Reviews

Andrew Jackson Jihad at The Exchange in Bristol gig review

Posted on: 2014-10-08

The energy, passion and genuine enjoyment exhibited by Andrew Jackson Jihad made the night a definitive example of people humbly doing what they love and happening to influence others in a powerful, beautiful way.

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On Monday 6th August, folk-punk legends Andrew Jackson Jihad performed an incomparable set at The Exchange in Bristol.

Let me first start out by admitting to a touch of bias. Andrew Jackson Jihad are a band that I have been waiting almost 7 years to experience live, a band which I have listened to almost every day for those years, and who have arguably the best repertoire of any folk-punk band up to date. That being said, looking around the room on Monday, I saw casual and hardcore fans alike enjoying the music with such genuine cathartic emotion that I am able to give high praise without a heavy conscience.

Of the two support acts, the first up was a female acoustic two-piece charmingly named Dear Everyone. Befitting of the name, the band played gorgeous folk-y songs which addressed all manner of people and issues, drawing on the powerful harmonies and guitar work of the two leading ladies. I was especially impressed by their lyrics and would certainly recommend them as something fresh to anyone interested in emotional acoustic music.

Second up was Caves, a Bristol-based group of energetic talent, brimming with the critical chemistry of a rock-solid punk band. Their heavy, thick, angry sound fell upon enthusiastic ears – many of the audience shouting along with the words, displaying their support for local brilliance. Caves have supported Andrew Jackson Jihad on a number of other dates and lead vocalist Lou opened for the band the last time they came to Bristol. The members themselves leapt around like crazy, kicking their legs and looking positively furious throughout the duration of the set. I really enjoyed their dedication to creating a powerful punk sound; something I think is exhibited better in live performance than recorded format.

The last time Andrew Jackson Jihad were in Bristol was back in 2010, which in itself presents an interesting story (which you can read about by clicking here), and they were warmly received. The Exchange venue has a cosy, cave-like feel – dark, warm and cramped, yet remaining one of the most prominent punk and alternative venues in Bristol. The room was completely packed out and saw people crammed right up to the stage-blocks, faces shining up at a band they were undoubtedly stoked to see in such an intimate venue.

As soon as they walked onstage, cheers erupted from the loyal Bristolian fans. I honestly had no idea there were so many, but as they shuffled about in their exclusive Sprinter Campaign t-shirts and held hands encased in Salad Gloves, I felt a stronger sense of pride in the city than I ever have before. Straightaway they launched into Temple Grandin – an energetic, happy-sounding, cleverly-worded song that not only opens a number of live shows, but also the new album Christmas Island. It’s ingeniously witty lyrics hail back to the dark humour of earlier numbers, and got the whole room screaming each word right back.

After this punchy opening, Andrew Jackson Jihad played songs from every corner of their ever-varied catalogue of genre transcending vitriol. Other songs from Christmas Island were given a heartfelt run-through including Kokopelli Face Tattoo, Do Re and Me, and the haunting yet weirdly satisfying Coffin Dance (albeit minus Jamie from Xiu Xiu and Ten In The Swear Jar fame, who sung the verse for the album recording). Do Re and Me was particularly worth a mention, as vocalist Sean Bonnette cart-wheeled, forward-rolled and bounced about the stage, almost causing bandmate Ben Gallaty grievous injury in the process. After this song the band departed the stage and left just Sean and his guitar. The room fell quiet as a new song was thrust upon us out of nowhere, sounding as catchy, honest and witty as ever, proving Sean’s unremittingly incredible song writing ability. There were a couple of songs from the Knife Man era as well, with Distance and Gift of the Magi 2: Return of the Magi being played in full-band style. Three of my all time personal favourites were also given a shot: Unicorn – an elaborate song with powerful Neutral Milk Hotel-esque imagery from the early days of the band; Love in the Time of the Human Papillomavirus – a song from Can’t Maintain which features the dramatic orchestral inclusion of strings and a touching verse; and Bad Things – a terrifying catalogue of deeds and emotions delivered in a fierce, uncompromising style.

Drawing the whole turbulent ride of anger, joy, passion and honesty to a close, voices sore and ears ringing, the band clearly wanted to emotionally destroy everyone in the room, as they decided to perform Big Bird. For those who are unfamiliar with the song, it comes at the end of Knife Man which is arguably the band’s most successful album. After the album’s varied content which features all manner of genres and emotions – Big Bird slows the tempo right down, starting as just Sean’s voice listing the things that strike fear into our hearts as human beings. Slowly the song builds up into an almighty crescendo which simultaneously broke every heart in the room. I can only applaud the choice of set list which, whether by accident or not, built us up and didn’t let us down.

This is without a doubt the best gig I have ever attended, and will be exceptionally hard to top. As a long-time follower of the band, my adoration only doubled, but a few of those attending spoke to me as curious potential fans and also hailed the gig as one of the best they had ever experienced. The energy, passion and genuine enjoyment exhibited by the band made the night a definitive example of people humbly doing what they love and happening to influence others in a powerful, beautiful way.

5/5

Reviewed and images courtesy of Miri Teixeira for 365Bristol

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