Simple Things Festival 2024, Bristol

SCALER by Sandra Ebert

After a long break, the Simple Things Festival returns to Bristol in a new slot.

Where previously the festival took place in October, due to the city’s now bulging music schedule (Ritual Union, Outer Town and Dot2Dot are slated for the preceding months) it’s now found a new home in February.

It’s a shame the event has had to make way, for its rich heritage alone deserves better: the last iteration included sets from A Certain Ratio, Squid, Big Joanie and a certain Andrew Weatherall.

Taking place across six distinct locations, the 2024 version spans the genres. Local band Spectres fill the SWX with their incessant, brooding doom rock; all feedback and delays, like a grizzled version of The Jesus And Mary Chain. Abstract music full of nihilistic despair, it’s a gloomy but vital way to start proceedings.

Over in the main room of the recently reopened (and renamed) Bristol Beacon, Wu-Lu’s offerings are more frenetic, if equally as punk.

https://www.live4ever.uk.com/review-simple-things-festival-24/