended in Miami (“He put ‘Free’ on a mixtape years ago”) and then moved to LA. It was here that another pop star entered the album’s story. “A few years ago an ex-lover picked me up from the airport. I opened the door and ‘Stay’ by Rihanna came on. He said ‘There’s my girl’ and I thought he was talking about me but he was talking about her,” she explains. “Then when I was about to go to LA to record I was in a cab and I heard the whole song right through for the first time and I was crying and I learned why millions of people love her.”
“When I make music I thrive on my intuition – it becomes a meditation, the vibration resonates through your bones, it becomes part of your heartbeat.” Bristolin in Stereo: Stereo: 29 Bristol 29
The song took on deeper resonance, reminding her of a friend who had passed away. “When I was singing I could feel him there in the room, right there in my chest.” Our conversation is punctuated by these stories of tragic goodbyes and lives lost – yet there’s a resolve that burns through. I ask if she sees it as a hopeful album. “I do. I know that there’s a lot of questioning but I think that’s part of what art does and hopefully there’s some language that people understand, that helps people heal.” Chan certainly seems more at ease with who she is. “I used to be so ashamed of being a musician because it felt snobbish. So I lied, told people ‘I’m just a waitress’ then, later, ‘I’m just a writer’.”
“I’m so proud of myself that I love my life now, that I didn’t turn away from hope.”
This guilt seemed to affect her during her turbulent early career. The legend grew – with some notes of truth – of an artist prone to breakdowns, stage fright, and profound insecurity. It was crystallised in early albums, like 1998’s beautiful, stark Moon Pix. This year she returned to play that album in full for an anniversary show in Australia. “That Sydney show was super-duper special for me - more potent than winning any Grammy award. I had to step into the suit of the person who wrote that stuff. I remembered a lot about that person - how she was fight or flight, and trying to maintain resilience. I felt completely lost as many people do when they’re growing up,” she says softly, pausing. “I guess the trick to being happy is to go through it.” “I’m so proud of myself that I love my life now, that I didn’t turn away from hope.” Listening to Wanderer, you can hear that hard-won hope – the sound of life – pulsing through it. Cat Power releases her new album, Wanderer, October 5th via Domino. @CATPOWER
@CatPowerSun
Bristol in Stereo: 31
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Bristol in Stereo: 33
photos: Sean Brackbill
RECORD OF THE MONTH “Each record I make is more of an amalgamation of who I am,” says John Grant. “The more I do this, the more I trust myself, and the closer I get to making what I imagine in my head.” So, what does John Grant’s imagination sound like on Love is Magic? Danny Wright got Tim Boddy and Hassan Anderson together to find out. What are your general feelings towards John Grant and his music? Hassan: I really loved Pale Green Ghosts. He’s a unique singer and can write well. His humour is a breath of fresh air, especially considering the fact that he tackles pretty heavy subject matter too. Rant over. Tim: Yeah, I also got into him around that time; it was the film Weekend that really hooked me into his work. I then explored Queen of Denmark; that is probably one of my fave albums of the 00s. I quite frankly think he’s a treasure that needs to be protected at all costs. (Also, rant over.) Two very good rants. So what do you make of Love Is Magic? It's a bit of a sonic shift from Pale Green Ghosts. Hassan: Agreed - I really like it though. It feels like he’s made the shift an authentic one. On
JOHN GRANT LOVE IS MAGIC Pale Green Ghosts there’s a combo of sort of guitar/piano-led ballads, then some disco/ electronic tracks too, and I remember being struck by how he managed to sit the two together so well. This new album obviously places him sonically in the former but it doesn’t feel like he’s done a Kid A or anything. Tim: Yes, he’s certainly deft at sitting two sounds together - often within the same track, like the opening track. I’ll admit it was a bit of a jarring experience at first - especially as the album goes straight in with a more... chaotic sound. But after a couple of listens my brain started to catch-up with his vision and what he was doing. Does his sense of humour come through? Hassan: He’s mentioned that he’s into British comedy and I feel, like on the opening track and other places, his delivery has a Howard Moonlike Boosh feel. That’s meant as a compliment. Tim: I was genuinely cackling away in public on certain tracks. It seems like he’s decided to really push the humour even more than he did before. The album is more reminiscent of Grant’s tangents at his live shows (which I’ve been blown away by) - that caustic wit and joyous yet dark surrealism, but never captured on record so well as on this one.
Are there any stand-out lines for you? Hassan: ‘Smug Cunt’ is fucking funny. Tim: Absolutely. ‘Diet Gum’, too. Hassan: I think the chorus line in that is one of my favourites. Tim: “Like I should feel grateful you are in my life / I'd rather dig out my spleen with a butter knife”, “Idaho... EVER HEARD OF IT?”. Angry John! I feel like this discussion could just be a list of Grant’s most warped and hilarious lyrics.
“Did you know that he mentions cheese on four of the tracks? That’s my top album fact.” - Tim Boddy
Does the album have a theme, would you say? Tim: Like most good artists, Grant holds up a mirror to society/the world. There's a chaotic, absurdist element to the album, fused with the everyday and banal. There's a lot going on! Hassan: To me it seems like a mish-mash of experience filtered through JG’s kitsch/ironic retro-dystopian lens. Tim: …with cheese. Did you know that he mentions cheese on four of the tracks? That’s my top album fact. Hassan: That’s un-brie-lievable. Tim: Maybe the next album will be his r‘n’brie album. I’m glad these reviews have finally moved on to cheese puns! Aside from cheese, I thought it was interesting the way he took news headlines and put them into the songs. Hassan: I saw that he said people read those headlines, and then just go and buy a cheese sandwich. Like, there’s an absurd montage feel to reality people just seem to go through without paying much attention. But actually it’s fucking mental. Tim: Yeah. It’s the thought process of a (very good) stand-up comedian in some ways. Does the political message get lost because of the humour? Hassan: I think politics today is like a comedy show. It’s why comedians say they have such a hard time writing about Trump, etc. So I think the idea that a discussion of politics needs to be serious perhaps doesn’t apply as much. Humour just seems like a far more effective way of making a point. Tim: Yeah. It links into that absurdist side - by using bizarre lyrics to mimic what's going on. I think he achieves this in a smart way heightening his message, I’d argue.
And finally, if one song on the record sums it up what would you choose? Tim: Tough question. Perhaps ‘Preppy Boy’ which showcases many of the Italo-disco/ electronic elements, while being something of a banger. Lyrically it mixes an earnest approach with the classic Grant dark wit. A middle-ground between the more ‘out there'’ tracks, and ballads. Hassan: Ooooh, hard. I love ‘Smug Cunt’. But I’m going to be bait and say ‘Love Is Magic’ for me. John Grant releases Love Is Magic October 12th via Bella Union. LIVE: The Forum, Bath, October 31st @johngrantmusic
@johngrantmusic Bristol in Stereo: 35 Bristol in Stereo: 35
NENEH CHERRY
BROKEN POLITICS Smalltown Supersound October 19th
CHAI PINK
Heavenly Recordings October 12th Effervescing with urgent, frenetic rhythms, bubble-gum melodies and high-octane vocals, PINK exudes unadulterated exuberance and irresistible charm. The debut release from Japanese four-piece CHAI, their kaleidoscopic kawaii-meets-punk attitude defies expectation at every turn with mischievous buoyancy. Across the six tracks, CHAI embrace self-love and acceptance, reject beauty norms, tackle the world of modern dating and alight on the ‘Hello Kitty cult’ with their playful and defiant vitality. The versatility of their sound is astounding as they deliver the funkiest bass riffs on ‘Boyz Seco Men’ whilst ‘N.E.O’ offers a heady fusion of sharp, relentless dance rhythms and roaring vocals imbued with garage-rock sensibilities. An inimitable debut, CHAI are resolutely here to wrap you up in their curious, saccharine world and you won’t want to leave. Kezia Cochrane
Neneh Cherry albums don’t come around often enough. Only her fifth solo LP in a career dating back to the 80s, Broken Politics is exactly the kind of thing our ears need to encounter more regularly. Taking a stand against the ongoing shitshow that is the world in an elegant but damning manner – she’s not mad, just, y’know, disappointed – Cherry exudes as much class and wisdom as ever, while Four Tet’s masterful production provides a tremendous backdrop of electronica, dub and jazz. Whereas much of the album explores the current societal malaise, the allusion to the American Civil War in “Shot Gun Shack” points to how deep the problems she addresses run. That they inspire music as great as this is a small but significant silver lining. Thomas Hannan
ADRIANNE LENKER ABYSSKISS Saddle Creek October 5th Here’s a game for you; can you listen to the latest solo record from Big Thief’s Adrianne Lenker, without your eyeballs leaking? Maybe buy some shares in Kleenex (other tissue brands are available), before you crack into abysskiss. Delicate opener ‘terminal paradise’ finds Lenker ruminating over her death, with vocals almost whispered over delicate acoustic guitars. It sets the tone for most of the record, but it’s not entirely single-paced; ‘out of your mind’ is a bit more up-tempo, even if it won’t set any dancefloors on fire. For the most part, a beautiful hushedvocals-over-acoustics aesthetic abounds. It’s maybe not the best choice of aural pleasure unless you have time for a ruddy good cry, but if you do; dive in, it’s beautiful. Simone Scott Warren
MARIE DAVIDSON
WORKING CLASS WOMAN Ninja Tune October 5th Working Class Woman is a twisted, abrasive and darkly humorous take on dance music and life in Berlin. Opener ‘Your Biggest Fan’ brazenly mocks club culture: “Are you doing a DJ set tonight?” Davidson’s spoken text rings out, sneering sarcastically. With foundations laid by her last album, 2016’s Adieux Au Dancefloor, Working Class Woman builds on the dance floor blueprint. From the hi-hats and thumping groove of ‘The Psychologist’, to the haunting techno of ‘Burn Me’, to the brighter, more melodic tones of ‘So Right’, Davidson layers probing lyricism – some in English and some in French – over snarling club rhythms and textures. “I work all the fucking time,” she says in industrial cut ‘Work It’, “Work, sweat, work to be a winner.” It’s a robotic acknowledgement of the unforgiving nature of club land, a nod to hard work and a nod to appreciating your own success – “Work for yourself, love yourself.” For all the largely scathing lyrics and harsh, industrial soundscapes – exemplified in cacophonous ‘The Tunnel’ – there are moments of respite, too. Slowly chiming ‘Day Dreaming’ oozes warmth, the melodies sounding almost choral and closer ‘La chambre intérieure’ twinkles dreamily, fading out as Davidson whispers intimately in French. The fine line between playfulness and disdain blurs across the record, so has Davidson’s extensive touring made her bitter toward the industry she’s negotiating? Or, is she serving up a few home truths whilst understanding herself, laughing at the rest of us and getting on with what she does best? Katie Thomas
MOLLY BURCH
MØ
Captured Tracks October 5th
Chess Club/RCA Victor October 5th
FIRST FLOWER
More than a year on from her criticallyacclaimed debut, LA native Molly Burch returns, laying bare her soul in the intimate First Flower. As she confronts her own battles against anxiety and imperfections with an empowering lyrical twist, the singer-songwriter’s vocals take centre stage throughout the album, backed with a tranquil and harmonious blend of acoustic and orchestral instruments. Lead single, ‘Wild’ details Burch’s search for self-acceptance, finding the ideal balance between celebrating flaws and idolizing others, while title track ‘First Flower’ marks a wistful dream-pop effort in the form of a classic love song. Remarkably, where ‘Good Behaviour’ works to challenge the expectations placed upon us, it’s the confident and unapologetic nature of ‘To The Boys’ that makes a lasting impression. Kelly Ronaldson
FOREVER NEVERLAND In the four years since MØ released her debut album, No Mythologies To Follow, the Danish pop hero has become a global star via Major Lazer collab ‘Lean On’ and worked with everyone from Justin Bieber to Charli XCX (featured here on ‘If It’s Over’). It’s the latter’s approach - pop but make it weird - that Karen Marie Ørsted deploys on Forever Neverland. Yes, the record is full of sunny electronic pop (‘Sun In Our Eyes’) and lusty bops (‘I Want You’), but its oddities are where it really shines. On ‘Nostalgia’, Ørsted guides us through the decline of a relationship in spoken-word verses and carnival rhythms. ‘Blur’, meanwhile, combines a ‘Where Is My Mind?’ acoustic strum with vocoder vocals and synthetic blares to make something strangely emotional and delightfully offbeat. Rhian Daly Bristol in Stereo: 37 Bristol in Stereo: 37
CHAOUCHE
PROGRESSION EP Night Time Stories November 2nd Sometimes the universe feels aligned. Sometimes it’s out of kilter. Sometimes you wake up and realise that you’ve overdone it on a school night (again); you wonder what will ease your troubled mind. You scrabble through, with jam for brains, until you put on Aisha Chaouche’s EP, Progression. The fog lifts; the world becomes much brighter. This effect is no coincidence. Darkness may underlie these ambient tracks, often through sombre, imposing piano chords, but light prevails, ultimately taking the foreground. Chaouche’s voice enchants. The songs form a suite, portraying the ongoing duality of having fears, yet remaining courageous. Anyone struggling to come to terms with themselves, be it with a hangover or bigger and more permanent tribulations, should make this EP part of the healing process. Jon Kean
HELENA DELAND
FROM THE SERIES OF SONGS ‘ALTOGETHER UNACCOMPANIED' VOL. III AND VOL. IV Luminelle Recordings // October 19th Much of Helena Deland’s music is beautifully disjointed – splintered in structure, lyrically oblique, varied in genre – and concerns memory. It’s fitting for Deland to have released disparate ‘memories in song form’ this year in short volumes instead of a full record. The final installment of the Montréal artist’s Altogether Unaccompanied series is not so much a significant step up from Vol. I & Vol. II than it is a continuation of Deland’s intricate, intimate songwriting. ‘Two Queries’ is a creaking, Angel Olsen-esque song that does find some unity in its noirish counterpart, ‘A Stone is a Stone’. But these tracks pale in comparison to the hypnotic highs of ‘Rise’ and the fibrous, synth-pop tug of anxiety anthem, ‘Claudion’. The latter two songs make Deland’s memories everlasting. Charlotte Krol
BRIDGES
ON AND ON LIKE THIS Rose Coloured Records Out Now Despite undeniable comparisons to some of the biggest names in indie rock, local quartet Bridges manage to naturally maintain their unique, small-band spark without diminishing their talents in any way. Having been contributing to the scene here for so long, there’s something about Bridges’ music that beautifully captures the essence of underground Bristol, and their forthcoming EP is certainly no exception. The aptly-named On And On Like This flows like an embodiment of our detailed city, driving and immediate, yet with the most intricate and haunting guitar work that Bridges have ever produced. Themes of love, youth and reflection during ‘Amor’ and ‘Sunday’ find a harmonic balance between heart-wrenching and uplifting, in turn marking this the band’s most emotional work to date. Kelly Ronaldson
KURT VILE
BOTTLE IT IN Matador October 12th Hey, everyone! Death is coming! That's what Kurt Vile’s here to gently remind us and Bottle It In, his first album in three years, encourages us to sit with the certainty. It’s best listened to when the air is cooling, with a blanket wrapped around you on a deserted beach as each guitar pedal takes on a personality of its own. Reverse delay appropriately narrates second single ‘Backasswards’ — a song about coming back down to Earth after a day of daydreaming, and Mary Lattimer’s harp adds a welcome element unheard of in any previous Kurt record. But in classic Vile style, the songs sprawl with his drooling improvisations on love and death and his little lot in life. Those waiting for hooks won't get them. The riffs repeat and remind us to stay in the moment, to go with the flow, to love everything you have. Death is coming. Emma Madden
ADVANCE BASE ANIMAL COMPANIONSHIP
Run For Cover/Orindal Records October 5th Since retiring his renowned Casiotone For The Painfully Alone moniker in 2010, Owen Ashworth’s Advance Base has never sounded better than over the ten songs that comprise Animal Companionship. There’s something astutely pure in Ashworth’s approach to songwriting here that speaks utter volumes for his incomparable twenty-year career. Though these songs are typically laden in subjects of pain, nostalgia, heartbreak, and melancholy, Animal Companionship proves to be an immensely therapeutic experience for Ashworth and his fans alike. From the delicate instrumentation on ‘Dolores & Kimberly’ that seem to trigger goosebumps on cue, to hearing Ashworth drolly imitate barking on ‘Your Dog’, it’s an album that deserves an honest listen and truly leaves the listener with a better sense of self and sensitivity. Harriet Taylor
HOW TO DRESS WELL THE ANTEROOM Domino October 19th A decade into his career as How To Dress Well, Tom Krell is gunning for something boundarybreaking with his fifth record The Anteroom. Ambition doesn’t always translate to the finished product though and opener ‘Human’s Disguised As Animals’ feels short of any inventiveness. The thirteen lengthy tracks play as one continuous piece as he dabbles along with a personal narrative, fragile vocals and emotive synths. Krell dips in and out of different ideas but rarely commits himself to any of them. He has however mastered the art of build and release as the intimate moments satisfyingly grow into turbulent bouts of chaos. This album is soothing and easy to lose yourself in, but the overall package comes off as something nondescript and doesn’t do enough to truly excite the senses. Rhys Buchanan Bristol in Stereo: 39 Bristol in Stereo: 39
Bristol in Stereo: 41
OCTOBER LISTINGS
Fu l l L i ve Listings for B r i s to l
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OCTOBER LISTINGS
Bristol in Stereo: 43
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OCTOBER LISTINGS
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OCTOBER LISTINGS
Bristol in Stereo: 45
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OCTOBER LISTINGS
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OCTOBER LISTINGS
Bristol in Stereo: 47
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OCTOBER LISTINGS
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OCTOBER LISTINGS
Bristol in Stereo: 49
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OCTOBER LISTINGS
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OCTOBER LISTINGS
Bristol in Stereo: 51
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OCTOBER LISTINGS
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OCTOBER LISTINGS
Bristol in Stereo: 53
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The Gallimaufry
Waldo’s Gift
Out of this world musicianship combines Hip-hop, Math, Jazz, Groove & Electronica
3 Oct ~ Feat. Pete Cunningham
Ishmael Ensemble’s saxophonist & producer fills Alun Elliot-Williams’ shoes
10 Oct ~ Sketch On Glass takeover
Improvised electronics trio with members of Waldo’s Gift, Feelgood Experiment & Snazzback
17 Oct ~ Feat. Steve Lyman (José James)
US drummer and educator joins Waldo’s Gift as part of his UK tour
24 Oct ~ Waldo’s Gift Trio
Alun Elliott-Williams – Guitar, Harry Stoneham – Bass, James Vine – Drums
31 Oct ~ Reworks: Taylor Mcferrin
Multi instrumentalist, producer. Playing ‘Early Riser’ in it’s entirity
thegallimaufry.co.uk
with
Adrian Dutt @ Rough Trade Bristol
When did you move to Bristol? I crawled out of the Devon countryside and into the big city back in January 2011. Who’s your top Bristol artist at the moment? Is this one of those trick click-bait questions that promoters put up to start in-fighting amongst bands? There are so many great young bands doing interesting things right now. I love Wych Elm and had a sneaky listen to their new EP recently. It is very special indeed. Spectres are doing some shows with Sans soon, they’re a flipping raucous, ferocious new prospect. Obviously I couldn't not mention Giant Swan, having seen them grow from experimental drone in a prison cell to the absolute techno beast they are today, traversing the world and staying humble and inspired still. All my friends are in bands, so I feel like I'll get ostracised for not listing an A-Z. Maybe just come and ask me in Rough Trade and I'll tell you some more. What’s your favourite thing about the city? Its rich vein of creative inspiration and the great five-a-side football games. And your least favourite? Toss up between the number one and two bus or seagulls.
What are your go-to places to eat and drink? The problem with working in a record shop with a venue and bar, is that it feels like we never leave. When we do, we tend to head to The Crown, The Lanes, Three Brothers, Chilli Daddy, etc – and we are still mourning the loss of Katie & Kim's. What’s the perfect way to spend a day here? Dig for records, hunt for peregrines, find a hobby, have fun. Any top venues? All the good independent ones. What’s in store for Rough Trade for the remainder of 2018? We've got so many great shows lined up, the diary is jam-packed which is really nice. Kero Kero Bonito, Simple Things, Duds, Frigs, Kississippi along with so many more. We've got a real good set of promoters putting on events here, but we always welcome more, so if you're looking for somewhere to host a show, pop in! Rough Trade Bristol is an exemplary record store, venue and cafÊ run by the long-standing team from Rise Records.
Bristol in Stereo: 55 Brisol in Stereo: 55
Bristol in Stereo: 57
End of The Road Festival LARMER TREE GARDENS, DORSET. AUGUST 3OTH - SEPTEMBER 2ND
THERE’S GOLD IN THEM THERE WOODS A lot of really great things happen on the main stage (Gruff Rhys, for one), a lot of magic happens in the Big Top (Tirzah, of course), but the real joy of EoTR lies beyond the obvious places, deep among the trees. Look: there’s Ezra Furman and John Cale having a lovely chat. And over there: a Ferris wheel spinning at terrifying speeds. There’s a disco with a light-up floor and forest games that are actually really fun (hi, Boomerang Bowling). You’re often lost, there’s always intrigue and constantly a feeling anything can and will happen.
MAN CAN’T LIVE ON CHEESE ALONE...BUT ...we can try. EoTR’s food offerings are pretty much unchallenged by any festival other than those weird Tory ones where Michelin star chefs look sad under canvas. The pizza’s exceptional, the pies warm our souls, there’s actually good breakfast options and the vegans seem real happy. But, really, the cheese: First, there’s the raclette stall where potatoes, sausages and more are smothered in molten heaven, but mostly there’s The Cheese Truck: a festival staple that’s done more over the last few years to keep us strong at festivals than anyone. Bless those brave and beautiful toasters of sandwiches.
IT AIN’T ALL, Y’KNOW, MUSIC AND STUFF We’re more-or-less fine with music, but we are also cultured creatures that need more. Thankfully EoTR caters to our needy whims. Prince Charles Cinema and Gruff Rhys curate impeccable movies, Babak Ganjei sells band names (just £205 for Pervert Cat!), the beer and gin bars are stocked just so and the comedy stage counters our long-held suspicion that comedians aren’t very funny.
words: Nate Rockwell photography: Rachel Juarez-Carr, Burak Cingi, Chris Juarez
THE BIG HITTERS HIT REALLY HARD Having somehow never seen St. Vincent live before and with rumours of slightly awkward, uninviting shows, expectations were medium. St. Vincent was so much fun. St. Vincent is the best. Having never seen Vampire Weekend live and believing them to be actually awful, expectations were damn low. Vampire Weekend turn out to be really fun live! Having never seen Feist live expectations were high. She ran out of time so didn’t play ‘1234’, but Feist still ruled.
EOTR IS A-OK There are roughly a hundred million festivals in the world and you should really go to all of them but, honestly, you should always, always go to End of The Road. Regardless of line-up or the chore of sleeping in a tent, it’s a unique and lifeaffirming experience that never fails to fill us with wonder, genuine happiness and the desire for it all to just start again. C’mon 2019.
Bristolin in Stereo: Stereo: 59 Bristol 59
Behind Every Musician
@WeAreTheMU
ert.indd 1
10/05/2
More than just a rehearsal space Rehearsal Rooms | Music School | Cafe
0117 972 1830
firebirdstudios.co.uk
21-23 Emery Rd, Bristol, BS4 5PF
What I learned from Mannequin Man by Kate Collyns Robbed of their lives’ purpose, mannequins around Bristol seem to be quickly losing their clothes. Once a means of selling outfits, these naked ladies now seem to sell anything and everything, riding a capitalist wave that sees body parts used to shift stuff from cars to ice-cream.
When walking through a market in town the other day, I was confronted by one such lady, unclothed and tied at ankle and waist like a plastic hostage. Was this stall here promoting regular mammograms? Selling moisturiser at least? Nah, books. I decided to enquire with the bloke running the stall, to see 2017 11:10what his reasoning was here. What followed turned into a two-hour conversation – missed yoga, I do have a life you know – and an opportunity for Mannequin Man to share his pearls of wisdom on the broader topic of feminism. According to him, for example, women having to conform to a certain body image is the result of women-on-women pressure, evidenced by an soap advert in a 50s magazine he may have been subtly trying to flog me. Of course, 50s ad companies were notorious for being dominated by high-powered female execs, nearly all of them called Peggy (#MadMen).
He then enlightened me to the mind-blowing fact that we “all came from chimps.â€? Shooting down my mentions of the Civil Rights Movement, suffrage, and the legalisation of gay marriage, he asserted that society hasn’t really changed. But then maybe it hasn’t for white men, I guess? As we continued, passing lads took shifts making sexually lurid gestures toward my plastic counterpart. Sadly, he wasn’t into the connection between the normalising of this and what would happen to women on dancefloors around Bristol that same Saturday night. It was all becoming a bit uphill. He expressed stark disinterest in the #MeToo movement, despite having two daughters. He suggested that I “go to therapyâ€? to fix my concerns about gender relations, before recounting his childhood at a boarding school run by cruel female principles. For a guy with a lot to say, he told me more than he even realised. Our chat ended in an amicable handshake and the potential for round two next week. Although any wins were small, it reminded this lefty that, if you’ve got the time and patience, it’s healthy to reach out to ‘the other side’. But most of all I learnt: if you see a naked mannequin tied to the corner of a book stall and you think it’s a bit creepy‌ That’s probably because it fucking is.
Bristolin inStereo: Stereo: 61 Bristol 61
YOUR
MUSIC CAREER STARTS HERE
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Bristol in Stereo: 63