By Emily Knoeppel, Third Year Liberal Arts
Bristol University is known for its diverse student body, and many are familiar with the talented music scene. But amidst the cacophonic noise of SU-sanctioned student groups, lies the hidden breed of independent student bands.
Though any '80s influences likely stem more from the omnipresent mullets students insist on wearing as an unspoken uniform. Before these bands fall victim to the graduation chopping block, it’s time we paid them their dues.
Redland—a band close to my heart not just for their nod to a certain Bristol area. They remind me of Fleetwood Mac at the height of Rumours—more due to the singer’s preference for flowy stage attire than any obvious incestuous inter-band relationships or torrid infighting.
Self-dubbed ‘the band next door’, they place themselves ‘somewhere in-between Florence + The Machine and Fleetwood Mac’ (humility clearly intact). Their style? ‘Blending funky bass lines with Nashville storytelling and bluesy guitars’. When pushed for a three-word description they offer ‘young groove collective’—and, more pretentiously, ‘expressions of ourselves’.
This band took shape when, fresh off the exhilarating high of their school Bon Jovi tribute band, two members dove into the world of university bands. After a series of cringe-worthy instrumental prowess declarations, their fledgling band was born in the (falsely) warm embrace of first-year accommodation. They have since evolved from covering classics to cautiously stepping into the unforgiving world of songwriting.
If you, like me, stalk their socials with the dedication of a starved groupie, you can catch them at Barrelhouse on March 6th for BURST’s Battle of the Bands. With set lists titled various iterations of Gig Giggity, here’s what to expect:
The bassist, aspiring to Vulfpeck perfection, can go from anchoring the groove to delivering a 10-minute solo that proves once and for all that a bassist is the backbone of any good band. Meanwhile, the drummer, entering this blockbuster, joins with a call and response with such precision and power it begs us to ask why female drummers remain an overlooked force.
Then, there’s their pianist. Raised on the oh-so-subtle, keyboard-heavy music of Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, he makes switching between keys and drums (though maybe not guitar) look as natural as breathing. This modest player won’t ask for his dues, but he’s certainly earned them.
Despite jokes of band dictators and hidden guns at backs, this conflict-avoidant band insist it’s a bandocracy. Loyalty runs deep—they remain steadfast when pushed, opting to keep current guitarists even if offered Jimi Hendrix because ‘they’d bring the vibes down’. Safe to say this band is ‘all in the same boat’ (Lola).
Speaking of guitarists, for the aficionados, there are two to choose from. These twin flames—sharing one musical brain—fall into a rhythm that plays to their strengths. One wields his guitar like it’s an extension of his body, shredding with enviable ease. You might not always notice when this elusive guitarist is there, but you’ll definitely notice his absence.
The other plays with a bluesy twang born from religiously listening to John Mayer during his formative years despite claims of loftier influences. He also harbours a hidden aptitude for the occasional vocal solo that provides their lead singer a well-deserved break.
And finally, their lead singer. Trying to channel the raw magnetism of Stevie Nicks and Dusty Springfield, she steers the band with the confidence of someone born for the stage — a welcome change from student singers who look like they’re performing at metaphorical gunpoint.
Whilst the (previously frequent) ego battle over the loudest amp still rears its ugly head, this band have come to appreciate the value of a good sound engineer when delivering their painstakingly crafted originals.
With that in mind, after they’ve demoted members on band aura charts – but ‘what happens in the aura chart stays in the aura chart’ – or embarked on make-or-break trips to Belfast, this band are recording music in a rosy little cottage for their most dedicated listeners.
EP coming soon...
Featured Image: Darcy EvansWill you be there for their next show?
