Best of Bristol Releases 2022

From Massive Attack to IDLES, punk to pop, Bristol is never lacking in genre-bending, forward thinking, musicians.

Renowned for its creativity, the city has everything from D’n’B collectives and independent record labels to grassroots music venues and all-inclusive studios.

It wasn’t an easy job to sift through the mountain of talent that resides in Bristol but we’ve narrowed down some of our top tracks from the past year.

Eva Lazarus – Lessons (feat. Kofi Stone)

Eva Lazarus is a singer, songwriter and MC who moved to Bristol at the age of 20. Her newest album, Brandy Kisses, was released earlier this year and this track, featuring London rapper, Kofi Stone, is a definite highlight.

Giant Swan – RRR+1

Electronic duo, Giant Swan, are a firm favourite in Bristol and around the country, for creating unique blends of techno, electronic and progressive music. Their first single from their EP Fantasy Food, out in January 13, sees a return to what they do best – club bangers.

Bible Club – Ford Capri

The post-punk duo have had a riotous time this year, releasing three tracks within the space of a few months. There second single, Ford Capri, is a dramatic track, building and building momentum which is over but you’ve realised what’s happened.

Quade – Spiral I and Spiral II

The Bristol four piece band fuses a range of different genres together, from folk to ambient electronica, making a unique sound. Their double single Spiral I and Spiral II can be listened to together or separately (we recommend together!).

Try Me – Road Runner

The alt-pop duo returned with their newest single, Road Runner. With funky baselines and witty lyrics, the track has all the trademarks of the duo. (You should listen to it just for the artwork – the duo running naked down Whiteladies Road).

Emily Breeze – Ordinary Life

Bristol-based indie noir-pop artist released her newest single from her third solo album, Rapture, coming in January 2023. With sweeping guitar sounds beneath spoken narrative, this track is a true joy to listen to.

Part Time Models – When You’re Gone

The folk rock four piece released their debut EP in October 2022 with a launch party at The Louisiana. A promising debut however a personal favourite is their single When You’re Gone, released a month before. With soft vocals and a tender melody, it’s a lovely track.

Miss Kill – Drive

A fusion of alternative grunge and garage, the sister duo released their debut EP, Don’t Tell Me Twice, earlier this year. The opening track is a great track, layered with guitar riffs and lyrics reminiscent of your youth, the track is an ode to the 90’s grunge area.

Honourable mentions include Bristol MC and songwriter Gardna and his sophomore album Time & Space, punk band Saloon Dion teamed up with Getdown Services for a new high octane track, Throbber and Dread MC’s track Don’t Be Shady featuring Try Me and Axel Boy.

Main photo: Ben Dornan Wilson

Read next:

• Bristol MC and songwriter wins BBC Radio 1 Dance Award
• From Timbuktu to the O2 – A for Alpha is taking the DJ scene by storm
• From bleak folk bands to electronic music, Tikoda isn’t afraid to try something new

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