Festivals / Reviews
Review: Simple Things – ‘An exceptional taste of live music’
Launched in 2010, Simple Things has gained a well-earned reputation for its forward-thinking and genre-bending lineups, from Grimes and Jamie XX to JME and Skepta.
The festival made it’s long-awaited return following a five year hiatus and the city centre was filled with people enjoying some long-awaited sunshine and moving from venue to venue to enjoy a stacked lineup.
The first taste of music for the day came from Bristol band, Lifter, who provided a soothing lo-fi indie start as the played a non-stop set.
is needed now More than ever
Another Bristol band provided a riot of a set to begin the day. Ex-Agent are hard to describe, while the band looked nondescript the sound they produced was wholly unique.
An almagamation of noise, from trumpets to guitars, spoken word to simply noise, the band were able to carve out a completely unforgettable set among some of the giants of music on the lineup.
The newly reopened Bristol Beacon was next, which was a hub of activity both inside and out as people queued and tried to figure out which type of wrist band they needed.
After bumping into Bristol’s very own Arthur Jay Aka MP3 Chainsaw in the queue, we thought it best to head to the Lantern to check them out for the first time and I was so glad I did as they were impressive.
Their songs combine a perfect mix of disjointed angular chaotic heavy riffs had the lantern lights turning on full beam on more than one occasion. On Repeat had me dancing earlier than expected, it was a great start.
A very happy accident occured as I bumped into Emmeline’s set in the foyar of the Beacon. She is a star. I was blown away by the cadence and rhythm of her spoken word which had me moving despite there being no music.
The kind of talent and lyrical flow that stops you in your tracks and holds your undivided attention. Another great find, lucky also as this was her first ever Bristol show.
Antony Szmierek changed the tempo with an upbeat set that was full of love and joy. Szmierek seemed to be having a great time on stage and the audience were just as receptive.
Named as one of BBC 6 Music’s Artists of the Year, Antony Szmierek proved his worth at SWX. photo: @elsiebaily
Featuring his own garage tracks such as How Did You Get Here as well as his cover of Sugababes’ Overload, it was an unlikely party at half four in the afternoon.
Brixton’s Wu Lu who were recommended by a friend as they played an impressive set in the main hall. I would later then bump into Wu Lu front man Miles Romans-Hopcraft as he showed brotherly love for Miss Tiny who was incredible.
Anyone who plays drums and sings to that level has my respect and adoration, also seeing how much his brother and the rest of band appreciated him felt like a very special moment.
Cousin Kula were a nice surprise in the foyer of Bristol Beacon in between shows. The Bristol band had their dreamy, laid back feel mastered well for their intimate live show, capturing people’s attention as they walked in to the Beacon.
It was then time for Les Savy Fav, now for anyone that was there, they will know what I mean when I say it’s tricky to sum this show up in just a few words.
Singer Tim Harrinton squaks seems to annoy his own band by pushing all the carefully placed equipment wherever he wants. In summary he pulls a ping pong table into the crowd and rides on top of it (joined by a fan) for ages.
He spends the whole gig in the crowd with a long mic lead, while singing into four mics and rubs someone’s face into his sweaty belly.
This is crowd participation at it’s best as about 200 fans had their go on the mic as well, while Harrinton runs around with no filter or direction. I laughed more than I have at any other gig I’ve ever been too.
If you haven’t seen them live yet then please do!
CASISDEAD may have been a change in pace and style from the energetic Les Savvy Fav but that didn’t mean it dropped in calibre.
CASISDEAD descended upon the Beacon for an engrossing performance. photo: @natashaharniman
The London songwriter and MC was an interesting watch, his stage presence commanding as he moved from track to track. With night falling outside, the artist provided an exciting and potent atmosphere as we moved from day to night.
Leeds collective Honesty were a must watch at Rough Trade; continuing the dark, atmospheric vibes laid down by CASISDEAD, the band proved they’re worth they’re mettle.
Opening with the first single on their debut EP, Nightworld, the tracks translated seamlessly from record to live, with each band member taking centre stage, not once dimming in quality.
Strange Brew was next to see Ditz as things got very slippery and wild. Another great recommendation as I got swept away by their six song epic set of tempestous-grunge-like-fuzzy noise.
Singer-songwriter Jessica Winter gave an interesting performance back at the Bridgehouse Stage at the Beacon.
Fusing pop with electronica, the London artist gave an hedonistic performance as she walked out in a David Byrne style suit before slowly stripping off to reveal less and less layers underneath.
Despite her catchy hooks and good intentions, the set fell a little flat, many attendees unsure if she was miming or not.
The night ended with two very different artists, one of which was Irish punk rock from Gurriers who performed at the Sportsmans. A band I’ve seen before and are surely on their way to bigger stages and venues.
The other was Max Cooper, the music producer dominated the main stage, flooding the room with his beloved eletronic and techno sound alongside spectacular visuals that lit up the venue.
Renowned producer and visual artist, Max Cooper stole the show with his live 3D/AV experience. photo: @perry_gibson
Full of incredible sets and jaw-dropping visuals, the 12 hour day was the dopamine hit needed after the cold, dreary weeks of January and February.
From local rising stars to music megastars, Simple Things provided an exceptional taste of live music proving that, despite five years away, they are still at the top of their game.
Main photo: @williams.naomi
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