Review – The Mysterines shop signing and album preview, Rough Trade, Bristol, 12th June – The Bristol Gig Guide

Two years ago we crowded into the black box that is Rough Trade Bristol, eager to witness the release of The Mysterines’ debut album ‘Reeling’. Fast forward just over 1,000 days and here we are again, shoulder to shoulder with a sold-out crowd, buzzing with anticipation. We’re expecting Lia Metcalfe (vocals and guitar), George Favager (bass guitar), Callum Thompson (guitar and backing vocals) and Paul Crilly (drums and backing vocals) to deliver a very special, stripped down performance of their own. second album, “Afraid Of Tomorrows”. Their debut hit is number 9 in the UK Albums Chart and the bar is even higher this time.

Tonight, The Mysterines might just have a dynamite 12-track set that could outshine their first album. We got a tantalizing taste of ‘The Stray’ and ‘Sink Ya Teeth’, both of which carry that unmistakable Mysterines sound – a dizzying mix of alternative, grunge and indie rock, defined by searing guitar riffs, driving bass . lyrics and dynamic drums. Lia’s dark and sultry voice adds an intense and emotional layer to their songs.

You’d expect a preview to include a solid sampling of about half a dozen tracks, but in true Mysterines fashion, they treat us to the album in its entirety. Starting with first single ‘The Stray’ they go through a treasure trove of delights including ‘The Last Dance’, ‘Jesse You’re A Superstar’ and ‘Inside A Matchbox’.

Their genre might be broadly classified as alternative rock, but The Mysterines draw heavily from grunge and punk, infusing their music with a rebellious edge reminiscent of the ’90s rock scene. They’ve been compared to Nirvana and The Smashing Pumpkins, but their modern twist keeps their music fresh and relevant in today’s rock landscape.

The preview culminates with the beautifully hypnotic ‘So Long’, before the curtain falls on the title track, ‘Afraid Of Tomorrows’.

The Mysterines remain my go-to band for travel, and judging by their already sold-out return to the city in October, I’m far from alone in that sentiment.

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@thebristolnomad / @bristolnomad_gigphotography
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer

The boss, the one who bothers team after team for their reviews and pictures. Creator and founder of The Bristol Gig Guide. He can usually be found holed up in administration or with cramping knees before a concert.

Available for: concert shoots, concert reviews, photoshoots, album and individual cover shoots, video work, interviews and tours

The first concert he participated in: Republica, around 1996.

First concert: Hands Off Gretel, in Louisiana!

Dream gig: A huge metalhead and my ultimate dream gig would be shooting my heroes Slipknot at a huge stadium gig or as a festival headliner. And to experience filming a headline tour outside of the UK