Broken Jaw tear it up at the Gryphon, Bristol on their current UK tour. The Gloucestershire based Punk-Metal infusion are causing chaos up and down the country with their unique mosh inducing energy and fresh new line up. Lead by charasmatic frontman Nutzie Shelley, Broken Jaw have earned quite a reputation for their gnarly groove based bedlam. Their live shows are almost unhinged and never fail to get the room bouncing.
They were joined for this show by openers Ruled By Raptors who’s powerful melodic/fry vocals and high octane riffs went down extremely well in this legendary Bristol venue. Next up were Bristol based duo Pitfeeders who were so tight, talented and humorous they really set the tone for the rest of the evening. They may be young but I can see these guys going far, I think if they’d come about in the early 2000’s they would have already taken over.
Stickman followed, hailing from South Wales and bringing their own brand bizarre mix of rock infused with 90’s dance music. It works on a level you have to witness to truly understand. These guys are one of the most exciting bands emerging at the moment and are continuously pumping out bangers. They played their latest single ‘Pretty Boy’ which is available to stream online, give it a listen you’re in for a treat. By this point in the evening the crowd is buzzing, everyone’s moving and frankly dripping with sweat, you might think that’s job done but oh no, it’s not long before Broken Jaw turn it up yet another notch.
This is the point in the evening where the crowd doubles in size, piling in, filing every crevice of this humble room ready to see a band that could fill that space alone. I’ve seen these men spill into the streets, climb trees and bars and amps, rearranging anything they see fit, they sound heavy and cause havoc wherever they go and this evening was no different.
Whilst humorous on the surface there’s often a deeper meaning behind Nutzies (Main Vocals) poignant lyrics and he’s not afriad to use his platform to share his learned wisdom, world view and show unwavering support for the under-represented communities that need it, and he does all of this without compromising on fun.
At 6 foot flying through the air welding an instrument the powerhouse that is John Virgo (Guitar) is not just a force to be reckoned with but the mastermind behind these unmissable signature guitar riffs. Combined with Josh Hughes (Bass/Backing Vocals) thrashing and stamping around the room on Bass whilst delivering the deepest demonic growls you may ever witness, you soon realise the showmanship in this band is unrivalled. Joined now by their newest members Tim Collins (Guitar) and Luke Hill (Drums) who seem to be the perfect fit for this pandemoniom, securing what might just be the best line up yet.
Together these noise merchants are a tidal wave, an indomitable force of raucous guitars, gold hearts and good times and ofcourse they take everyone on that ride with them, until the whole room is bouncing and singing! I tip my hat to whomever curated this line up.
Broken Jaw have some exciting things on the horizon and several UK dates ahead so check them, give them a follow and find out when they’re taking over a town near you!
