Gig: Sweet Pill & SUDS @ Purple Turtle, Reading
Sweet Pill
We’ve been looking forward to this gig for awhile! When we first heard that Sweet Pill was making their way across the pond for their inaugural UK tour, we knew we had to be there. The excitement only doubled with the news that SUDS, one of our favorite UK bands, would be supporting the entire tour. Clear my schedule: we're going.
At the famous Purple Turtle, an outstanding venue that definitely lives up to the hype, there was no doubt we were in for a treat. Made again even sweeter with Soot Sprite opening, a new friend we've only recently connected with.
Soot Sprite
Opening the evening, Soot Sprite delivered a set that can only be described as gorgeous. Their shoegazey jams washed over the crowd, creating an ethereal atmosphere that felt both intimate and expansive. The dreamy guitars and haunting vocals created an ethereal atmosphere, making it the perfect opener. Each song was a lush, textured soundscape that drew us in deeper, leaving everyone captivated and ready for more.
They’ve just released their latest single, “I Went Swimming” late last month, with another single on the way. You’ll have to stay tuned to our radio show to hear! Catch Soot Sprite again on the Southampton and St Albans stops of tour.
SUDS
I love SUDS. Full stop, that’s my response anytime this cheery foursome from Norwich is mentioned. We've been spinning their record The Great Overgrowth since long before its official release late last year, and their sweet melodies and raw angst never get old. From hours spent at the computer to any length of car drive, this record is a companion I continue returning to.
Last night’s set was a mix of tunes from the latest album, along with three new songs thrown in for good measure. We heard two of these tracks earlier this year at a gig with Spanish Love Songs in Southampton. The third - the newest new song still affectionately labelled “NEW SONG” on the humble notebook paper setlist gently laid on stage - has all the makings of my favorite SUDS track to date. I can't wait to see where they take it when this group hits the studio again.
What continues to strike me about SUDS show is how unified they sound, blending seamlessly into one powerful voice. We love SUDS.
Sweet Pill
Closing the night, Sweet Pill stormed the stage. Now, to be honest, it’s been a hot minute since we at The Scene have listened to their latest EP, Starchild, which Thom raved about earlier this year. We listen to a lot of music, and life happens, which is a really longwinded way of saying that I forgot how good this band is!
Sweet Pill embodies everything you'd expect from a Hopeless Records band. Their energy was genuinely off the charts, and their stage presence was magnetic.
It would be too easy for any group, fresh into the UK and mere days after dual sets at Outbreak Fest, to take it easy for a night, especially for a free show in the cozy confines of the Purple Turtle. But when SUDS said during their set, “Sweet Pill brings it”, they were not lying.
Sweet Pill brought it. The powerful vocals, mesmerizing Midwest guitar riffs, and a touch of screamo. What more could you want? Well, I can tell you I want round two next week at 2000Trees! And probably a round three before they leave our island shores.
If you haven't seen these bands live yet, do yourself a favor and catch them at their next gig. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
5 July - DUST, Brighton
6 July - Ramsgate Music Hall, Ramsgate
7 July - Boileroom, Guildford
9 July - Clwb Ilfor Bach, Cardiff
10 July - Joiners, Southampton
11 July - The Horn, St Albans
Then, catch Sweet Pill at 2000Trees, followed by more UK dates supporting Into It. Over It.
