Music / Reviews
Review: Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast, Louisiana – ‘a night that left no one disappointed ‘
Bristol’s Louisiana pub is steeped in musical history and stepping into it always feels like you’re about to witness something special.
This week, that magic came to life through the powerhouse performance of Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast.
Known for their captivating mix of rock, soul, and energy, Caitlin’s band, on the last gig of their UK tour, delivered a night that will surely stay with the audience for a long time.
is needed now More than ever
This is their first UK headline tour and follows the release of their EP Blueprints.
Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast are known for their captivating mix of rock, soul, and energy
After the unexpected death of her mother in 2023, Caitlin released the EP as an introspective reflection on the waves of emotion that follow loss.
The record puts the listener in the front seat for the Krisko experience as she turns to music to capture her grief.
Behind every great singer is an awesome band that makes them sound incredible.
Setting the foundation was drummer, Michael W. Davis, who kept the groove going long into the night.
Bass duties were handled expertly by William Seymour, who made it look so effortless.
Finally, guitarist, Aaron Austin played some amazing riffs and solos that just set the night on fire. When Caitlin wasn’t singing, he made the guitar sing.
Following the unexpected death of her mother in 2023, Caitlin released the EP as an introspective reflection on the waves of emotion that follow loss
The band delivered well-crafted soulful rockers and heart-wrenching ballads while staying shy of being overly slick.
The sound was rich, the energy electric, and the crowd was fully engaged from start to finish.
They open with a track called Steamroller, not to be confused with the bluesy James Taylor song of the same name.
Taken from the From the Horizon album it’s a fine example of how the band has absorbed the essence of the classic rock era and breathes life into it.
In a change of pace, Caitlin next sings the 1948 Curtis Lewis classic Today I Sing the Blues, famously once performed by Aretha Franklin.
Caitlin belted out the 1948 Curtis Lewis classic Today I Sing the Blues, famously once performed by Aretha Franklin
Next on tonight’s magical journey was the haunting colossal track Blue Heron from the Lost My Sight album which really took the roof off of this place.
The rock’n’roll powerhouse Piece of You, has a groove-heavy rocky track, powerful drums, driving bass, and raw blues and rock guitar working together to deliver a saturated roots rocks experience done with a masterful and heartfelt touch.
The funky Devil On Your Side, the call and response anthem Operator, and ballads like Haunted By You are performed to near perfection.
They sit comfortably next to groove heavy rock anthems Battle Cry, also from the From the Horizon album, as well as Bulletproof and Led Blood.
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Operator is a retro throwback track, reminiscent of the soul and rock heard in the 1960s with an infectious chant-like chorus.
The song tells the story of a woman who finds her partner has been hiding another relationship across town, and calls the operator to connect with her partner’s other victim to join forces for revenge.
Caitlin also dipped into her Lost My Sight album to play Half Asleep, Blue Heron and Led Blood.
The wonderful ballad Haunted By You rounds off the set.
The group ends the show by covering Led Zeppelin’s classic Rock and Roll – a track Caitlin describes as a “barn burner” – with the band coming together to sound larger than the sum of their parts.
Caitlin’s voice is one of the best in the business
Caitlin is an emotive singer and live it is obvious she feels every word and every note coming from the band.
Her voice is one of the best in the business, soulful yet raw with that raspy ragged edge that just gets you: simply sublime.
Her stage presence was magnetic, blending her vocal talent with a natural charisma.
The guitar riffs were tight, the drums driving, and the basslines grooved effortlessly, creating the perfect backdrop for her stunning vocals.
The band created the perfect backdrop for Caitlin’s stunning vocals
It is rare to find an artist who can bring both raw power and delicate emotion to the stage, but Caitlin does it effortlessly.
Her ability to convey vulnerability and strength simultaneously was nothing short of mesmerizing.
At one point, and in some sort of symbolic gesture, Caitlin got on her knees and gave a long wistful, adoring gaze towards the guitarist during a solo piece looking totally angelic.
Born in Detroit, raised in New York City and currently living in Asheville, North Carolina, Caitlin Krisko has been influenced by the sounds of East Coast rock and roll, Motown, and roots music.
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Small venues like the Louisiana have a unique ability to create an intimate, almost personal atmosphere, and Caitlin took full advantage of that.
From the moment she hit the stage, it felt like she was singing directly to each person in the crowd, making everyone feel part of the experience.
She engaged throughout the set, often pausing to share stories or to encourage everyone to join in.
One thing I think this band completely nails is the ability to tell stories through their music.
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The riffs hook you in, the vocals are the main course and the blistering guitar solos from Aaron Austin are the chef’s kiss to the musical cuisine.
For my money, Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast represent a new wave of blues rock.
This was a night where music, venue, and performer came together in perfect harmony – a night that left no one disappointed.
If you ever have the chance to see them live, do not miss it.
All photos: Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast
Read next:
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- Review: Elles Bailey, Rough Trade – ‘Rich threads of country, folk and blues’
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