A knives day out: reverie fest 2024

All of the electric pictures in this post are by the talented Kate Feast Photography @katefeastphotography

There has been a plethora of day festivals gracing Bristol’s venues of late, from Ritual Union last weekend to Outertown next month, the bar is set high. Reverie Fest did not shy away from competition, with Blowout Nights bringing a fierce two day party to Bristol’s legendary Exchange.

Due to pressing responsibilities (namely taking my three week old kittens to the vet!!!!) I could only make the last half of Saturday, so have chosen to write up my favourites of the afternoon, Knives.

Smashing their way out of music school onto the national and European scene, Knives have had no real breaks or slumps in their output of shows and music so far to speak of. If you have half an ear to the ground in Bristol and beyond, you will have heard the name. If you caught their 4pm mainstage set at Reverie, then you will know why.

Knives are young, pissed off and very good at what they do.

Frontman Jay brings a presence to the stage that is so unbothered you almost forget it is him delivering the powerful vocals and shouts. Between lyrics he looks away over his shoulder, twiddles his thumbs and appears to watch the rest of the band as though he is in the audience. It is verging on comedic, and extremely enthralling given the style of music. His lyrics are cut throat, to the point and definite ear worms.

The band are an eclectic ball of passion, and yet another shining example of why saxophone should be used more in this genre (we love you Black Foxxes). Bassist Ben’s infamous karate kicks make more than one appearance, namely in the new song ‘Headcase’ that we are treated to (forgive me for my lack of other names / notes from this gig- I was too busy enjoying myself!).

Headcase was a highlight, having only just been released last week, it felt like a fresh bolt of lightning in the set. IM A HEADCASE, IM A BASTARD, IM A PUNK

As they wrap up we are reminded on the upcoming headline show, May 4th at Strange Brew- I will definitely see you there!

Other highlights from this wicked weekend curated by Blowout and co were Irish insane genre warping, stage melting God Alone who blew the audience away with their instrumental twelve-minute operatic masterpieces. It was definitely not music to try and tap your foot to. However, they are down at Rough Trade on Friday 12th April for another sizzling Blowout lineup with Pupil Slicer, so if that tickles your fancy, I will see you there.

By Jacey H