The Everyday Gig Review Roundup (February '22)

We know, it’s been a painfully slow start to the year. We also know that we’ve had to be boring and step away from shows for a short stretch (not our choice, blame the government). We are, however, BACK, and ready to contact you once again from the front lines of live music.

Last week, the ever-wonderful Marcus Hood ventured to the Gallimaufry for the launch of TLK’s debut EP. Read on to live vicariously through him.

TLK @ The Gallimaufry, Bristol. Wednesday 16th February 2022.

Words and images by Marcus Hood.

On Wednesday 16th February, the Three-piece Jazz/Electronic hybrid band T L K played a launch party for their upcoming album “Strength in tenderness."
Towards the end of last year, I went to a Bristol Drag Collective event In which Tara, The lead singer, synth player and creative mind behind T L K played a stripped-down set of ambient sounds accompanied by elegant lyrics. Since then, both she and her band have been on my radar.

I turned up at around 9:30 and positioned myself next to the stage while the band did their sound checks.
Tara Lily Klein was accompanied by Liam Twohig on drums, and James Storm Otieno on Saxophone, Synth and Bass Guitar. After preparing instruments, the band left for five minutes to put on their signature white outfits.

When they got back, the Gallimaufry was filled to the brim with an eager audience that had finished off their drinks outside. Following a short intro from Tara, The band softly started playing their instruments. The Jazz elements evident on their recordings shined through fantastically in a live setting. Liam Twohig’s complicated drums laid excellent groundwork for the Synths, Bass, Guitar and Sax. James Storm Otieno played groovy bass licks and received applauds of admiration after his fantastic Saxophone solo. Tara’s soft lyrics which explored themes of mental health and trauma aligned perfectly to the expansive and textural instrumentals.

A highlight was the beautiful track “Most Alive.” A celebration of life itself, with Radiohead-Esque synth melodies and introspective lyrics. One of the singles from the upcoming EP, this is a song full of beauty. After such a gig, I couldn’t help but preorder the EP. Music like this has a sense of urgency and begs to be listened to.

Strength in Tenderness is available through Bandcamp, and is due to be released on the 25th February.

You can also stream T L K on Spotify and keep up-to-date via Instagram.

China Bears (with support from The 139 and Kate Stapley) @ The Crofter’s Rights, Bristol. Saturday, 19th February 2022.

Words by Alice Williamson, images by @sophia_captures on Instagram or as credited.

China Bears are back with their first tour of 2022, following the release of their latest single, Back To How It Was.

Their sold-out gig at Crofters Rights found them playing alongside rising talents The 139 and Kate Stapley; all three artists’ distinct sounds meshing together to form a constellation of different takes on the indie soundscape.

Above: The 139 by @sophia_captures.

The 139, made up of Tom (vocals and guitar), George (guitar), Ben (bass) and Danny (drums), were the perfect opener, getting the crowd warmed up with a mix of sunny indie instrumentals and honest, raw lyricism. The crowd got a first listen to their new single Feeling Blue (released 4th March) which strikes the perfect balance between the two. The band say the inspiration for the track is derived from “sullen days of overthinking” – a feeling we can all relate to after periods of isolation.

Kate Stapley followed, a folk artist whose nine years of song-writing immediately became obvious in her stage presence and lyrical maturity. She played a mixture of old and newer songs, all which featured her distinct lulling vocals and soft guitar picking. She joked; “You all came here to see a rock band and got a folk artist instead.”

We didn’t have to wait long, though, before China Bears kicked off their set with rock-driven I’m Not Eating Like I Used To. The Somerset-born band consists of twins Ivan (guitar/vocals) and Frazer (guitar), plus James (bass) and Dean (drums), who the brothers met while at university in Guildford. Their sound varies from folk to indie-rock, reminiscent of the likes of Bombay Bicycle Club or SPINN. They played their recent release Back To How it Was, featuring a catchy soundscape underpinning theme of retrospection following the hopelessness that comes with wanting to fix a failing relationship.

Sunday was a highlight, and the perfect closing track to the set. Melancholic and reflective, the lyrics tackle the difficult topic of mental health and what it means for your mind to affect the people around you.

This tour was an exciting start to the year for China Bears. Going forward, they will be representing UK talent at SXSW festival in Austin, Texas.

In the meantime, support the band on Instagram, Facebook and stream old and new releases on Spotify.

Want to write a review? Get in touch here.

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