Preview: November live music
By Benji Chapman, Co-Deputy Music Editor
From funk to punk, the Bristol live music scene has something for everyone, whether you're trying to relive your Pitch Perfect childhood at a capella or take in some chamber choir symphonies in one of Bristol's churches.
Fat White Family, 3rd @ Marble Factory
Headlining a gigantic quadruple bill lineup, legends from Brixton’s Windmill scene are playing alongside Just Mustard, Panic Shack, and Ditz for a night of danceable and aggressive rock music set inside the massive warehouse of Motion’s own gig venue
For fans of: Black Midi, Shame, LCD Soundsystem
The Bristol Hornstars, 4th @ The Canteen
Bristol Hornstars are taking to Stoke’s Croft to electrify the audience with their first event of the month: free entry before 9.30, so it’ll be worth heading in early for a drink before the music starts. All conducted and played live by UoB students. Keep an eye on @bristolbigbandsoc for details.
Tara Clerkin Trio EP launch, 5th @ Strange Brew
Continuing their efforts in the Save the Rhubarb campaign, Bristol-based trip-hop, and improvisational ambient project Tara Clerkin Trio are hosting a celebration of Bristol’s ability to come together for a good cause, sprinkled with ambient magic for their new Turning Ground EP release.
For fans of: Portishead, Matthew Halsall, Aphex Twin
Model/Actriz, 7th @ Dareshack
Emerging noise-rock band Model/Actriz have seen increased success following their first album release with 2023’s Dogsbody. Bringing a precise and angular aggression to the studio, the band is undoubtedly one to watch in the continued explosion of post-punk experimentation.
For fans of: Gilla Band, Idles, Maruja
UWE vs UoB DJ Societies, 8th @ Thekla
Bristol Uni’s very own DJ Society has a score to settle in a tale as old as time: this night of back-to-back mixing will follow the two uni’s respective DJ societies battle it out in the cavernous hull of Thekla. Expect rivalries to be settled through some masterful mixing; don’t tell anyone in the smoking area which uni you’re from.
McKinley Dixon, 10th @ Rough Trade
2023’s Beloved! Paradise! Jazz? Has soared through the charts of Rate Your Music and other sites as a contemporary classic in the strain of jazz rap. Masterful sampling, emotive lyricism, and infectious rhythms - a chance to see Dixon in such an intimate setting as the Rough Trade concert room is one not to pass up.
For fans of: Kendrick Lamar, Loyle Carner, A Tribe Called Quest
Best of the South West A Capella, 18th @ The Anson Rooms
If you’re looking to indulge your inner Pitch Perfect dreams live, then look no further than this showcase of four of the best student a capella groups in the South West: over a hundred singers all bringing a different vocal style to the stage, from beat-boxing to symphonic harmonies. Tickets are available on the UoB Theatre website.
Chamber Music Showcases, 22nd and 29th @ Victoria Methodist Church
Lead by Bristol University Music Society, their chamber music showcase offers an exemplary musical force as one of the largest performing societies at the university. Expect stellar musicianship in the spacious acoustics of Victoria Methodist Church from a vast array of chamber vocalists and musicians.
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Conducta, 24th @ Thekla
A veteran in the garage scene, Conducta has preserved a legacy of inventive British dance music as the head of his label, Kiwi Records. Somewhat of a legend in the genre, it’s compelling to think what will be conjured up in the belly of Thekla for another landmark gig this month.
For fans of: Higgo, Mall Grab, AJ Tracey
Malfunktion, 27th @ The Fleece
Jazz Funk and Soul Society have teamed up with Big Band to bring you a night of non-stop live grooves. Led by students, the gig is going to be yet another showcase of the uni’s excellent musical societies on offer - with discounted student tickets; the event is run with the intention of bringing more students together to celebrate the efforts of students in each society.
Yves Tumor, 28th @ Marble Factory
Ethereal and dreamy, Yves Tumor has proven their prowess over the years in conjuring up some magical soundscapes that were ever present in the expansive poetry of their latest project. One of the bigger artists playing in November, this is one to grab tickets for early before sell-out.
For fans of: My Bloody Valentine, Dean Blunt, Sweet Trip
Sleatford Mods, 30th @ The O2 Academy
Closing off the month with a grimy and thumping end, Sleatford Mods are likely to bring a pumping aggression to Bristol with their jaded, yet witty lyrics partnered with a danceable fury in the flavour of post-punk. With another more prominent artist, the month is closing with two giants within some of Bristol’s biggest venues on offer.
For fans of: Viagra Boys, The Streets, Dry Cleaning
Who will you be seeing live in November?