The rebranding of SWX to Electric Bristol earlier this year has transformed the space into a state-of-the-art live music and club venue, enhancing the experience for both artists and fans.
Having just before the concert interacted with eager fans over the road at Rough Trade Bristol, giving a free performance and signing their newly released record that morning, queues for the gig still wrapped around the street. The anthemic 'Live For The Moment', immediately set the tone for the evening. Kiaran Crook's commanding vocals, paired with the band's tight instrumentation, resonated throughout the packed out venue. The crowd's enthusiasm was palpable, especially during tracks like 'Will You Be There?' which had fans singing along in unison.
Formed in South Yorkshire in 2010, The Sherlocks quickly gained attention with their energetic live shows and a loyal grassroots following. The band, now consisting of brothers Kiaran and Brandon Crook, along with Alex Procter and Trent Jackson, has built a reputation for relentless touring and crowd-pleasing sets. Their debut album Live for the Moment charted at No. 6 on the UK Albums Chart in 2017, a rare feat for an unsigned band at the time.
Their latest tour supports their upcoming fourth studio album, ‘Everything Must Make Sense!’, released the day of their performance. The new album sets itself apart with a mature, timely focus on men's mental health and the struggles of everyday adult life, offering a raw, relatable perspective that feels more relevant than ever. This album follows 2022’s ‘World I Understand’, which was praised for its confident songwriting and peaked at No. 9 on the UK chart. In recent years, The Sherlocks played across Europe, supported Kaiser Chiefs, and headlined major venues in cities such as Manchester, Sheffield, and Glasgow, demonstrating their continued rise within the UK indie scene.
What sets The Sherlocks apart is their reverence for the past, which shines through in subtle but impactful ways, like the way they tune their instruments. There were moments during the set where the guitar tones hinted at their classic influences, with echoes of ‘Wicked Game’ by Chris Isaak in the reverb-drenched melodies and melancholic atmosphere. It's a clear nod to their musical roots, blending vintage textures with their own sharp, modern edge.
The setlist masterfully wove together beloved fan favourites and fresh tracks from their forthcoming album, 'Everything Must Make Sense!'. Among the standouts, 'Man on the Loose' captivated with its infectious chorus and intricate guitar riffs, while 'Bones' ventured into darker, more experimental territory, echoing the atmospheric edge of Noel Gallagher’s work with The Chemical Brothers. 'Death Of Me', driven by shimmering synth melodies, quickly emerged as a crowd favourite. Throughout the night, the band’s unwavering commitment to the art of live performance was unmistakable, a true highlight of the show.
True to their ethos, there were no backing tracks or gimmicks, just raw, unfiltered indie rock and roll. This authenticity resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the band's reputation as a powerhouse live act. As the night concluded it was evident that The Sherlocks are not just maintaining their momentum, they're propelling themselves into new sonic territories. Their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots ensures that their future remains as promising as their past.
