Music / Gigs
Bristol Best of 2016: gigs
1. Massive Attack, The Downs, September 3
Despite downpours, queues and the fury of at least one Tory councillor, this homecoming gig was a grand day out. Massive Attack reminded everyone why they are Bristol’s biggest band, and the superbly curated undercard featured both big names and local favourites.
Read our review of the whole day here
2. Spectres, Arnolfini, January 16
Bristol label Howling Owl’s takeover of the Arnolfini in January was a triumph, and Spectres were the highlight. “As abrasive as any cassette-only filth but rendered as precisely as cutting edge electronica,” said our review. “On this evidence they’re an alternative band for our times”.
3. Kayla Painter, The Lantern, October 22
One of the most original musicians working in Bristol today, Kayla Painter creates delicious abstractions of dance music overlaid with mournful synth melodies. Her set at The Lantern benefited from a two-screen visual set-up that made for some seriously engrossing 3D effects.
4. The St Pierre Snake Invasion, The Fleece, February 13
When we booked The St Pierre Snake Invasion for Bristol24/7’s 6Music Festival Fringe event we knew they’d be good, but they fully surpassed expectations. On a day that featured so many great performances, TSPSI was the angriest, the funniest and the loudest.
5. Iyabe, The Cube, November 4
Subtle, atmospheric and thought-provoking, Iyabe are among Bristol’s best newcomers, and they launched their debut EP in style. “Often spellbinding,” said our reviewer. “An individual band that deserves to make its mark as widely as possible.”
Read more: Bristol Best of 2016: festivals