Slap bang in the middle of their UK tour promoting their latest single ‘Mr Blue’, Spill stopped in Brighton to headline Hope and Ruin alongside Brighton’s Divorce Attorney and Torus from Milton Keynes, and the second Spill hit the stage it was clear that the crowd was ready for the psychedelic metal grunge hybrid the band has become known for.
Having seen Spill play many Brighton shows over the last year (their headline in Dust a particular highlight), it’s so clear to see their strength and progression from being a band that already put on a spectacularly tight and dynamic show, and this gig blew the doors off any previous perception of the band.
From their driving rhythm session of drummer Tom Williams and bassist Alain de Gouveia, Spill commanded the audience, highlighting lead singer Sophie Cawtheray’s vocals in the quieter moments equally.
de Gouveia’s bass tone – the best in Brighton? Go on. Argue with it – serves the kind of music Spill make excellently, balancing their more heavy influences with the psychedelic riffs of guitarists Kieran King and Charly Turpin.
While every member has their moment to shine in their setlist, lead vocalist Soph Cawtheray’s vocals were stronger than ever before at Hope and Ruin, leaning into the gravelly belt she uses oh so sparingly alongside the powerfully soft and subdued vocal melodies she has become so known for in the Brighton scene.
Spill has proven time and time again that they’re a band with serious potential and a strong sense of identity. Their journey on the Mr Blue tour seems to have done nothing but strengthen the already solid base they’ve built for themselves in Brighton and I can’t wait to see where they go from here.
Friday night was a busy one down at The Green Door. Nestled underneath Brighton train station lies the tiny, cobbled floor venue which always seems to be absolutely packed. The hoards of people on the night were justified by the lineup of four fantastic bands.
The first to take the stage was Nel Blu, the grungy looking five-piece delivered a barrage of classic 2000’s indie sounding songs with a math rock twist with the keyboard and gentle, melodic guitar breaks. Fighting through the crows to see what they looked like, Nel Blu’s jangly indie bangers sounded exactly as I imagined they looked. Even if you’re staring at the back of someone’s head, you can tell these guys are a talented bunch, with songs sounding similar to massively popular indie bands like The Killers which easily got the whole room bopping along.
As I finally managed to secure a view, The Wrong Trousers – a high energy, heavy punk band – hit the stage, and took it by storm . I loved these guys and their hardcore sound, the very fast drumming, wrist-achingly fast guitar and screeching vocals from their attitude fuelled frontman who bounced around the stage made a headbanging result. It’s refreshing to see a band which are keeping the punk sound alive while also combining it with some surf or shoegazey guitar parts to keep it interesting and put a modern spin on the genre.
Call Me Franco are, right now, perhaps the most original band in Brighton, and their set left me utterly impressed. The trio has no singer, instead opting for strange sound effects and voices – which sound like aliens attempting to make contact – acting as an introduction to their songs. With the guitarist and bassist using a range of effects pedals to create a unique result which they use to their advantage when alternating between heavy riffs and isolated instruments, using a lot of noise – or lack thereof – to their advantage.
Complimenting the rest of the band is the extremely talented drummer whose hard-hitting technique and rhythm drove the songs. Call Me Franco demonstrates clearly how a singer isn’t at all necessary in their arty rock style. The band that came to mind as a comparison is Muse, with their similar effects driven heavy rock, and yet at no point in the show did I feel vocals were missing or needed. Their unique sound kept us enthralled. A very cool instrumental band which you don’t see the likes of very often.
Following on from Call Me Franco were headliners Flavours, a four-piece modern sounding rock group championing the release of new single, the aptly named ‘Still Heavy’. With the two guitarists playing a mix of heavy riffs and very cool sounding melodies on their twin guitars while trading vocals, followed along closely by the bassist and backed perfectly by the drums; these guys solidly pay tribute to classic psychedelic rock, while making it their own with their atmospheric sound. They saved their new single until later in the set, delivering on the anticipation with a great tune which starts off with a jangly, soothing guitar intro and melodic singing before going into a brilliant guitar solo and heavy riff, which live up to the songs name and was a treat to experience live. If you want to see a current band exerting heaps of high-energy talent; these guys won’t fall short.
Brighton’s live music scene is one of if not the most exciting parts of living in the city, with a myriad of live music venues to choose from and a wide variety of genres explored by local bands. With so much on, it can be hard to tell what bands should be on your radar. What you need is a guiding hand… Fortunately, The Whistler’s Music Editor is here to shine a light
10. Fire Escape
I first caught Fire Escape back in January and recently caught up with them at their show supporting Lifts. The difference is night and day between January and now as the Brighton-based 5-piece has really tightened up their sound over the last year. Their shows are vibrant and energetic, blending a variety of influences to result in a post-punk meets performance art set that really distinguishes them from other bands in the Brighton scene. (Photo by @moonrockmgmt)
9. Kocapoli
With their angelic harmonies and their driving bassline alongside guitarist Billy Twamley’s blues rock riffs, this band feels like Fleetwood Mac meets The Doors. I first saw them play at Rossi Bar during the tail end of Summer and haven’t been able to get enough since. If you like powerful instrumentals and sultry vocals in equal measure than this is definitely a band you’ll want to see! (Photo by @Flyhighmedia_)
8. ism
I had no idea what to expect when I saw Ism(stylised ‘ism’) play Daltons back in October, and this kind of curiosity is exactly what seems to fuel the band and their eclectic performances. From their decision to assign themes to every gig they play, to the way in which lead singer Tyra Kristoffersen teases the audience during the set, this band is a surefire way to enjoy your evening. (Photo Shot by the band and @__pmw_)
7. Will E. Blay’s Horrible Lot
No words can really do justice to the vibe the Horrible Lot bring to their shows. An equal mixture of Irony and pure funkadelic talent. Frontman Will E. Blay’s energy on stage is infectious and the characterization he and the rest of the Horrible Lot lean into while performing on stage is a load of fun to watch. From fantastic music to an entertaining performance, The Horrible Lot certainly has it all. (Photo by @moonrockmgmt)
6. Bones Ate Arfa
The self proclaimed “Junkyard Dogs” of Brighton, Bones Ate Arfa has been making waves in the Brighton live music scene all year. Their latest EP release Akimbo People serves as a concise and emblematic release for the band. If you’re looking for heavy basslines and a punk rock energy then you are in luck! (Photo by @_beccaconn_)
5. Leibniz
After the release of their new EP Lifetime Patient, Leibniz has been a force to reckon with. Their shows are moody and cathartic, with a set that swells until you almost can’t bare anymore just to hit you with a sensational wave of release. I personally think this band is one of the strongest playing in the Brighton scene at the moment and I cannot wait to see what they do next. (Photo by @_redinfocus)
4. Fever Rouge
Fever Rouge are rapidly reaching Local Legends status within the Brighton music scene. From a well recieved tour to their phenomenal music video release for ‘The Buzz’ (shot by Cavey) this band is reaching new heights every time I see them. I last caught their live set supporting Die Twice at the Hope and Ruin and man, do these guys put on a show. Tracks like ‘Weatherman’ and ‘Feed the Villain bring such a palpable psychedelic rock meets King Krule energy that really sets them apart from modern rock bands. (Photo by @tale.pho)
3. Lana Death Ray
As a massive fan of the grunge and shoegaze music from the 90s, Lana Death Ray is a dream to watch on stage. Frontman Beau Jackson’s dynamic vocal range coupled with their driving rhythm section makes for a new take on the band’s 90s influences. And rumour has it, they’ve got an EP in the works for the new year! (Photo by Fynn Moran Media)
2. Slag
Slag has rapidly taken over my Spotify ever since I saw them play Daltons in early October. Their debut single Ripped is punchy and dynamic, and the way in which the band plays into the lilt of their lead singer’s voice alongside their incisive instrumentals. This band (along with Number One on our list) is really THE band to watch in 2025. (Photo by @ellatibbett)
1. Spill
It’s no secret that Spill is one of the strongest bands in Brighton at the moment. Their rich sound is meticulously crafted and their stage shows are filled to the brim with raw and electric talent. Spill has had a big year and it looks like 2025 will be starting off with a bang as they launch into their first tour to support their upcoming single release ‘Mr Blue’. Not a moment of their set is wasted as they pack their shows full of profound and cynical lyricism, overdriven yet melodic guitar riffs and the meanest bass tone Brighton has to offer. (Photo by @Caveyslife)
It was pouring down with rain as I walked up the high street to The Hope and Ruin, yet despite the conditions huddles of devoted smokers were lining the pavement outside the venue as I darted inside in search of shelter. It was a packed gig – the lineup consisted of openers Slag and Fever Rouge with Die Twice headlining; all exciting new up and comiong bands in the indie scene. Outside might have been miserable, but inside it was a night of sweaty, attractive young people playing guitars and screaming down microphones. What’s not to like?
The night kicked off as Slag took the stage. From the name of the band, I’d expected some kind of aggressive hardcore punk band and yet was very pleasantly surprised to hear their mix of shoegaze and indie with dreamy guitar rhythms overlapped by keyboard and intricate guitar melodies played by the captivating frontwoman Amelie as she sang her heartfelt lyrics. While only having one song released, the Brighton based five-piece band already have a defining sound and clear appeal.
Fever Rouge sounded more punk than Slag, with distorted bass lines, heavy guitar riffs and screeching vocals driving their fast-paced songs that still left room for breaks overlapped by surf-sounding guitar; giving them an interesting and unique sound. The highlight of their set was a breakdown during one of their songs where there was a wailing Van Halen-esque guitar solo accompanied by crazy drumming and the rest of the rhythm section all laying into it together. They definitely set the bar high for Die Twice.
While by no means blowing away the previous bands, the headliners clearly had the heaviest sound and the highest energy performance – at one point towards the end I was enveloped in the mosh pit which bordered on teeth losing territory. They were yet another band with an extremely diverse sound, some songs had a funky, disco feel as the members danced around the stage. Others, including one of my favorites – ‘Evelyn’ – took a slower pace with the singer using voice effects with an alluring and sensual result. Of course some were also especially heavy, a delight to my ears as I and everyone around me were forced to bob our heads in appreciation. Die Twice sure has some eager fans – as well as creating a fairly scary mosh pit; shouts of “I love you” echoed through the room, and after playing their final song, resounding boos followed and so we were treated to not one but two further songs.
The performance was brilliant; as well as sounding just like they do on their recorded songs (check their new EP ‘A Beautiful Thing’), They were bounding around the tiny stage and pushing their guitars under the noses of those in the front row to their delight, showing an undeniable stage presence – this is why small, packed gigs are simply the best kind, and The Hope and Ruin is a great venue.
Slag and Fever Rouge both have some more shows in Brighton before Christmas, while Die Twice are currently gigging around the UK on tour – all three are definitely worth seeing live.
On tour promoting their new EP ‘A Beautiful Thing’, Die Twice hit up Brighton’s very own Hope and Ruin with supporting acts Slag and Fever Rouge. Tallulah Gray was there
After a phenomenal sets from the first two bands – and more of them later – Die Twice had a lot to prove by the time their headline slot rolled around. And they didn’t disappoint.
The first thing that strikes as the band take the stage is a palpable chemistry that can’t be ignored. The ease and charm with which guitarist Billy Twamley moves around the stage while playing his bluesy-alternative riffs with such precision is something to be studied.
Lead vocalist Olly Bayton is an absolute treat of a frontman, playing a wonderful game of cat and mouse with the audience, while the rhythm section proves to be the real strength of the band’s sound. With bassist Finn Lloyd and drummer Jake Coles in perfect harmony throughout the set. It’s hard to go wrong with such a fervent rhythmic backing and unique bass riffs that really set the band apart from the standard alternative rock/indie bands of the present moment.
The band comes across as refined, yet loose. Allowing the audience to peek behind the curtain of professionalism at four young men having fun on stage, doing what they love, with the people they love. Particular standouts include their performance of ‘The Art of Dying’ that was met with roaring applause by an audience screaming along to every word.
Not to be glossed over is how truly incredible both Slag (below) and Fever Rouge.
Slag has been the Brighton band to watch for a while now, and are doing an excellent job cementing themselves as must-sees within the Brighton music scene. Their latest single ‘Ripped’ is a refreshingly authentic and excellently produced release.Catch them while you can.
photo by Anna Polianichko @tale.pho
As for Fever Rouge (above) , the change up of their usual setlist served to create what has to be one of the best shows they’ve performed thus far. The impact they’ve made on the Brighton scene over the last year or so has been clear and effective – Fever Rouge are not going anywhere. With absolutely stellar performances of tracks ‘Weatherman’ and ‘Feed the Villain’ as well as their latest single ‘The Buzz’, their set was tight and utterly electric. As they gear up for new music releases and plenty more gigs Fever Rouge will continue to blow audiences away with their sharp sonic ability.
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