Live Review + Gallery | The Sophs @ The Louisiana, Bristol

Rosie Risdale

Hi my name is Rosie! I am a Midlands born, Bristol based photographer, writer and interviewer who has been an active member of the music scene since I was 17. I seek to capture the tiny moments of a gig, the human connection that we can find in venues all across the world, I live for gigs with power and meaning, that speaks for the people. In my personal work, I focus on exploring memory, intimacy and social connection through from my own life experiences and those talk to around me.

We catch shapeshifting LA six-piece The Sophs in Bristol for a chaotic, sold-out show at The Louisiana

A scarlet star at the bottom of a dark haired head, a reflection that doesn’t actually reflect what is in front of it, and a large gold mirror. I knew nothing of The Sophs, but once the algorithm hurtled the six piece my way, there was nothing that could stop me from listening. Their metamorphosing ten track debut sountracked every walk, every shower.

From the quick-witted rapport between each song, to glimpses of jazz, indie punk, flamenco and Russian folk, I knew without question that this band would be a spectacle to watch. Their freshness to the scene along with high praise accolades had me walking to one of Bristol’s most iconic venues, The Louisiana. This venue has housed the likes of Amy Winehouse, Florence And The Machine, The White Stripes and IDLES: a building which propels future powerhouses onward.

After six handshakes and “how you doing” to the entire LA based group, I set to work capturing images to accompany this piece, the boys slotting in seamlessly. Conversations of the Bristol crocodile, my incredibly loud fish-eye lens, the pros and cons of jumping into our beloved Avon and the joys of Morris Dancing truly encapsulated their excitement at the beginning of their second headline UK tour.

There were no nerves, merely kind hearted back and fourths, my despicable lack of understanding of American sarcasm and a quiet conversation between myself and frontman Ethan Ramon on whether or not the last minute of their tune ‘BLITZED AGAIN’ was inspired by ‘Zorba The Greek’. “No I listened to a lot of Russian traditional stuff,” he replies.

Entering the packed out venue, the group had to push through the eager crowd onto the stage, starting off with a cover of the timeless ‘I’m A Man Of Constant Sorrow.’ Ramon effortlessly slotted in at the front of the stage as the night’s ringmaster, dazzling the room with his Jekyll and Hyde act, floating about on stage like nothing truly matters.

The set ebbs and flows between flamenco style jams like ‘THE DOG DIES IN THE END’ and Strokes-esque tracks like ‘SWEAT,’ with its melodic guitars and whining vocals, a song which would absolutely blow the roof off a larger venue given the change.

‘A SYMPATHETIC PERSON‘ rollercoastered the fans into the ending of a tumultuous coming of age movie, while ‘BLITZED AGAIN’ is by far the standout track, its core reminiscent of all the self-pitying cries of misspent youth. It reached its crescendo with Ramon clutching at his chest whilst falling about stage, his vocals hitting across the dark floor to his fans edging closer.

I find it difficult to fully put into words the type of performance the sextet put on. The impulsive camaraderie buzzing around the stage influencing those singing along before them is the perfect back-and-forth. Chaos rules over every track, no rhyme nor reason; The Sophs are here to make music in whatever capacity they desire. Inspired by music from all across the globe, the band aim to keep their listeners on their toes, and I’m extremely excited to see where their curated pandemonium takes them next.