Music / Reviews
Review: Alfie Templeman, Thekla – ‘Groovy, funky pop energy’
Thekla is truly a fantastic venue for live music. With a capacity of about 400 for gigs below deck, it offers intimate viewing around the edges and on the balcony, yet absolute anarchy in front of the stage.
The night started with Ava Zarate (Karate with a Z, for anyone wondering!). Ava takes to the stage alone with a microphone, some mesmerizing lighting, and backing tracks. No live band in the background and one person on stage really makes for a wholesome experience.
Ava’s music is the perfect vibe for the colder winter nights, with airy vocals filling the room with notes of jazz and soul. The wide span of influences in Ava’s creativity really creates a unique and mesmerizing tone.
is needed now More than ever
Ava Zarate’s sound is unique and her performance wholesome
Next up is SOFY. Their tune Big Talk features on the FIFA 23 soundtrack (which we know hits every year). This alt-pop indie rock quintet came on stage with great presence and performance sync.
Halfway through the show, it was announced that QR codes had been hidden around the venue with immediate private access to a pre-released track. This seems to happen quite often at Thekla, and I’m definitely here for it. SOFY will be joining Alfie Templeman for the next four shows in Brighton, Southampton, Nottingham, and London.
SOFY’s alt-indie set was a hit with Templeman fans
Alfie Templeman boarded the Thekla for the second time in his career for another sold-out show. The main attraction kicked off with something that would get anyone moving, let alone die-hard fans: 3D Feelings.
Alfie and crew maintained the vibe for the rest of the show. The four-piece really works together, performing with groovy, funky, pop energy and getting the crowd moving.
Alfie Templeman is on his way up
The songs were an excellent mix across a few different albums, including tracks from Mellow Moon and his latest, Radiosoul, which this tour promotes. The 21-year-old is not far from hitting a regular 1,000,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.
The night rounded off with an absolute classic, Happiness in Liquid Form, and the band left people wanting more.
This is an edited version of a review provided by The Bristol Gig Guide, the best resource for Bristol gigs.
All images: Adam James
This is an edited version of a review provided by The Bristol Gig Guide, the best resource for Bristol gigs.
Read next:
- Review: Opa Rosa, Jam Jar – ‘Serious European grooviness’
- Review: Jamie Cullum, Bristol Beacon – ‘Ever the effervescent showman’
- Review: Chanel Beads, The Louisiana – ‘Animated chaos’
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