Photo Credit: Anya Maya
London grunge-rock inspired newcomers VILLANELLE embarked on their debut headline tour across the UK after a whirlwind of a year. 2024 has seen the band go from their formation, to an arena tour supporting on of the most iconic frontman to date, to taking matters into their own hands with their own run of shows to conclude their huge introductory year.
Kicking things off were Manchester rock band DIRTY BLONDE, who were making their Bristol debut on the night. Vocalist/guitarist Allis Mackay made her entrance from the bar area into the blacked out room, weaving in and out of each attendee before stepping on stage, all whilst delivering her powerful vocals whilst the band eased into their opening set. ‘Polly’ went down impressively with the Bristol crowd, as their enjoyment began to progress after each song, whilst ‘Don’t Cry’ stole the show with various guitar solos and a room filled with phone torches set the atmosphere beautifully. Allis made her way back in to the crowd for the bands final song of the night, bowing out of their first Bristol show in style.
As the clock struck 9pm, the band made their way on to the stage, as each member stepped out from their dressing room, cheers from the Bristol audience began to increase by the second. VILLANELLE kicked off with set with a heavy intro that screams 90’s grunge, but with a modern twist that could bring the genre a new life in the 21st century. ‘Measly Means‘ served as the first track of the night, frontman/guitarist Gene Gallagher displayed a variety of vocal styles, from high pitched singing, to a more monotone sound, this is far from his fathers voice, but still echoes it at the same time.
Gallagher swapped to an acoustic guitar for the next two tracks, as the more subtle approach was a perfect warm up for the upbeat ‘Lazy‘ that soon followed. A mixture of psychedelic shoegaze style indicates VILLANELLE‘s other influences are not just of the heavier side of the 90’s. ‘Squeeze‘ and ‘Logos‘ made their appearance on to the set list, with the Bristol crowd watching on in sheer awe of numerous styles put on display in just a short 40-minute performance. The band have it all, guitar solos, swagger and a real fashion sense, it is far from what people would expect with another Gallagher being a frontman, but that is what makes VILLANELLE unique. The fast paced ‘Hinge‘ concluded the bands performance, as the band cemented themselves as one of the UK’s next rising stars with the success of their debut headline run.
All photos taken by Anya Maya at Nottingham, Bodega.
Taped Magazine 