Review: Sleaford Mods, O2 Academy – ‘Something wonderful’

They say there really is nothing like the Sleaford Mods.

And the post-punk duo lived up to that billing at the Bristol O2 Academy.

It was also a special night for Bristolian singer-song-writer Emily Breeze who provided a sterling warm-up act for her hometown guests along with Big Special.

Breeze got things going with a vibrant set and Confessions of an Ageing Party Girl and Ordinary Life suggest she’s destined for bigger things.

The same applies Big Special who deserve a hat-tip for This Here Ain’t Water and Desperate Breakfast.

But then all eyes were on Sleaford Mods and lead singer Jason Williamson strutting, squawking and even squatting like a long-lost extinct bird.

And while he was doing his stuff, Andrew Fearn was busy prancing around the stage like a loose-limbed aerobics instructor.

But what made their latest trip to Bristol extra special is the way every single song seemed like the Sleaford Mods journey in microcosm.

Time and time again, their songs started off slowly – in one case badly with Williamson almost inaudible – but never did a track fail to grow into something wonderful.

As for the overall gig itself, it started off promisingly with the thumping rendition of the title track of their new album, UK Grim, with Williamson keeping a water bottle placed on his head.

But like that opening track, their set just got better and better as the show went on – including a pounding version of Pet Shop Boys classic West End Girls – to reach a triumphant crescendo.

And that was a journey – featuring Bristolian Billy Nomates’ backing vocals -which was devoid of encore that is very much in keeping with Sleaford Mods’ steady rise and their caustic take on daily life and politics.

That’s because there’s no stopping the Nottingham pairing these days as they are only are they performing their old songs with traditional gusto but the new ones are increasingly melodic and more danceable than ever.

From UK Grim, Tilldipper and On the Ground were personal favourites but So Trendy, Pit 2 Pit and Tory Kong also stood out while Smash Each Other Up slow things down midway through as they paused for breath.

UK Grim has real depth and it helps the cause that Williamson’s powerfully rasping, snarling voice seems to be taking on a life of its own.

With a 25-song set-list to get through there’s not much time for interaction with the crowd from the cargo shorts-wearing duo but Williamson still did enough to show he likes heading to Bristol.

“We really like coming here and so thanks a lot for spending your hard-earned money to come and see us,” Williamson bellowed before urging fans to support homeless charity Shelter whose fundraising were dotted around the venue.

He threatened to divide the audience by saying ‘Bristol City we love you, we’re the Sleaford Mods’ but when he’s on this form almost anything can be forgiven. Even by Gasheads.

Main photo: Rob Stewart

Read next:

• Review: Holyssesus Fly, The Exchange – ‘She performs from every part of her soul’
• Review: Freddie Lewis, Crofters Rights – ‘Full of joy’
• Reviews: Julie Byrne, The Jam Jar – ‘A luscious collection of songs’

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