Music / Festivals
Preview: Simple Things festival
This weekend sees the return of Simple Things, one of the most ambitious and exciting events in the Bristol music calendar. A multi-venue festival of underground sounds – taking in punk, grime, reggae, post-rock and electronica – it’s set to take over Colston Hall, The Firestation, O2 Academy, Lakota and Old Coroner’s Court on Saturday October 24. Here are a few highlights to look out for on your travels.
Skepta & JME
Having well and truly paid their dues, grime siblings Skepta & JME are now chart-troubling stars in their own right. Founders of the influential Boy Better Know label, they went down a storm at this year’s Love Saves The Day.
Savages
Wearing their post-punk influences on their sleeves, Savages sound like Siouxsie Sioux fronting Public Image Limited. They’re also one of the most intense and compelling live acts in the country.
Vessel
There’s no shortage of great music being made in Bristol and it doesn’t get better than Vessel, whose album Punish, Honey was one of our favourite of 2014. Eschewing laptop sophistication in favour of home-made instruments, he makes startling industrial-flavoured music for body and mind.
Objekt
We’ve been fans of TJ Hertz’ impeccably sculpted sound since hearing The Goose That Got Away back in 2011. Since then, Objekt’s darkly immersive, bass-heavy techno has gone from strength to strength, and Flatland was one of last year’s finest debut albums.
Factory Floor
For the past decade Factory Floor have filled dancefloors across the world and collaborated with members of Throbbing Gristle and New Order. A compelling mix of sick beats, spectacular synth and dark brooding hooks merge to create a messy yet magnificent noise with sniffs of acid, disco, techno and industrial rock.
Wire
If post-punk was more an attitude than an era Wire might be its ultimate exponents. In the 38 years since the Pink Flag they’ve made a habit of reinventing themselves. While some of their peers get by on long-term reputation alone The Londoners’ latest album – simply called Wire – fully deserved its critical acclaim.
Dean Blunt
Originally half of art-pop troublemakers Hype Williams, Dean Blunt has since released a pair of stunning solo albums blending hip-hop, indie, R&B, folk and electronica. His live sets are known for their intensity (think strobes, dry ice, crushing bass and raw emotions), and for our money he’s one of the most fascinating artists currently working in the UK.
Simple Things 2015 is on Saturday, October 24. For full lineup and tickets visit simplethingsfestival.co.uk
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