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 Dot To Dot just over a week away, here are our picks for who not to miss in Bristol, from buzzy newcomers to local favourites
Every year, Dot To Dot Festival brings some of the country’s very best new bands and artists to the streets of Bristol, taking over venues all across the city centre. The very next day, the whole festival ships over to Nottingham for yet another party.
This year, with headline sets from Lambrini Girls, Fcukers and NewDad, it’s set to be a big one. Alongside these three are a huge number of artists, including many many local acts in each city. Here are just a few of our picks from Bristol.
Mandy, Indiana
Manchester band Mandy, Indiana have been our radar for a while with their unique blend of noise rock and techno solidifying their place on our 2026 Ballyhoo list.
Their new album ‘URGH,’ released in February, continues what they do best: creating chaotic party tunes, as danceable as they are experimental. Vocalist Valentine Caulfield is notoriously excellent at what she does, holding the crowd’s attention expertly with her French lyrics and manic vocal delivery, leaping from whispers to yells.
Be sure to check out their set at 22:00 at Electric as well as their DJ set at 00:00 in The Lanes.
Silver Gore
Silver Gore is the collaborative project of Ethan P. Flynn and Ava Gore. Their debut EP ‘Dogs In Heaven’ was one of our favourites of 2025, with its synthy indie pop songs catching our attention.
While this is Gore’s first project as lead vocalist, you may have heard Flynn’s work before, from his excellent solo albums to writing/production credits for some huge names (FKA Twigs, Nia Archives, David Byrne). Silver Gore is an exciting combination of two huge talents, and we recommend catching them while they’re still getting going.
Check out our interview with Silver Gore here.
Eve Appleton Band
Eve Appleton Band are one of Bristol’s gems on the lineup. Last year, they released their debut album ‘Bible Black’ independently, offering their lovely Americana-infused indie folk to the world.
Seeing these guys live is a wonderfully warm experience, with Eve Appleton and Anna Bennett’s vocals accompanied by violins and twangy guitars. Eve Appleton Band are right at home in a Bristol crowd and, with their new album on the way soon, now is the time to check out some of their new material.
Adult DVD
One of the buzziest names on the list, Adult DVD have been making a name for themselves at festivals around the country over the last year or so. Their indie rock sound is massively heightened by their use of synths and drum machines, bringing an energy that makes them stand out amongst the wave of indie across the lineup.
If you’re a fan of LCD Soundsystem or anything in that vein, you’re sure to find something to love from Adult DVD. If you need any more convincing, have a listen to recent single ‘Real Tree Lee’.
Factor 50
It wouldn’t be a Dot To Dot without an appearance from Factor 50. Born from the student pubs of Falmouth, Factor 50 have been building a loyal fanbase in Bristol over the last few years, gaining a reputation for gigs filled with art rock, crank wave and trumpet solos.
Recently, the band have dropped two EPs ‘Good News!’ and ‘The Core,’ undoubtedly their strongest work yet, pulling on influences from Grandaddy and Sparklehorse to Black Country, New Road. Factor 50 are a firm favourite at CLUNK and for those in the know, so be sure to catch them at 21:00 headlining Mr Wolfs.
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