Bridge City Sinners play a packed out Bristol show at The Fleece. Hailing from portland, Oregon they bring their own unparalleled musical offerings that seamlessly span several genres from folk-punk to prohibition-era jazz, wrapped up in dark storytelling. The traveling troupe took us on quite a ride but first let me tell you about the support act.
Openers ‘Cheap Dirty Horse’ caught me off guard completely. They were fantastic, each member brought an incredible and unique energy to the stage. If you have the chance to see this lot absolutely go for it. There were moments when they reminded me of what seeing ‘The Dubliners’ must of felt like and there were moments were the Bass player was doing that Russian jig dance, and all sorts in between. They used their platform to show visual solidarity to the Trans community and speak up for the people of Palestine. I was impressed by how professional and thoroughly entertaining this “6-piece queer-trash folk-punk band from Nottingham” were. They even took equipment failure in their stride with good humour. Totes recommend. Also their merch is plentiful and hilarious.
Headliners Bridge City Sinners put on a show of pure class, the kind that is well thought out throughout. The men of the band appeared first to a decent applause from the audience and started playing straight away before Libby Lux (Lead Vocals/Banjolele) made her entrance and everyone lost their minds for a moment.
The Sinners comprise of Lux, with Scott Michaud winging an upright Bass around like it was nothing (I’m still impressed), Lightning Luke (Fiddle/ Vocals), Micheal Sinner (Resonator Guitar/Vocals) and Clyde McGee (Banjo). This band are something else, the way all of their Vocals bring a different texture and compliment each other on top of the solid song writing, it’s the stuff dreams are made of. I went to this show liking a few tracks, I left a massive fan. Between songs they made apologies for the American government, swore allegance to beans on toast and had everyone chanting that very British, very naughty C word that I shan’t type, before making a heartfelt tribute to friend and label pal Matt of Yes Ma’am who recently passed on. Matt meant an awful lot to a lot of people in that room.
With four Albums and some of the coolest merch around, there is plenty to sink your teeth into. Check them out if you’ve not yet discovered them. If you like what you hear dig deeper through the Flail Records Artists you are in for a treat.
This was a classic Fleece gig in many respects, it’s a great venue, receptive and inclusive crowd, however this was the first time I’ve seen security have to remove someone. Rest assured the situation was dealt with swiftly. We knew he was a bad seed from the way he shoved his way through the crowd to get to the front, you’ve met the type. He got worse. It wasn’t long before the people around him confronted him, then to her credit, Lux confronted him, which worked briefly, then the tour manager, at which point security yoinked him outta there and we all had a really lovely time. The scene does not tolerate this sort of behaviour.
Go see bands.