George Ward
Freelance journalist and online editor for CLUNK. Can be found out and about in Bristol, finding cheap records or having a pint on King Street.
With Bristol day festival Ritual Union fast approaching, here are 5 of our favourite acts that we can’t wait to check out
Following on from the huge success of last year’s lineup of Porridge Radio, The Orielles, Heavy Lungs and many more, Ritual Union is back for 2024! The Bristol multi-venue day festival will take place on Saturday 23rd March in SWX, Strange Brew, Rough Trade and The Island.
Dream Wife and Liz Lawrence are co-headlining the day, with many local and up and coming bands supporting too. Here are a few of our top choices.
Do Nothing
Do Nothing‘s fanbase have been very patient. With their first EP under their name released in 2020, their debut album finally hit us last year. Luckily, it was more than worth the wait.
Combining wonky indie rock with smooth, poetic vocals, Do Nothing have an elegance about them, with just enough edge to keep you interested.
Listen to ‘Snake Sideways’ here:
mary in the junkyard
mary in the junkyard are one of the newest bands on the lineup, with only two singles currently out. Despite this, performances at last year’s festivals and across the UK have made the London band one of the buzziest around.
Their sound ranges from dark, atmospheric folk to jagged, uneasy rock. They are absolutely on the right path to completely blowing up, so catch them while you can.
Listen to ‘Ghost’ here:
Sam Akpro
Sam Akpro is another act without an album to his name yet. But, with two EPs out and several exciting singles, he’s one of the most exciting artists out there.
With his 2023 EP ‘Arrival‘ combining trip hop, punk and jazz, his newest single is catchy and wonderfully rough around the edges. Seeing his unique sound come to life is something we’re extremely excited for.
Listen to ‘Arrival’ here:
Welly
By far the funnest band on the list, Welly’s playful indie rock is something to be seen live. Synth-heavy, shouty and never very serious, Welly have an incredible energy on stage, dressed in school sports gear and performing with a manic youthful energy.
While we do not have a studio album from them yet, you can have a taste of this live energy with their ‘Live in a Village Hall’ project below.
Minor Conflict
Minor Conflict are one of the most exciting and unique bands to come out of Bristol’s scene in recent years. With their genre hard to pin down, the band combine post-punk vocals, jittery drum beats and, most surprisingly, a harp. Their sound is creepy, intriguing and completely their own.
Hopefully this will have piqued your interest just enough to see just what Minor Conflict are all about. Whether it’s for you or not, they’re one of the most interesting bands on the lineup.
You can buy tickets for Ritual Union here.