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Bristol best of 2014: Gigs
1. East India Youth, The Louisiana – February 4
Between announcing his Louisiana gig and playing his Louisiana gig, William Doyle (above) aka East India Youth received a wave of exceptional press which helped turn it into one of the most hotly anticipated sold out gigs of the first part of the year. His compelling one-man show took you on a journey through a wide range of influences from 80s electro sounds to stark, yet powerful James Blake vibes. It wasn’t long before he returned to Bristol to play more gigs.
2. Who Is William Onyeabor?, Colston Hall – April 2
Bristol was one of just two places which hosted this special show (the other being the London Barbican) and featured a range of musicians, including Ghostpoet, Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip), Kele Okereke (Bloc Party). It was born out of the interest around the release, last year, of Who Is Williams Onyeabor album on David Byrne’s Luaka Bop label, which focussed on a five year search for the elusive Nigerian artist.
3. tUnE-yArDs, Trinity Centre – July 2
It had been a while since Merrill Garbus played Bristol (last time being at the Fleece a few years back) and she returned with her band, tUnE-yArDs, and the converted church was abuzz with excitement as the diverse crowd marvelled at her vocal range, which includes yodelling, forceful drumming and excellent use of percussion to create a messy but brilliant sound sensation. Support came from the fantastic Bristol act, She Makes War.
4. Gruff Rhys, Woodlands Church – September 11
A special one-off event at this working church, Super Furry Animals frontman Gruff Rhys popped across the bridge to share with us his stories and songs which make up his American Interior concept album. A strong, informative and humorous narrative ran throughout the concert combining with the lyrically rich catchy indie songs to create a magical evening.
5. Opeth, O2 Academy – October 10
Anticipation was high as Stockholm’s prog-metal titans chose Bristol to launch their world tour in support of album of the year Pale Communion, which even got a five-star review in The Guardian. They didn’t disappoint, with a crystal-clear sound and a well-balanced set that delved unexpectedly into their death metal past as if to silence the trolls who prefer them not to progress.
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