Sometimes you see an act and know they are going to be huge. After seeing Bloxx hit the stage aboard Bristol’s Thekla on Thursday, it’s undeniable that (if there is any justice in the world) they will be massive.
Proceedings opened with the dulcet tones of Emma McGrath. The 17-year-old combines classic Ben Howard style guitar playing with a voice that our photographer Sarah described as ‘like warm chicken and sweetcorn soup’.
I understand the sentiment, just hearing McGrath sing feels like it sustains you. Her vocals are warm yet slightly haunting and carry you along with them.
In between songs, McGrath is candid, welcoming and commanded the stage like someone twice her age.
The highlight of her slightly stripped back set, due to a sick drummer, was Fall With You, which produced the first big sing-along of the night.
Next up were West Lincoln rockers, the Rills.
Springing onto the stage in movers coats, it took a couple for the band to get going, but once the trio did, they had the crowd jumping along.
The Rills sound is a sort of grumpy northern surf rock. It’s replete with flecks of The Arctic Monkies, a little Pixies, and maybe some Libertines for good measure, mashed together into something all their own.
It’s clear from their performance that this is a band in the midst of refining their sound and having a bloody good time doing it.
If you get a moment, check out their new track Skint Eastwood. It is ace and a sign of great things to come.
Finally, it was time for Bloxx.
Bounding on to a trippy version of the Sponge Bob asking: ‘Are you ready, kids?’
In hindsight, I don’t think we were.
Fresh off the release of their new EP Pop Culture Radio and their critically acclaimed debut album Lie Out Loud, the indie four-piece from Uxbridge were explosive.
An act with almost boundless energy and a string of bangers to back it up, I would put money on Bloxx headlining festivals sooner rather than later.
Kicking off with Lie Out Loud, there wasn’t a foot left on ht floor of the ship, and they kept the boat rocking all night, to the point I’m surprised it didn’t capsize.
Bloxx lead singer, Fee Booth is a natural showman. At turns witty, wry, and constantly engaging. They shrugged off a temperamental mic stand and a tumble during the second track, with the kind of ‘ I don’t-give-a-fuck’ energy that is both infectious and hard to ignore.
I’ve found it hard to pick my highlights from Bloxx set because every last tune was a banger but here goes, anyway.
I loved finally hearing 5,000 Miles live. a track Booth penned on the way home from an ill-fated trip to see their girlfriend in the New York who ‘ proceeded to be a massive dickhead.’
I also have to mention Taz Sidhu’s phenomenal guitar work during the mesmerising Curtains. Anyone who can play that well with their guitar behind their head is a legend in my mind, and I felt like I was seeing one being born.
The band also brought fan favourite, You, out of retirement. Good thing too, the track is pure indie bliss and one of my personal favourites.
Bloxx incredible set ended with Two sons Booth described as the most important ones they had written to date; the anthemic., Coming Up Short, and the inspirational, Everything I’ve Ever Learned, which they said, ‘saved my life.’
They said: “We’re all just people who make mistakes. Sometimes it feels like the end of the world, but life goes on.”
Signing off at the end of an evening of incredible live music, Booth remarked: “I will remember this night for the rest of my life.” The feeling is mutual.