Jamie T is certainly an artist who has made a massive name for himself over the last year. Although he has been making music since 2007, his latest album The Theory of Whatever went straight to Number 1 in the UK album charts when it was released back in July this year. After playing a few intimate record release shows on his own, Jamie took his full band out with him to tour England, Scotland and Wales on a full run of sold out shows.

Opening up the show was 86TVs, who were playing their first show in Cardiff. Unfortunately, due to Wales playing their first game in the World Cup, not many people came down early to the show, but those of us who did come down were in for a treat.

Their indie rock style got the crowd warmed up well, and although not many people knew the songs they captivated the audience well, and treated us to a mix of their songs, from the oldest first tracks to some as yet to be released songs. I really liked their style, especially as they switched which of the three front people took lead singer on each song.

And then, at just after 9pm, the stage went dark and out came Jamie T. He opened his set with Brand New Bass Guitar, quite fitting with just him and his acoustic bass on stage, before the fell band came on and joined him for Operation, which really got the crowd going. From my place in the photo pit, it was so loud, as the first mosh pits of the night started erupting.

So Lonely Was The Ballad was the first song to see a crowd surfer, and had Jamie running around the stage, singing to all corners of the audience. He certainly worked up a sweat, and by song 4 the denim jacket had come off revealing Jamie’s almost trademark football shirt.

After this it all went dark and chants and cries came from the audience. It was clear they were all excited for this show and wanted everything Jamie had to give. But don’t worry, Jamie was certainly delivering. For Rabbit Hole, Jamie was illuminated from the back, so those of us up on the balcony and anyone who decided to look back could see a perfect silhouette of the man himself on the back wall.

By the time we got around to Don’t You Find, the pints were flying from the crowd and Jamie absolutely shredded away at his guitar, before getting everyone to do the singalong part of the song. Salvador and Back In The Game, just like the songs before it, had everyone singing along and filling in the backing vocals where needed.

Old Style Raiders was an interesting song. From my place up on the balcony, it looked as if a mosh pit was about to open up, but in fact a few members of the crowd thought it would be a good time to have a fight. Credit to security for dealing with it quickly and effectively, and with no hesitation Jamie got right back into playing for those who wanted to come and be peaceful.

For the rest of the set, the energy was kept high, the singalongs kept coming and the pints kept flying from the audience. Although for this show Jamie wasn’t throwing any back from the stage. If You Got The Money was falsely claimed as the last song, and although a few people had to make their way, most of the crowd kept up the chants and shouts while everything went dark.

Jamie and his band came back to the stage, and to bring the night to a close was Sheila, Stick ‘N’ Stones and finally Zombie to finish. Once more the crowds went mad and everyone was singing along and enjoying themselves.

As always, a massive thank you to the venue staff and security for helping make a great night, and to Jamie T, his band and 86TVs for putting on a great show.

Review and photos by Ted Stargatt

After going absolutely MASSIVE post-lockdown, Isle Of Wight indie band WET LEG brought their circus of a show to Bristol’s O2 Academy, for their third visit to the city in just over a year. This was also the first run of the UK leg of their debut, self-titled album tour.

Opening the show was Lava La Rue, who brought their soft indie melodies, but with a twist of almost everything else at one point or another. There was some funk and soul, reggae, rap, and some techno style songs, while their frontperson danced around the stage As a support band, they got the crowd ready and warmed up for main act of the night.

This show had sold out almost instantly, with people scouring the internet for tickets wherever possible before the show. Apparently this one was also really hot on the press front, so we were lucky enough to be invited along to the show.

And at about 9:15, out on stage came the band, sticking to their almost unique styles that match their personalities. Hester came out sporting a very current and fashionable white patterned top and black flaired trousers, where as Rhian came out wearing tie on cat ears, a red and white crop top, fishnets and a log brown skirt. Although two very individual styles of dress and personality, they are certainly one band when it comes to sound.

The night opened with Being In Love, with the crowd being mostly quiet, bar a few extra dedicated fans, but as soon as Wet Dream started, they instantly picked up and started enjoying themselves. Across the venue, people were dancing and singing, just generally having fun and enjoying themselves, many people happy to be finally able to see the band they have wanted to see for so long.

Convincing followed next, before going straight into Supermarket. Their deceptively simple yet catchy songs are one thing that draws people into them. Simple songs about love, romance, going to the shops. It’s no wonder their debut album went straight to number 1.

After that it was time for introductions across the board, and a quick band check in to make sure everyone was happy, both on stage and those watching. It was discovered that it was an audience members birthday too, so a few nice shouts of ‘Happy Birthday’ went up from across the venue.

Throughout the rest of the night we were treated to more of the bands discography, including Obvious, Oh No and UFO, which had Rhian singing like a theremin. It’s A Shame and I Don’t Wanna Go Out went through seamlessly, one to the other, before a quick briefing, for the next one.

If you’ve ever seen WET LEG before, you’ll know there is a bit of audience participation needed for Ur Mum. Well unfortunately nothing, one audience member was a bit too prepared for the scream and there was a small medical incident in the pit. I know I always put it at the end of each review, but on this occasion I wanted to make a special point of thanking the security team in the venue last night for a quick, effective and safe treatment of the person injured and making sure they got the help they needed. This did also mean the song was ended there, and we were straight into Too Late Now.

And then a guitar riff started that I recognised, but one I was sure wasn’t by WET LEG. An amazing rendition of Idles Never Trust A Man With A Perm was given out to the audience, and especially to the delight of a certain Mr Joe Talbot, who was enjoying singing his own song back to the band on stage from the bar!

Angelica, the self-confessed WET LEG nerd’s favourite song came straight afterwards, with the most dedicated audience members (me included), really showing themselves as the ones who had not just come for one song, before the song everyone knew would finish the set was next.

With a slightly heavier, overdriven intro than that on the album, Chaise Longue brought the night to a close, with everyone joining in for the call and response, and some mini mosh pits breaking out during the guitar solos.

Although WET LEG may have gone off the radar slightly, but they are certainly a band that are still out there making a killing of a show, and entertaining audiences wherever they may go. There may be one song they are remembered by for a long time, but anyone who has seen them live knows they are much more than that.

Review and photos by Ted Stargatt

With a sentimental place in my heart after seeing this band way back in 2016 in a small venue deep in Bournemouth, it was an absolute pleasure to see them again now, as the fully fledged indie pop sensation that they are. With my late teens soundtracked by their self-titled debut album, they really do hold a very special place in my heart, and it’s very safe to say that I was not disappointed by this set at the 02 Academy. 

Opening with synth drenched track >>There’s a reason why (I never returned your calls) an eclectic wave of energy surfed throughout the Academy, a perfect choice of opening track. It’s enticing and endearing – this matches the persona of the band, they have a charming allure about them. Honestly, each member is ethereal, and glows with talent and devotion. 

A noticeable track being >>Your Girlfriend. It was strategically placed mid-set. Energy was floating high and it has a delightful bass line, it’s incredibly catchy and has that feel good vibe of indie pop that is forever lovely (and forever stuck in your head) ((I’m not sad about it, its and absolute banger))

An honourable mention that cannot be forgotten, is the doubtlessly flawless ensemble of Blossoms track >>My Favourite Room bleeding into Oasis’ >>Half the World Away. Which, of course, flooded the crowd with sentiment, as everyone emptied their lungs to scream along. As if you couldn’t please a crowd more, front person Tom (playing onstage alone with just acoustic guitar) then started playing chords for >>Last Christmas and exclaimed that ‘It’s november, right?’ This poured petrol to the fire that was a massive sing along, and continued long after Tom left the stage for the encore. 

The sets flow was foolproof, an impeccable mix of staple tracks from their debut self titled album, and their newest album >>Ribbon Around the Bomb. Obviously, drawing the beautiful set to a close with the track undoubtedly got them to where they are now, Charlemagne. I remember hearing this song whilst getting ready for school in 2016, as it was featured on BBC Radio1’s track of the day. This song inevitably leads the band to commercial success, yet that doesn’t take away from the fact that it is a killer track, that’s like a tsunami of energy when played live. 

Altogether, I cannot fault Blossoms show, it was everything I hoped for and more. It was incredibly sentimental and nostalgic for not just me, but the entire room. It has reignited my adoration for this indie pop band from Stockport. 

Review by Kate Feast, originally written for The Bristol Gig Guide.
Photos by Ted Stargatt for TrueStyleMusic. No use without permission.

Tonight’s support came from The Cruel Knives, a 4 piece hard rock/alternative rock band from the UK who are a perfect fit for a warm up act with their crashing drums and thundering bass and shrieking guitars and powerful vocals.

After a short break, The Pretty Reckless appear onto a dark stage to the sound of a siren that is loud and gets the attention of the sold out venue. A blast of strong lighting gets the show underway and they launch into the first song, title track Death by Rock and Roll, as Taylor Momsen struts out onto the stage wearing a black leather jacket, short black slip/dress and her big soled black boots and with her long flowing blonde hair she launches into the track with her power ridden vocals hitting the crowd. We are off on a music filled extravaganza!

Tracks Since you’re gone, Only Love can Save Me Now and So It Went follow in quick succession as Momsen struts her way around the stage cavorting and playing up to the crowd, who are firmly in the palm of her hand. Next up is arguably their biggest hit to date and the one that catapulted them into rock stardom; Make Me Wanna Die. This one see’s everyone shouting the lyrics back at a visibly appreciative Momsen and the energy is electric. The next song to get a big reaction is Medicine as Momsen straps on a guitar and invites everyone to join in, which they willing do as Momsen screams “Bristol you are awesome.”

The slower track Take Me Down is announced as the final track, met by screams of boo as the now frenzied audience doesn’t want this musical free fall to end. As it finishes the band exit stage right and the waiting crowd stamp their feet and whistle loudly some shouts of “Taylor Taylor!”. The band return to the stage after a few minutes and Momsen thanks them for an amazing night. This really is the last song Momsen proclaims as they launch into Fucked up World with its power drum intro and Momsen lets rip with her gripping vocals and the place errupts again.

Its great to see that The Pretty Reckless are back to their best with a very polished performance that was full on from start to finish and the audience left very entertained and full-filled.

Review and Photos By Martin Smith. No use without permission.

Saturday night at the Cheese and Grain in Frome The Lightning Seeds in the third date of their month long tour. This gig sold out weeks ago so I knew the crowd were expecting a good show.

Tonight’s support came in the form of Badly Drawn Boy (aka Damon Gough) who rose to fame in the 90’s, much like Ian Brodie and his band The Lightning Seeds. Gough arrived onto the stage at 8pm wearing his trademark Beanie hat to warm applause, running through some of his more well know songs including Something To Talk about and ending with a beautiful piano version of Silent Sigh. He played and impressive 45 minutes in which he said “I am more worn out doing a 45 minute support slot for the Seeds than a 2 hour show for myself” said with a smile and appreciation for having the chance to tour with the Lightning Seeds.

Next up was the main act, the one the crowd were eager to see. A packed venue cheered and shouted as Broudie and his band took to the stage and he greeted them with a “Hello Frome how are you” to which the crowd responded by shouting back various responses. Brodie and the band took to their places and he quipped “tonight is a mix of old and new songs….but mainly the older ones!” which hit the spot with the crowd. First up however was new song Sunshine, track 5 from new album “See you in the stars” released last month, which due to it’s recent airplay on the radio had the crowd singing along.

The audience were treated to a few songs from Jollification, two heavyweight tracks Lucky You, which included a guitar solo from Brodie and Perfect early on in the set. This is by far their most popular album to date. Great To Be Alive closely followed and This Was from the new album.

Both had a good reaction and was warmly received. While You Showed Me had them dancing, and more class songs followed with a nice triple in the shape of Sugar Coated Iceberg, The Life of Riley and Pure which led up to the two song encore. The first song being Marvellous which the crowd brought in with their singalong.

The final song of the night was Three Lions which as Broudie reminded us the World Cup was only three weeks away. The response to the song was incredible and looking round I could see everyone was singing it.

A fitting end to a great set of both old and new songs proving that the Lightning Seeds are still relevant.

Review and photos by Martin Smith for TrueStyleMusic. No use without permission.

For the penultimate show of this leg of Frank Turner’s Never Ending Tour of Everywhere, Frank brought his entourage to Bristol’s O2 Academy for a sold out night of legendary music.

Before the show, I had the pleasure of chatting to Frank and Johnny from Pet Needs about both their new albums, the tour and all things music.

The show was opened by Mash P, who is originally from Sierra Leon. Mash used to live on the streets, until he was supported by Way Out Arts, who helped him get his music career up and going and get him off the streets. Mash is now in the UK and hoping to continue his music over here.

Although only a short 20 minute set, Mash blew away the crowd who turned up early, singing his traditional African songs, but with a contemporary twist. The man certainly has lots of energy, and was bouncing and dancing around the stage. For his last song he was joined on stage by Truckstop Honeymoon, really creating a mix of two different styles but that worked really well together.

You can find out more about Way Out Arts and their work here.

And it was without a break, Truckstop Honeymoon came to do their set. Husband and Wife act Mike and Katy West brought their traditional American travelling folk songs across the pond for their tour with Frank Turner. It’s difficult to put into words their style of set, between them they’ve got a great way of engaging with the crowd and are brilliant story tellers, both through their music and between songs. Before seeing them live for the first time I was unsure if I would enjoy their set, but I have gone away with another new band I would happily see live again. They even brought their son, Julian, who lives in Bristol, to support them on the drums.

Next up was Pet Needs, a band that increasingly needs less introduction to each show they play. The energy they bring to the stage is like an explosion, and since seeing them live for the first time back in 2021, these 4 boys have really have fallen into their own style and rhythm. They are confident without being arrogant, lively without being over the top.

This leg of the tour is the first time lots of the songs from their new album Primetime Entertainment have been played, and I can guarantee they are hitting the audience well. After their set finished I overheard someone who (somehow) had never heard Pet Needs before say “It’s good to see punk is still going”. Every show they are going away with more new fans.

Pet Needs are off on their own headline tour in December:

6 – Birmingham – Dead Wax
7 – Cardiff – Clwb Ifor Bach
8 – Bristol – Exchange
9 – London – The Grace
12 – Southampton – The Joiners
13 – Leeds – Hyde Park Book Club
14 – Manchester – Gullivers
15 – Nottingham – The Bodega
16 – Colchester – Arts Centre (SOLD OUT)

Tickets for all remaining shows available here.

And then it was time for the main act of the night.

Electric guitar in hand, Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls came on stage and went straight into Four Simple Words, minus introduction. From the off, we knew this was going to be a hardcore show. Followed by Haven’t Been Doing So Well and Photosynthesis, which got the pit open, the set was looking to be a good mix of the old and the new.

Frank was playing a 2 hour set for this show, taking a full trip from the early years through to the new album – FTHC. Lots of the classics were played, including Plain Sailing Weather, One Foot Before The Other and The solo version of Long Live The Queen, as well as some of the not so often played songs, like There She Is, Love 40 Down and Thatcher. (Unlike a lot of shows on the tour so far, Thatcher was not ended with a certain ‘chant’)

The HC in FTHC stands for Hardcore, and the songs from the new album certainly live up to that title. Punches, Non Serviam and The Gathering were all played to a wild crowd, with a big mosh pit opening up and the whole of the crowd on their toes. Even up on the balcony I could feel the heat from everyone dancing and having a good time.

Everyone was jumping up and down for Polaroid Picture, before Get Better being the first big finish of the night. And after the short walk off and walk on, Frank returned with just his guitar to play us The Ballad, an instant crowd scream-along, always the loudest of the set.

The Sleeping Souls re-joined the stage for one last time to help Frank end the night with Recovery, Try This At Home and I Still Believe, being the final big finish of the night. Overall, it was a great night and a great penultimate performance from Frank, The Sleeping Souls, Pet Needs, Truckstop Honeymoon and Mash P.

And then Frank went off to Thekla to play a DJ set to a sold out boat.

Sadly there were two dampeners to the night. Firstly, a couple of the security guards at the O2 Academy who took it upon themselves to make the jobs of us photographers more difficult, by getting in the way and stopping us taking and crowd shots or photos outside the pit. And secondly to Thekla. Sadly, I don’t think anyone from the gig actually managed to get into the DJ set, as the ticket queue skip closed at 11, which was the same time the show ended. So the only option was to wait in a 2 hour queue and ultimately miss Frank’s DJ set. Really poor planning from the club in my opinion.

But other than that, it was a really good night, and as always a massive thank you goes to Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls, Pet Needs, Truckstop Honeymoon, Mash P, and everyone involved behind the scenes in making this show happen.

Frank is back on tour across the UK in the New Year, tickets available here now.

All words and photos by Ted Stargatt. No use without permission allowed.

After over 2 years away, US rock band The Menzingers came back to the UK, stopping off at London’s Roundhouse to play their biggest ever headline show to date. Seeing the amount of associated band top around Camden that day, I knew we were in for a big one.

The show was opened by Sincere Engineer from Chicago. The Menzingers have been taking them along on loads of their shows across the US, and have now brought them along to the UK and Europe.

Although only half an hour, they still played a blinder of a set, with a big crowd gathering early. They were a really lively band, with people singing along and getting involved. Front person Deanna seemed genuinely shocked by the level of support they were receiving, and they interacted with the crowd well. All in all, a good warm up set.

Up next was the legendary Joyce Manor. And straight from the off you could tell this was going to be a wild Saturday night in Camden. The crowd brought everything to their set, and with songs like Heart Tattoo, Constant Headache and Christmas Card they went wild. It always makes me laugh when you have a support set with crowd surfers – it shows how good they are and how on side the crowd are. And fair play to security, they handled it well.

And then it was time for the main act of the night.

Unlike most bands, The Menzingers didn’t make a new album during lockdown. Instead, they did a reworking of their latest album Hello Exile. Greg also took some time to work on his solo project. And then as soon as they could, they hit the road, playing shows across America and now the rest of the world. Greg also made a solo trip to the UK a couple of months back, playing a mix of his own songs and some Menzingers songs.

So this wasn’t a tour to promote a new album, or to advertise something going on. This was a tour for the sake of doing a tour. And these are always the best kinds.

Opening the set with Good Things was certainly a good choice. Again, straight away the crowd was electric, dancing, singing and moshing along to the music. From song 1, crowd surfers were coming over the barrier into the waiting arms of security. Playing their top Spotify song I Don’t Wanna Be An Asshole Anymore second is a change from the ordinary, with it being played last in previous tours.

I can only wish I had as much energy as Tom does when I do my day job. That man jumps around the stage like someone possessed, and it’s a wonder he has any voice left to sing the songs he takes lead on, as every time Greg is on the mic he is screaming along louder than the audience. However he has changed from his infamous ‘have fun and be yourself’ top that he used to wear at shows.

I love the Roundhouse as a venue. It’s big enough to create an amazing atmosphere, while still being able to see the show from wherever you are in the venue, and with the added advantage of the upstairs seating. The sound has always been excellent every time I’ve been too, something some other venues need to get a bit better at…

The transition from Who’s Your Partner into Anna was unmatched, and really kept that energy high.

In Remission was the first big finish of the night, before doing the classic walk-off-walk-on and coming back to play Lookers, Ava House and ending the show finally with After The Party. There was one more lot of singing, dancing and crowd surfing, before the night was done.

As always, The Menzingers put on a show like no other. The energy they bring, and that is shown back by the crowd, is something unmatched to anything I’ve seen before. The UK part of their tour is now finished, but if you get a chance to catch them in Europe or next time they come to the UK, you would be a fool to miss it.

As with every show, a massive thank you always go to the staff and security at The Roundhouse, and to everyone else involved in making the show happen.