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.
Thurs 4th May
Martha Tilston – Trinity Centre | Tickets
Martha Tilston returns to Bristol to celebrate the launch of her new album. Providing a sparky union of folk, acoustic, trip-hop and electronica, Tilston also has one of the most soothing and versatile voices you’re likely to hear.
Shortstraw – The Louisiana | Tickets
Shortstraw are a band from Joburg. They make music. Music that sounds like someone blowing on a cup of tea that’s too hot. Music that sounds like a pot of bolognese bubbling in the background. You won’t want to miss this one.
Fri, 5th May
HMLTD – The Louisiana | Tickets
Just a quick glance at HMLTD is enough to get even the least curious minds interested. The 6-piece, who are based in London – but have roots in the UK, Greece and France – have quickly crafted an infamous reputation as off-the-wall pop provocateurs.
Tax The Heat – Thekla | Tickets
Tax The Heat was born from a pure love of straight-ahead rhythm and blues music. With nods to many of their influences, the band manage to encapsulate a nostalgic edge while still producing something modern.
Sat, 6th May
Deadpunk Special – Various Venues | Tickets
The pop-punk, emo all-dayer returns to The Stag & Hounds and The Exchange for the final year in this format. Featuring performances from AJJ, The Tuts, Petal, Martha, Caves and more, you won’t want to miss this packed-out gig.
Skinny Lister – The Fleece | Tickets
Skinny Lister are a folk group with a difference. Their allure is immediate – at a time when modern homegrown folk music often spells designer bearded, theme park Americanisation, Skinny Lister are a welcome throwback to earthier bands.
Sun, 7th May
Seafret – Thekla | Tickets
Honest and captivating, Seafret’s material has a beautifully contagious feel. Writing about life as it evolves around them, the two have a rare observational eye – though young, the world is not going to pass them by.
James Paton – The Gallimaufry | Free
The Bristol Sessions is quickly becoming one of the best live soul nights Bristol has to offer, having started only a year ago. The house band welcome singers to join them every week so head to The Galli for an open mic with a twist.
Mon, 8th May
Katatonia – The Marble Factory | Tickets
This iconic Swedish metal band make the kind of unforgettable noise that has allowed them to produce stellar releases since 1991. They’ll be playing cuts from latest album The Fall of Hearts and will be supported by Ghost Bath and The Great Discord.
Clean Cut Kid – The Exchange | Tickets
Clean Cut Kid is a Liverpool-based fuzz-pop band consisting of vocalist/guitarist Mike Halls, Evelyn Halls on keyboards and vocals and Saul Godman and Ross Higginson, on bass and drums. They’ll be treating the crowd to tracks from their debut album.
Tues, 9th May
The Parrots – The Crofter’s Rights | Tickets
If you’re in the market for Madrid’s finest scuzz rock export then, oh boy, are you in luck. HEAVENLY RECORDINGS signings The Parrots return to Bristol to charm off the back of last year’s full length ‘Los Ninos Sin Miedo’.
Will Joseph Cook – Thekla | Tickets
If you’re the sort who loves bands like Phoenix or Vampire Weekend, then you’ll love the dreamy indie-pop of Will Joseph Cook. He’ll be treating the Thekla crowd to tracks from his much-anticipated new album.
Weds, 10th May
Loralie – Thunderbolt | Tickets
Loralie associate post grunge, indie rock and new wave in a colourful and wide range of varieties and taste. Formed in 2015 at university, Loralie have been compared to Wolf Alice, Sonic Youth and Dinosaur Jr.
Protoje and the Indiggnation – O2 Academy | Tickets
The InDiggNation experience provides the freedom to express beyond what would be possible with studio recordings. This dub/rock meets reggae fusion forms the signature sound and create a fitting background for equally potent lyrics.
Haven’t found what you’re looking for? Check out our full live listings here.
