Live Review + Gallery | Ulrika Spacek @ Exchange, Bristol

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.

Following the release of their album ‘EXPO’ earlier this year, Ulrika Spacek return to Bristol for a hypnotic set at The Exchange

In February this year, Ulrika Spacek dropped their fourth studio album, ‘EXPO’. The follow up to 2023’s ‘Compact Trauma,’ ‘EXPO’ remains one of the year’s best releases, tightening the group’s vision and plunging you into its dreamy atmosphere every time you listen.

Since then, the band have been making their way around, with appearances at Green Man and other European festivals, before making their way on their current UK/EU tour. We managed to catch Ulrika Spacek as they made their way through Bristol, filling The Exchange with help from Bludud and Broadsheets.

For how atmospheric the new album is, I was worried the band would struggle to recreate this energy on stage. Fortunately, from the first few seconds of the set, I knew this wasn’t going to be an issue.

Seeing Ulrika Spacek live, it is immediately clear how long the band have been playing with one another; the connection between each member is tangible as they effortlessly make their way through their set. A hard trick to pull off, but not one that the group struggle with, is the transition mid-track from moments of calm to moments of drama, all of which happen seamlessly.

The feel on stage is always laid back, but not to the detriment of the songs, which often have a real cinematic energy to them. Instead, you find yourself towed along with the band, as they make their way through the murky but calm waters ahead of them. Live, Ulrika Spacek’s comparisons to Radiohead become far clearer, and though the band’s sound isn’t as varied or groundbreaking, the feeling of listening to them isn’t dissimilar to moments off ‘In Rainbows’.

Every time you may begin drifting off, the band add a little oddness to keep you on board. Crunched up samples add a satisfying texture, while certain guitar riffs remind you of the off-beat jankiness of Squid. No matter how experimental Ulrika Spacek get, they never underestimate the importance of tight songwriting; the catchiness of their sound is never sacrificed.

At one point, the band apologise for playing so many tracks off the new album ‘EXPO’. No need to apologise, Ulrika Spacek, I would have been perfectly happy for you to play the whole thing over twice.