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Review: Mould / Mp3 Chainsaw / Lifter / Hamburger, Strange Brew – ‘A Bristol band bonanza’
Saturday night saw a Bristol Band Bonanza at a packed-out Strange Brew with Mould at the top of the tree of a pay-as-you-feel gig designed to sustain independent music venues and artists in the current treacherous climate.
Of course, Big Jeff is beaming at the front of the queue, no doubt buzzing at the prospect of a night of local music fun.
My first gig of 2025 coincides with Mould’s first gig of the year and more importantly their first headline slot, as the band are starting to get the recognition they deserve.
is needed now More than ever
Jeff has taken his place right at the front as opening act Hamburger‘s singer Ferghall takes to the stage: “I didn’t think anyone would be here!” he says, looking out on the filling room of music devotees out to catch them early doors.
Ferghall greets us with an acoustic guitar, stripped back and vulnerable, his voice the gentlest I’ve ever heard: like a falsetto Elliott Smith. The band join Ferghall on stage after his “two crappy acoustic songs” as he put it – though I, for one, disagreed.
Baby is dedicated to all the adult babies in the crowd and Uglie is a set highlight for me, with a killer keyboard riff that fits the vocal tone divinely.
This is sad music that makes sad people happy and I like sad music. Supersad is the fittingly-titled set closer with its refrain “I’m fucking miserable” backed by uplifting layered lush guitars making for a beautiful finish to their short set.
Hamburger released their latest EP, Beat Back the Ghouls, at the end of last year via Bristol’s Specialist Subject Records
Next, Lifter takes to the stage filling the air with low-fi indie folk. With an emphatic use of 3/4 their music twists and builds and has me drifting away, floating in a hot air balloon across the skyline and landing at a sunny festival. Idyllic maybe but their sound was a welcoming soothing hug on a January evening.
Lifter say they ‘proudly take musical cues from a diverse range of sources, including slowcore, folk, country, and indie rock’
MP3 Chainsaw are next, a contrast from Lifter and from most bands you will see. They mash genres like they don’t exist in the first place. More proof that the Bristol music scene is alive and rocking.
Their sound is intensely heavy with every member singing every song. On Repeat is a gloriously bombastic march of a song. Pop with a side of feedback and crunching guitars.
MP3 Chainsaw’s ‘maximalist pop’ is gaining them widespread attention; they’ll be performing at Ritual Union festival in March
Finally, It’s Mould time! I briefly spoke to singer and guitarist Joe before the gig, who was super hyped and excited for the set. They hit the ground running with Bird Song, a heavy energetic math rock banger. They deliver their sound with conviction and precision punk-rock class. It’s catchy, ferocious and appeals to all my rock needs.
Rock trio Mould are starting to make waves and will be playing an Independent Venues Week show at acclaimed venue Paper Dress Vintage in London
New songs aplenty feed excitement for what’s to come for the three-piece. Drummer James plays with every ounce of his soul, his facial expressions something special. Bassist Kane adds to the non-stop energy by throwing his instrument around, pointing it at the crowd, wielding it while still sounding divine.
The crowd are hyped, Jeff is at his head-banging best, and everyone is enjoying a Mould celebration. New bangers are followed by more familiar tracks: Glow builds and builds to a beautiful crescendo of crashing guitars and harmonies.
The trio gave their all to the gig, a demonstration of their relentless high energy
CHUNKS, a song that could be said to define their sound, is as heavy as it is catchy and sees Joe showing his immense talent as a vocalist. He can control a scream with the very best of them. I feel invigorated and don’t want it to end. I will be seeing Mould as much as possible this year and so should you.
All images: Matt Barnes
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