Bristol is awash with musical talent right now. Whether it's old faces returning or new artists laying down their first demos, the scene is sounding ridiculously promising. Here's some new music worthy of your lugholes.
Spectres
Spectres have always had a reputation for delivering dark, intense, feedback-strafed songs. Now though, the four-piece have finally caught the attention of the national press, and well, the band are barely half-arsed about in their own charming way. Their debut album Dying dropped in early March on the reliably ace Sonic Cathedral label and is being picked up by people craving something other than the same old indie-rock.
Idles
Idles have earned themselves a special place in the thumping heart of the Bristol scene. They've gone from the alternative thrills of their Welcome EP to the full-speed punk sound we're hearing on tracks like Queens. Seeing the band live is always something to behold, as frontman Joe Talbot swigs Buckfast and looks like he's about to throttle someone. The band headline Stagfest on April 4 and support Denmark's Iceage at The Fleece on May 5.
Rebecca Clements
You'll come close to dropping tears in your pint if you catch one of this 20-year-old's impassioned live shows. Lovechild led the way for a slew of emotive singles last year. Now though, Rebecca's writing again and we're itching to hear her next batch of songs. Already adored by the BBC Introducing guys, other notable songs include Coma Boy and Wildlife. It's well worth catching a show before she's forever swept onto the national stage.
Trust Fund
Everyone digs an outsider and Trust Fund is a loveable one at that. His recent debut album of lo-fi, Flying Nun-influenced indie-pop proved that the genius heard on past releases wasn't simply a flash in the pan. There's an intelligent humour on the surface of everything Ellis Jones does, with Forevre hilariously revealing how bored he is of pretending to enjoy his friends' music, while moments like Idk and We'll Both Apologise tug at the heartstrings.
Turbowolf
New Turbowolf record? You'd better believe it. Their second album Two Hands is packed with yet more mighty mysticism and monstrous psych-rock. They'll be rounding off their UK tour with a hometown show at The Marble Factory on April 22. If their prolific past gigs are anything to go by, then expect hurled pints, heated showmanship and a few bruised ribcages in the morning.
Goan Dogs
Goan Dogs' hazy, lolloping, sand-blasted jams are always a high-spirited affair but things really picked up last year when the band hit the road for their first UK tour. This upwards trajectory looks set to continue as the band have just been announced for Farmfest and recently hooked up with Bruno Ellingham (The Maccabees) to record their debut album. Expect big things.
The Naturals
The Naturals offer a convulsive listening experience, both live and on record. Understandably there was a ripple of excitement when they premiered new track 2HGS on music blog GoldFlakePaint earlier in the year. The song appeared like a warped muddle of art, here to challenge our ears for the better. There's plenty of talk about a debut album as well, so the next chapter is go.
The Jesuits
Featuring members of legendary Bristol bands Towns and GuMM, The Jesuits are an exciting prospect. There's very little material online yet but you can email them for demos. Their live shows are all bleary-eyed grunge delivered with the kind of huge, confident sound you'd expect from members of Towns and GuMM.
More music on Time Out Bristol.