Features / preview
Preview: Simple Things 2018
With Colston Hall out of action, this year’s Simple Things is slimmer than the last few outings but the lineup is as powerfully built as ever. The multi-venue festival celebrates pioneering attitude across a wide range of genres, as artists from the worlds of rock, jazz and hip-hop mingle with the cream of the electronic scene.
Daytime headliners Slowdive are ’90s indie rockers whose lushly atmospheric music was often derided by music journalists obsessed with the simple pleasures of grunge and Britpop. They’ve since been discovered by a new generation of music fans, leading to a triumphant third act when they reformed in 2014.
Meanwhile, the night-time session will be headlined by gritty German technoist Helena Hauff, whose previous sets at the festival have earned her a reputation as a Simple Things favourite.
is needed now More than ever
Other highlights include James Holden & The Animal Spirits, whose mystical blend of improv and cutting edge synth work makes them one of the UK’s most original and compelling live draws. Elsewhere on the bill, Kamaal Williams brings irresistible jazz-funk, Rival Consoles creates thought-provoking electronica, while Jane Fitz threads acid, house and ambient into DJ sets that refresh heads as well as feet. Meanwhile, fast-rising rapper Octavian flies the flag for Anglo-French relations in the era of Brexit.
That said, Simple Things is a Bristol festival and there’s no shortage of local talent on this year’s bill. Highest honours go to brutalist techno duo Giant Swan, whose intense, sweat-soaked performances bridge the gap between rave ecstasy and cathartic noise. Art-punk scamps LICE – by turns furious, hilarious and strangely touching – are also ones to catch as is Iglooghost, whose mind-melting electronic grooves are the work of a truly maverick imagination.
Inevitably, the greatest joy will be had in those unexpected discoveries on the day. Done properly, Simple Things is 16 hours of venue hopping and dancing in weird spaces. Bring sensible shoes.
Simple Things takes place at sites around Bristol on Saturday, October 20. For more information and tickets, visit www.simplethingsfestival.co.uk
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
