Review: Dot To Dot 2022 – ‘With so much live music across the 11 hour day, it was hard to narrow it down!’

With so many artists in attendance across the 11 hour day of live music, it was incredibly hard to narrow it down. Kicking off the day were the Hypothetics who took over the stage at The Lanes. The band were incredibly impressive with an energetic stage presence and a dynamic and promising indie performance, mixing up punk roots and hip hop influences. Great start of a day for the venue which line-up was one of the most exciting of the festival.

Retro Video Club, Scottish indie rock band, opened the main stage at Thekla for a very rock’n’roll show. Described as one of the most promising indie rock bands in the UK, they indeed created a great enthusiasm on the boat just warming up. The traditional rock influences are pretty obvious, The Strokes or Green day for instance were already mentioned, and it brings a lot of sympathy towards their music. Without any pretentions, they played catchy songs for the pleasure of the audience, and closed the show with their song Chemistry which provoked a very warm welcome.

Five piece band Porchlight were making post-punk sounds on Thekla dockside in the afternoon sun. The young Brighton band were steadfast in their sound, playing hits and indie tracks that had the crowd, and even those queing at the bar, shaking their heads. Not straying too far, we headed to the top deck of Thekla to catch The Outlines. The musical duo included Bristol legend Big Jeff who bought some personal trials and tribulations to the songs as they spoke about anxiety and mental health. The duo were raw and honest, not only in their singing but also when speaking with the audience.

An electric atmosphere reigned in the room of The Fleece as Bdrmm – pronounced Bedroom – started their set. Ryan Smith leads his four companions with mad dancing and airily guitar’s noises plunging you into a turbulent awakened dream. A very hypnotic set, deep, mixing up a lot of genres to ultimately create this very unique and emotive music. A mesmerizing and transcendental show taking the audience to a heavier yet higher altitude.

The Northern band, Bdrmm, took up the stage at The Fleece. Credit: Alice Boeglin

The brash sound of Saloon Dion filled the downstairs bar at The Louisiana. There were no barriers between the band and the audience as they took up space in the crowd, their energy completley infectious. Their punk sound ate up the venue, with the band proving that Bristol is one of the best cities for producing this quality of music.

The scatty two piece Getdown Services were next at The Lanes, and as usual they did not disappoint. Their music is pretty straightforward and like a guilty pleasure, it always feels pretty damn good. They deserve a headlining slot and without a doubt you will see that happening soon at Dot to Dot.

Getdown Services are definitely ones to watch. Credit: Alice Boeglin

Bob Vylan were starting next at the main stage of the O2 Academy and put on a demented sweaty show; they clean the dust of the punk scene and offer a performance full of rage, making your entire body shake from head to toes. After a couple of songs, performing the acclaimed We Live Here, Bobby jumped among the crowd and grew the mosh pit harder. He disappeared but you could still hear him shouting as he formed a perfect unity with his audience. They represent every one of us and remind the UK in the noisiest way that Punk is definitely not dead.

Bristol Beacon was packed to the ceiling as people filed in to catch musical duo Jockstrap. The two piece comprised of hushed vocals from Georgia Ellery, reminiscient of Hannah Reid from London Grammar, alongside electronic backing from Taylor Skye. The electro-pop gig was interspersed with Ellery’s skills on the violin, adding a haunting sound to their weird and wonderful performance.

Crowds wound up the stairs to catch Jockstrap’s performance. Credit: Issy Packer

We were sorry to leave their performance early, so we could catch our next must-see band, Cassia at the O2 Academy. Unfortunatley the band were late starting and so the set was short (very short) but sweet. Giving off pure summer vibes, the band were a great choice to watch on a sunny Saturday. A completley polished and slick set that had everyone swaying, it was a shame they had to finish so quickly. With booing and “we want more” chants from the crowd, it was obvious everyone felt the same.

Following on from Cassia’s upbeat tracks, Alfie Templeman continued the joyous vibes with his performance at the O2. Releasing his debut album the day before the festival, Templeman was clearly loving every minute of being on stage. Surronded by his band who looked just as pleased, the singer reminded the audience why he’s one of the biggest names on the scene at the moment; giving an exciting and heady performance that was over way too quickly.

Templeman brought a lot of happiness to the O2 stage. Credit: Issy Packer

The very Bristolian four piece band Langkamer performed next at The Lanes, playing among others their latest release Soul Bucket and the most renowned The Ugliest Man In Bristol. Borrowing influences from the 70’s rock scene, they add to it their special West Country touch and offer some soft and modern sound. Their next gig in their hometown announce nothing else but promising discoveries.

The Brighton collective, KEG, were the final band playing at the Dockside stage of Thekla. No time to warm up as they performed as a stage entrance their brilliant single Presidential Walk, and instantly spread the frenzy among the crowd. The art-punk seven piece band is fully unique and they transcend you with their experimental jazz vibe mixed up with quirky sound and impish complexity.

KEG were the perfect end to the day at Thekla Dockside. Credit: Alice Boeglin

The final act, closing the day at Thekla, was Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn. Another Brighton based duo, they have blazed onto the scene, redefining what rap music means. Lead singer Harvey digs deep with his lyrics, offering a completley unafraid and raw performance. Meanwhile producer Frankie offers textured beats that compliment Harvey so well, you are completley mesmerised. The crowd devoured everything the duo gave them, not faltering even when Harvey crowd surfered at the end of the night. There was a mutual appreciation from both them and the audience and we are already longing for them to come back again.

The most expected Brighton band Squid was closing the night at the O2 Academy and they made the whole venue tremble. From the top balcony, you could witness from the very first song the pit waving back and forth in an energetic flow motion. The quintet was once again above expectations offering a noisy chaos but always with a lot of joy, mostly brought up by drummer and breathtaking vocalist Ollie Judge. Squid honoured the Academy’s stage in one last hectic show concluding this relentless day at the festival.

Main photo: Issy Packer

Read more: Preview: Love Saves the Day 2022

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: