Music / Reviews
Review: Dutty Moonshine Big Band, the Prospect Building – ‘A symphony of madness’
As I write this, I’m still reeling from the most exhilarating chaos—the kind that leaves you grinning days later.
Having followed Dutty Moonshine Big Band for years, during their Blood, Sweat & Tears tour in 2025 my eagle eye discovered a QR code on the wall which led me to a secret warehouse gig ticket page.
Tickets were secured immediately, and I spent the following months watching the journey unfold online: the hurdles, the stage design, and the hype building toward last night’s spectacle. And let me tell you – it exceeded every expectation.
The vibes at the Prospect Building were electric. A mix of die-hard fans and curious newcomers filled the space clad in sparkly attire and bold patterns. The energy was infectious, like stepping into a festival before the main event even began.
The venue was full of diehard fans and festival heads
The support DJs kept the momentum going, with crowds spilling outside to eat, drink, and prepare under the speakers until rain forced everyone indoors—just in time for Bite the Buffalo to take the stage.
The two-storey custom-built stage jutted into the crowd, its logistics as impressive as the performance itself. I stationed myself front-left, eager to soak it all in.
Bite the Buffalo kicked off with a high-energy country-rock fusion, their guitarist weaving between each side of the stage to engage every corner of the crowd. Hard work? Absolutely. But the payoff was undeniable.
View this post on Instagram
Then—Dutty Moonshine Big Band. The anticipation was palpable. Having seen them multiple times, I knew the hype wouldn’t disappoint, but this show? It was next-level.
The band exploded onto the stage in perfect sync, each member occupying their spot across the two levels. Maria and Abi Nyxx commanded attention in jaw-dropping outfits that were as much a part of the performance as the music itself.
The bass bellowed around the building. The vocals soaring above it. The crowd moved as one. The synergy between live instrumentation, electronic beats and choreography was nothing short of breathtaking.
Dutty Moonshine combine live instrumentation with MCs, drums and electronic beats
The setlist was a masterclass. Distillin’ had the crowd belting “You are my moonshine, my Dutty Moonshine” before diving into the signature filthy basslines.
Classics like Click Clack Boom and Fianca from City of Sin segued into fan favorites from Villain, including Vamanos and Skank Out.
Newer tracks like Shut Up Ya Face and Abi Nyxx’s debut with the band, Do You Want Me, showcased their evolution.
the band played on a custom-built stage that filled the middle of the room, providing a 360 degree experience
Bringing Hypeman Sage onstage added a layer of nostalgia to the show, while MC Pean—featured on Skank Out—showcased the band’s dynamic versatility.
Maria’s sultry vocals in It’s Alright were perhaps my highlight of the evening, her outfit – Bristol’s Wild Thing fashion brand – adding a local flair to the sound. The energy peaked with Bang Bang, where the crowd’s roar (“bang bang!”) blended seamlessly with Maria’s vocals before the drop sent the audience into a frenzy.
This wasn’t just a show; it was an experience. As Maria later said, the crowd made their dream a reality. I can only imagine the afterparty—relief, joy, and pure elation radiating from the entire team behind the show.
Dutty Moonshine are heading out to play festivals up and down the country this summer
Dutty Moonshine Big Band continues to redefine immersive live performances that leave you wondering if anything will ever be that good again.
What’s next? Who knows. But one thing’s certain: I’ll be first in line to find out.
All images: Alastair Brookes / KoLAB Studios
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
