Music / Reviews
Review: This is The Kit, Bristol Beacon – ‘Soothing, entertaining and jolly’
I was excited to make my first trip back to the Bristol Beacon after what felt like decades for it to be refurbished. So, when I saw This Is The Kit announced it seemed ideal that they be my first.
I’ve been a fan for years and years and their album Bashed Out has been a constant in my ears since it’s release in 2015.
Support tonight came from Dominie Hooper with the original additional support act Gina Birch having to pull out due to illness.
is needed now More than ever
Domine Hooper took to the stage her name in HD on a huge screen behind her. She is understandably nervous to be opening in such a prestigious arena with 2000 people all here early to see her perform.
It’s clear within a minute of her set that she is made for this place with the crowd shouting out support as she seems a little overwhelmed between songs. Her nerves are endearing, her voice powerful.
Robin, a song produced by Kate Stables, makes it apt to play a Christmas song in February. Her voice is glorious, and strong and fills the beacon with beauty.
She is also an honorary Bristolian having lived here for six years. The set ends boldly with a brand-new song Cello Song taking centre stage and owning it.
This was a set filled with smiles, passion, and intimacy, and one that meant she left the stage taking loads of new fans with her. I am looking forward to her debut album if the strength of her new songs are anything to go by.
This is the Kit taking to the stage to a Bristol crowd who were hyped and eagerly awaiting this one. With a lot of the band living in Bristol, this is like a homecoming gig. I’ve never been so excited to take my seat!
I thought it might be tricky to get into the mood sitting on the balcony however it was no problem at all. This is the perfect setting for her music. She has a full band behind her breathing life into the sound.
She says hello by going straight into the newest album opener Goodbye Bite. The brass section elevates and complements Stable’s impeccable vocals. In between there’s lots of love shared, with the crowd, and healing properties are sent to absent support act Gina Birch.
Doomed or Be Doomed is turned into a beautiful piano lead chill fest. The sound is rich and pure as sketches flicker around the screen behind them. The songs glide through the night, I have a view of swaying heads of appreciation.
Stuck in a Room has a rhythm and lyrical flow to it that’s distinctively This is The Kit, managing to be minimalist and full of lyrical and musical depth.
Album title track Careful of Your Keepers creeps from dark beginnings, before she opened the floor to the crowd to choose the next one.
Dibs is a set highlight for me as the crowd turns backing vocals providers. This night was full of positivity and appreciation.
Keep Going is set to sweeping shots of mountain ranges, luscious green fields, and its joyous and infectious song that makes me want to jump right into the screen and be part of the footage.
There was a good old-fashioned encore!
Moonshine Freeze is a massive crowd-pleaser! Before Hotter Colder brings the night to a close, where I spotted two front-row revelers actually doing a little folk mosh-type thing dancing as the sax lets rip.
This gig was soothing, entertaining and jolly. Great night had by all.
Main photo: Matt Barnes
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