Bristol is great for music – often too great, meaning there’s an overwhelming choice when it comes to picking which show or in-store you’ll end up at. So to help you with this very predicament, every Thursday, we’ll be picking out the best gigs to look forward to for the coming week. Take a look at some of the best shows Bristol has to offer below.
Tues, 20th April
Josh Doyle – The Louisiana | Tickets
You might remember Josh Doyle from late 90s/early 00s outfit DumDums. Well, he’s an award-winning singer in his own right and now lives in Nashville. An emotive and impassioned songwriter, this one’s for fans of Cat Stevens and Jackson Brown.
Plaitum – The Crofter’s Rights | Tickets
Producing darkened electro-pop, Plaitum are made up of members Matt Canham and Abi Dersiley. Gearing up to release their debut album after their hit ‘Geisha’ caught the attention of pop tastemakers, it’s sure to be the final chance to catch Plaitum in such an intimate setting.
Fri, 21st April
Laetitia Sadier – The Lantern | Tickets
Sadier is known for her work with Stereolab and continues to explore otherwordly soundscapes with her solo project. With synths that soar and dip, gorgeous guitar textures and brooding bass lines, it’ll be a treat for the ears.
Brass Junkies – The Canteen | Free
This dynamic eight-piece brass band are renowned for their relentless funky output, the band consists of trumpets, sax, trombone and all kinds of percussion. Performing a free gig in The Canteen, they’re the perfect way to kick off your weekend.
Sat, 22nd April
Strike Anywhere – The Exchange | Tickets
Deadpunk Promotions continue to bag the best punk bands around, with Strike Anywhere proving to be one of the most influential melodic hardcore bands of the past decade. Support comes from the mighty Petrol Girls and Bear Trade.
William McCarthy – Thekla | Tickets
As one-half of the founding duo We Are Augustines, William McCarthy released his first solo single last month. Keeping his distinctive twang at the forefront of his output, this show will be a chance to witness the beginnings of a fruitful solo career.
Sun, 23rd April
Rejjie Snow – The Marble Factory | Tickets
Producing soulful, immersive hip-hop, Rejjie Snow’s sprinkling of releases has seen him amass a cult following and rightly so; his refreshing take on songwriting solidifies him as one of the most exciting artists around right now. Don’t miss this one.
Al Stewart – Colston Hall | Tickets
The iconic singer-songwriter known for hits ‘The Year of the Cat’, ‘On The Border’ and ‘Time Passages’ is heading to Colston Hall for a performance alongside Dave Nachmanoff and Tim Renwick. For fans of classic crooners.
Mon, 24th April
Frankie Ballard – The Fleece | Tickets
Frankie Ballard’s quick rise as an artist after the number one success of his hit ‘Helluva Life’ has seen him amass legions of adoring fans. Producing life-affirming country-twanged rock, Ballard will appeal to those that like easy-listening, heartening lyricism.
Skymarshal – The Louisiana | Tickets
This Bristol-based three-piece bring their long-awaited EP launch to The Louisiana, with support from local acts NORRA and Jersey Banks. Producing math-tinged emo rock, Skymarshal will undoubtedly bring a passionate performance.
Tues, 25th April
GoGo Penguin – Colston Hall | Tickets
The Mercury-music prize nominated group will perform their incredible score for film Koyaanisqatsi live. Originally scored by Phillip Glass, this special and immersive visual performance will illuminate their unique and textured take on a classic.
Ocean Wisdom – The Lanes | Tickets
Presented by Bristol Külture – a new team showcasing the emerging talent of Bristol on the same platform as some of the biggest names from the UK hip-hop, ska ans bass music scenes – this first outing with feature Ocean Wisdom, Mr Woodnote and more.
Weds, 26th April
Crushed Out – The Thunderbolt | Tickets
New York duo Crushed Out produce catchy-as-hell rock and roll akin to the likes of The Dead Weather. They released their stomping album ‘Alien Ocean’ last year, so expect to hear new material as well as well-known album cuts.
Plastic Mermaids & RHAIN – The Exchange | Tickets
Chiverin have long been one of our favourite Bristol-based labels and it’s not surprising considering their stellar roster. This showcase features the brilliant Plastic Mermaids with support from the incomparable RHAIN – it’ll be a very special showcase indeed.
Haven’t found what you’re looking for? Check out our full live listings here.
