Photo Credit: Emma Jordan
Words: Sofia Lavender-Callow
Nestled in a pub-dominated street in the centre of Bristol is a venue that never stops rocking. The Exchange Bristol showcases grassroots bands almost every day. They have a stacked line up for months to come, but tonight’s featured Florentenes and Permanent (Joy).
Florentenes are a young band from Manchester, evidenced by the fact Liam, their drummer, couldn’t make it as he was sitting a GCSE. They kicked off the night and the humour continued as lead singer William interacted with the crowd between scream singing vocals with a voice that left me staggered. Fresh off an EP release last week, their energy and spunk kept the room vibrating as they playfully used their heads as a guitar pick and swung themselves around the stage. Their song ‘Madeline’ was a particular highlight and showcases how the band have such organic production and raw talent that produces their anthems.
Permanent (Joy) consists of the band members from prior Liverpool band Blondes. They have slowly grown and opened for The Royston Club last year. They’re experimental and have a matured flavour to their music. Beginning their set with a tambourine in hand and ending it with a megaphone and whistles, they do everything live, which is some of the artistry you miss from going to a larger, heavily produced stadium show. Exploring their hits, all the way to deep cuts requested by fans, they play with earned confidence. Hearing ‘Josephine’ live left goosebumps covering arms and a sense of magic in the air. Their stage presence and charisma cannot be ignored, they pour so much personality into every performance.
The two bands were a perfect pairing and the evening was a reminder of why local live music is so important. To say both bands have a bright future is an understatement, from the young, energetic spunk of florentines to the matured confidence of Permanent (Joy), I’m certain both bands will return to Bristol to a much bigger audience soon.
Taped Magazine 