Live Review | Westside Cowboy @ The Exchange, Bristol

Westside Cowboy

The Exchange, Bristol

6th February 2026

Photography by Rosie Risdale

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.

At Bristol’s exchange, we caught one of the UK’s buzziest bands, Westside Cowboy, fresh off the release of their new EP

With excitement buzzing through the air, pops of cans and eyes alertly staring onto the stage, Bristol was more than ready to receive one of Manchester’s newest electrifying acts, Westside Cowboy. Self-proclaimed as a “Britanicana” band, the four-piece have taken the U.K. by storm over the last year, taking to the stage to support powerhouses like English Teacher, Black Country, New Road and Blondshell.

Having only visited Bristol three times before, it was outstanding to see the turn-out for their run of shows supporting their second EP ‘So Much Country Till We Get There’. Anticipation was certainly building around the room, and spilling out the doors; between watching the energised support band Holly Head and the main act, I had multiple conversations with people waiting outside hoping to grab a ticket off of kind stranger.

Watching passionate punters asking every person entering the building if they had a spare ticket was certainly verification that Westside Cowboy are here for good, and, in such a short amount of time, have built up a ravenous following, ready to see where their developing sound will take them.

Strolling onto stage to Jackie Wilson’s iconic tune ‘(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher,’ the precedent was set for the rest of the show. With a howling “WESTSIDE COWBOYYYY” from drummer Paddy Murphy and the loud cheer that followed, it isn’t difficult to see why the young group have such a following already; it’s fun, candid, there’s robust vocals from all sides of the stage. There isn’t a specific frontman or powerhouse that takes centre stage, but more four friends having the time of their lives, seeing what could possibly happen as their future unfolds.

One highlight was ‘Strange Taxidermy,’ an awe-inspiring spotlight on bassist Aoife Anson O’Connell and a track I can see being in a future coming-of-age movie. It strikes a chord and doesn’t let go, the consistent drone of the cello hitting you in the chest whilst the vocalist pours her heart out on stage to the ensnared crowd below her.

Throughout their set, there are quiet moments of contemplation between the rapturous noise going back and forth across the venue, with the band lovingly serenading their audience acoustically for their last song ‘In The Morning,’ a tender track given power by the adrenaline-fuelled four piece wanting to go out with a bang.

Paddy Murphy was a genuine wonder to watch on stage and there wasn’t a second where his arms stopped moving. His contagious energy was felt by everyone around me, with many people focusing their phone’s attention to the bundle of collected chaos sat behind the kit.

I have a very visceral response to the songs that this talented bunch have brought out. I am taken away to sunny fields with a warm cider by the thought-provoking instrumentals that truly conjure something up in me, allowing me to reminisce whilst staying awe struck in the moment.

‘The Wahs,’ both live and in the comfort of my headphones, has me hopping over fences in my mind, feeling the camaraderie around a tediously built fire, while others have me galloping on a horse in the middle of a busy city.

This was a wonderful night to showcase one of the UK’s top rising bands, with both the band and the fanbase giving it their all and with plenty of avid listeners singing the lyrics like gospel. Without a shadow of a doubt, I would see them again, and it’s extremely exciting see how far they’ve risen just this year! Is a Mercury Prize on the way? Regardless, their infectious enthusiasm and warmth brought a group of people together like no other.