The Smith Street Band - The Exchange, Bristol 30.06.2017
Fans eagerly awaited entry for the sold out show of Australian folk punk rockers The Smith Street Band who stopped off in Bristol on their European Tour. Joining them were fellow Australian Punk Reggae outfit The Bennies, as well as UK Punk rockers Shit Present.
As Shit Present took to the stage the room quickly filled as fans moved to the front. Despite only being a band since 2015 Shit Present have recently been turning heads after a number of UK/ International tours with bands including PUP, Camp Cope and have just recently announced they will be supporting The Flatliners on their UK tour. Shit Present wasted no time in getting the crowd moving as they smashed through their set playing songs from their debut EP release ‘Shit Present’ including tracks such as ‘Evaporate’, ‘Bury It’ and ‘Kick Me’ as well as playing songs from their most recent release ‘Misery + Disaster’ with songs including ‘The Line’ and ‘House Breakdown’. Notable mention to the crowd who were in good voice which enhanced the bands performance. With the bands catchy and relatable songs as well as their live energy it's no surprise this band are going places, they are defiantly one to keep an eye out for.
Next up were The Bennies who filled the small stage at the Exchange. The band describes themselves as ‘Psychedelic Reggae Ska Doom Metal Punk Rock From Hell’ with this tag line as well as being well known for their explosive live shows the sold out venue was in for a treat. The bands relentless energy and party like atmosphere accompanied by their catchy riffs throughout their set had the whole crowd moving and singing. The band played tracks from their most recent release ‘Wisdom Machine’ including ‘Legalise (But Don’t Tax)’ which was accompanied with a tale from the band of their previous visits to Bristol, which included setting off fireworks which was no surprise. Notable mentions was lead singer Anty’s constant energy who never stopped jumping or dancing on the stage. The band ended with the crowd favorite track ‘Party Machine’ which had everyone moving and ended with Anty stage diving into the packed crowd. If you want to see a band packed full of energy and catchy riffs then look no further as The Bennies have the full package.
Last up were headliners The Smith Street Band who have been going from strength to strength having just released a new album which was well received getting 4/5 stars from Rolling Stone Austria. The band had the crowd in full voice from the first song as they started with the opening track ‘Forrest’ from their latest release ‘More Scared Of You Than You Are Me’. The band spent little time chatting between songs playing ensuring they played as many songs as they could, maintaining the high energy of the sweaty packed venue which was well received by the crowd as crowd surfers began making their way towards the front. The band played tracks from their latest release including ‘Death To The Lads’ and ‘Shine’. As well as tracks from their other releases including ‘I Don’t Wanna Die Anymore’, ‘Surrender’ as well as crowd favorite ‘Young Drunk’. As the set came to a close the band ended with ‘Throw Me In The River’ which was a perfect climatic song to end an explosive set. The bands rawness and heartfelt lyrics make the bands live shows that more intimate, if you get the chance to catch The Smith Street Band I highly recommended it.
The Smith Street Band - https://www.facebook.com/thesmithstreetband/
The Bennies - https://www.facebook.com/thebenniesband/
Shit Present - https://www.facebook.com/shitpresent/
Photo & Review - Anthony Shaw
