Gig: Sløtface @ Exchange, Bristol
Sløtface
For a band with a reputation for explosive live shows, Sløtface’s return to Bristol on 2 October didn’t just meet expectations—it blew them out of the water. Packed wall-to-wall with a crowd that was buzzing long before the headliners even hit the stage, the Exchange felt like a powder keg ready to go off. With a lineup featuring support from local favorites SUN SPOT and the ever-evolving SUDS, it was a night that showcased both rising talent and seasoned performers. By the time Sløtface took over, the room buzzed with anticipation, and what came next was a perfect blend of energy and emotion that pulled everyone into the moment.
SUN SPOT
The night kicked off with a surge of local pride as Bristol-based SUN SPOT took the stage. Despite being the opening act, the venue was already filling up with early arrivals, clearly drawn by the hometown heroes. SUN SPOT delivered a dynamic set, showcasing a selection of tracks from their January Venn Records-released EP, Wireframe / Figure 08, as well as teasing some new material from their highly anticipated debut full-length release. The band’s sound was raw yet polished, with the crowd feeding off their energy as they played through familiar favorites and fresh tunes that hinted at exciting things to come.
SUDS
Next up was Norwich’s own SUDS, a band that needs no introduction for fans of the local scene. However this night at Bristol’s Exchange felt like the perfect place to witness SUDS in action, and the stellar sound team only enhanced their performance. This band has built a solid reputation for themselves, and they didn’t disappoint. They treated us to a mix of tracks from their debut album, released in November 2023, alongside several yet-to-be-released gems. Having caught SUDS live a few times this year, it was a treat to hear how their newer material has evolved. And just when we thought we’d heard it all, they surprised us with a brand new song, leaving the audience buzzing with excitement.
The vibe was electric, and both bands set the stage perfectly for the headliner, Sløtface, who was soon to take things to the next level.
Sløtface
If you’ve ever described a band as having an "energetic stage show," you clearly haven’t been to a Sløtface gig. This Norwegian powerhouse doesn’t just set the bar for live performances—they launch it into the stratosphere. From the moment they took the stage, it was an hour of relentless, brutal energy. The blend of pop-punk and punk-rock that Sløtface is known for was on full display, yet there was something inherently warm and inclusive about their performance, inviting everyone in the crowd to revel in the chaos with them.
Their set was a perfect balance of fan favorites and fresh material from their brand-new album Film Buff, released just last week. Every song, even the so-called "slow ones," packed an unforgiving punch that kept the crowd moving and shouting along. The atmosphere was electric, with the band's insatiable energy feeding directly into an audience that was more than ready to match it. There’s something addictive about Sløtface—both their new album and their live show bring a kind of uncontainable joy that’s impossible not to get swept up in.
What made this performance even more special was seeing some familiar faces from other musical projects in this new light. Sløtface isn’t just a band with immense talent; they’re a tight-knit group of musicians who share an infectious love for what they do. It’s always fascinating to see artists you know evolve and thrive in different capacities, and Sløtface felt like a culmination of everything they’ve mastered over the years. They brought a versatility to the stage that was both thrilling and heartwarming—switching from their blistering, high-energy tracks to more nuanced moments, all while maintaining that signature Sløtface charm.
And, beyond the music, they’re just a really lovely bunch of people. Their warmth and down-to-earth nature came through in every interaction, whether it was a quick moment with the crowd between songs or how they carried themselves after the set.
As Sløtface wraps up their UK tour with a final headline show tonight at London’s Underworld—supported by SUDS and CHERYM—expect a night you won’t want to miss. With these bands sharing the stage, it’s bound to be an unforgettable performance before Sløtface heads off to the Night Currents Festival in Southsea.
