FESTIVAL REVIEW: Misery Loves Company Festival 2023
With festival season waning, putting on a one day, multi stage indoor festival might seem risky but it couldn’t come at a better time. With the elements against outdoor festivals, having that safety net of being inside is a comfort to everyone involved and attending, then only having to take one day off your weekend is an added bonus. Misery Loves Company steps in to this spot to host their inaugural year, bringing a fun mid sized festival to Bristol hosting established acts like TWIN ATLANTIC, INME and FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS to smaller more local acts like KITE THIEF, ADHARMA and RXPTRS. There is something for everyone over this day whether you decide to stick to one venue or hop to each one, anything is possible. Distorted Sound head down to cover the whole day and see what the action is like.
THE MENSTRUAL CRAMPS – Station Stage
To begin Misery Loves Company Festival was THE MENSTRUAL CRAMPS, Bristol’s own DIY punk band, with the yell of “Are you ready, kids?”. Kicking things off with their raw sound and unapologetic lyrics that discuss topics of SA and abortion, which vocalist Emilia Elfrida has experienced personally. The anger and heart felt within each of the words shouted, and the crowd joining in to scream along, created not only a fiery atmosphere, but also one that felt safe for all in attendance accompanied by excellent rhythms, heavy guitar riffs, very strong bass lines, and passionate vocals. With the fierce and enthusiastic cry to songs like Cull The Tories and No Means No, THE MENSTRUAL CRAMPS delivered a great set that was perfect to begin the festival with and set a high bar for the rest of the day.
Rating: 8/10
SPLIT CHAIN – The Lanes Stage
Despite their set starting at 1pm, SPLIT CHAIN bring some dark and sinister vibes to The Lanes’ nightclub with their potent mix of grunge, nu-metal, and screamo. Frontman Bert Martinez’s dreamy vocals drift over the downtuned guitars in a way obviously reminiscent of DEFTONES, an influence that the band doesn’t wish to hide, even busting out a thunderous cover of Be Quiet And Drive (Far Away). It’s not the most original sound attendees will hear today, but the relentless energy of this quintet instantly marks them as a promising new act in a quickly resurging subgenre.
Rating: 7/10
HAMARTIA – Acoustic Stage
Opening any stage can be a daunting task for any band, but especially for an acoustic stage when it’s the first time they performed their music in this stripped style. For Bristol’s HAMARTIA, who are better known for their heavy alternative rock style, delivering their songs with two acoustic guitars actually created an incredible take on the songs. It added a lot of depth and beautiful rhythms that the guitarists, Matt Shiels and James Farmer, played off each other very well. It also allowed vocalist Sophie Smith’s voice to shine through each song like Control and Bloom. With a setlist full of unreleased tracks as a teaser for next year’s plans, the acoustic set was a fantastic way to introduce the crowd to these songs and the band performed them exceptionally. An overall great set acoustically, which leaves high hopes for their electric versions.
Rating: 8/10
SAFIRE – The Station Stage
Within the sea of heavy riffs and gritty metal sounds that the festival celebrates, there are also different alternative sounds to Misery Loves Company Festival. This also includes gothic electronic styles, like with Brighton artist SAFIRE, who brought her fierce style and energetic sound to the festival. Despite only her and her DJ on stage, SAFIRE used every inch of the stage and brought a dynamic presence to every song she performed and, with the DJ behind her also enthusiastic, jumping with every song, it created a captivating performance for each track they performed. Songs like MERCY hit well with the pumping rhythms, and the whole set was a fantastic display of high energy, incredible electronic sounds, and dynamic vocals on display throughout that all could jump and dance to.
Rating: 9/10
RXPTRS – SWX Stage
Bristol locals RXPTRS open up the main stage at SWX, waking up the gathering throngs with some seriously unserious metalcore. The band bring riffs and breakdowns in spades, whipping up the hometown crowd with infectious swagger. Simon Roach’s hair metal-inspired vocals won’t be to everyone’s taste, but Ian Chadderton and Harley Wattson’s groovy riffs are eaten up by all in attendance. The rhythm section, provided by Sam Leworthy and Mat Capper on bass and drums respectively, is also phenomenal. A fabulous set for what will be many attendees first of the day.
Rating: 7/10
MIMI BARKS – The Station Stage
Early afternoon feels entirely too early to be listening to MIMI BARKS’ horrorcore stylings, but that doesn’t stop the fans in attendance from becoming thoroughly immersed into the solo artist’s grimy world. Some of Mimi’s songs are straightforward trap fare, while others embrace their more hellish influences, with death metal screams in plentiful supply. Much like superstar LIL UZI VERTS’ forays into metal, the fusion doesn’t quite work, with the more rap-centric songs veering off-beat and the heavier tunes sounding too thin to make the desired impact. Still, MIMI BARKS’ stage presence is undeniable and the energy levels are off-the-charts.
Rating: 6/10
LOVE IS NOISE – SWX Stage
Next on the main stage is UK Deftonescore (a genre which we’ve just coined) outfit, LOVE IS NOISE, started by former members of LOTUS EATER. Leaning harder into the ethereal, dreamlike soundscapes of shoegaze than their contemporaries in SPLIT CHAIN, LOVE IS NOISE are an even more dynamic proposition, shifting seamlessly from screams and blastbeasts to falsetto crooning and clean guitar melodies with masterful ease. The band has no shortage of heavy bangers, the highlight of the set is arguably the hauntingly beautiful Euphoria (where were you?) which shows off frontman Cameron Humphrey’s impressive vocal range.
Rating: 8/10
LIZZY FARRALL – SWX Stage
SWX hosted many fantastic bands and artists during the course of the day and alternative artist LIZZY FARRALL was no exception. She brought her fireball spirit and sound to the stage, along with a setlist featuring songs from her album Bruise. With a lot of playful interactions with her band as well as the crowd, it’s evident that Lizzy loves performing and adores the music she’s playing, which is showcased within the songs she performs. Included in the setlist are Games, Yellow Paint, Gaslighting, and her latest single, Room 42, all played exceptionally well, along with an abundance of energy, it was a set that the crowd didn’t want to end as it was an exceptional time from beginning to end.
Rating: 9/10
RAIDERS – The Lanes Stage
Ex-THE BLACKOUT frontman Sean Smith has been active in the alternative scene since the Welsh outfit called it quits in 2015. This has mostly been in the form of DJ sets and live appearances for his podcast Sappenin’, but with alt-rock collective RAIDERS, Smith gets the chance to truly let loose, reminding attendees why he was a vital ingredient in THE BLACKOUT’s emo gumbo. Occasionally his on (and off) stage antics threaten to overshadow the band’s enjoyably riffy tunes, as Smith scales the furniture and chases attendees through the crowd. Despite having a minimal catalogue of music, RAIDERS put on a smashing show that goes down well with the mid-afternoon crowd.
Rating: 7/10
GRAPHIC NATURE – The Lanes Stage
Now for something much heavier. And GRAPHIC NATURE are about as heavy as it gets, channeling SLIPKNOT’s heaviest moments with their Drop A breakdown fests. Like their nu-metal influences, GRAPHIC NATURE brings drum-and-bass backing tracks into the fold, keeping the energy and intensity as high as possible, giving the audience no chance for respite. The band’s imposing stage presence, replete with hooded uniform, adds to the violent and aggressive vibes as the set unfolds. These lads are about one thing: brutality. While that’s not what this reviewer comes to heavy music for, you’ve got respect how the band has mastered their craft, inciting by far the most terrifying mosh pit of the day.
Rating: 8/10
SOUTH ARCADE – Rough Trade Stage
TikTok has introduced many to a band’s music as the platform can spread their music far and wide. But how do they do in a live setting? SOUTH ARCADE made a great case for them with an exceptional performance that draws many in to see them. All the members bring an abundance of energy that is infectious amongst the crowd which matches their exciting pop rock sounds. The audience participation for spelling DANGER was fun during the introduction and performance of the song, and the cover of KATY PERRY‘s I Kissed A Girl was creative and a fun take on the classic. Overall, SOUTH ARCADE are a fantastic band that anyone who found them via TikTok would be impressed by their stage presence and power in performance.
Rating: 10/10
LAKE MALICE – The Lanes Stage
It should be clear by now that many of the acts put on at this fledgling fest boast bold and experimental genre fusions. While this says great things about the creativity of the UK scene, the degree to which these genres mesh is sometimes debatable. One thing that isn’t debatable: LAKE MALICE is fucking fantastic. Tastefully melding elements of electronica, hip-hop, and riffy metalcore, the band have something for everyone, bringing all of these disparate parts together with towering, rousing choruses. The energy within The Lanes’ modestly sized room is off-the-charts, and frontwoman Alice Guala is visually elated at the reaction they garner. The UK duo blast through bangers including the likes of Magic Square, Black Turbine, and Bloodbath, whipping up the pit into a euphoric fervour. As the set closes with the utterly breathtaking Blossom it’s hard to believe that this exhilarating act has yet to release a full-length album.
Rating: 10/10
CALVA LOUISE – Rough Trade Stage
Rough Trade hosted a lot of fantastic bands during Misery Loves Company Festival, and alternative band CALVA LOUISE were certainly no exception! Amassing a large crowd to their set, there was no shortage of heavy, gripping, and captivating tracks that filled the set. It was evident throught the show that the band have an immense love and passion for the music they perform, and they know how to get the crowd moving through all their fantastic rhythms and melodies the trio showcase through songs like Third Class Citizen and Feast Is Over. With a mixtape on the horizon, CALVA LOUISE created a fun and engaging atmosphere with their punky, electric vibes and impressively written lyrics. Just as amazing live as they are on record.
Rating: 9/10
THE XCERTS – SWX Stage
After a day of extreme, heavy, genre-bending music, THE XCERTS’ bouncy pop rock is welcomed like a warm bath after a heavy workout. The three-piece emerge to the bratty sounds of GIMME, before kicking into their breakout hit Shaking in The Water. The Scottish trio are clearly having a great time, striding about the stage and firing out pop-rock banger after pop-rock banger. It doesn’t take long for a party atmosphere to spread throughout the crowd, as audience members jump, dance, and pump their fists with all the energy of the hyperactive Aberdeen trio. It’s a great change of pace and gets the main stage crowd perfectly prepped for fellow Scots TWIN ATLANTIC.
Rating: 8/10
VEXED – The Lanes Stage
As the evening draws in at Misery Loves Company Festival, Hertfordshire metal outfit VEXED demands a little more energy from The Lanes’ crowd with their potent djenty riffs. Megan Targett is a commanding presence on vocals, delivering raw, guttural screams that feel monstrous enough to swallow up the entire crowd. It’s fair to say that the UK outfit delivers some of the hardest breakdowns of the day, inciting mosh pits of just about every variety and variation you can think of. The group even manages to tie together many of these brutal sonic assaults with soaring, clean-sung choruses, making for a dynamic, exhilarating set.
Rating: 8/10
BRONNIE – Acoustic Stage
Back on the Acoustic Stage in The Lanes Courtyard, a stripped-down take on pop-punk closed out the stage from Mersey artist BRONNIE, who presented a set full of recent singles, amazing new songs that will appear on her debut album, and even a great cover of Big Yellow Taxi, which is punky whilst respectful to the original and honours it well. Even in this acoustic setting, Bronnie’s voice shines whilst showcasing her vibrant personality, and with the guitarist lending harmonies to the songs, the two create a beautiful atmosphere for the jammy tracks that elevate the already powerful lyrics. A great choice to close out the stage and a brilliant performance from a talented artist.
Rating: 8/10
YONAKA – SWX Stage
Back over in SWX, Brighton-based rock band YONAKA had packed out their set that was perfect for the packed out crowd and their energy. The vocals from Theresa Jarvis were beautiful through each song as they transcended through the venue, and the whole band danced and jammed along with the funky rhythms they played, which matched the energy of the music they played and influenced the audience’s energy in turn. Not only this, but the band constantly asked how the crowd were doing, and played with the crowd as they played, instead of just playing at them. With beautiful deep cuts and a cute acoustic moment, this set was brilliantly delivered and enjoyed by all in attendance.
Rating: 9/10
INME – Station Stage
Meanwhile, Essex post-hardcore originators INME make a triumphant return to Bristol with some passionately delivered throwbacks to 2003’s Overgrown Eden, to celebrate its 10-year anniversary. The band’s sole founding member, vocalist Dave McPherson, leads proceedings with aplomb, guiding the crowd, many of whom know the album front-to-back, through its grungey terraces. Familiar singles Underdose and Firefly are clear highlights of the set, inspiring huge sing-alongs. Attendees are also treated to a spirited rendition of the uplifting anthem Faster The Chase to close things out. Considering the band has been active in the rock scene since 1996, age has not slowed them down one bit.
Rating: 8/10
FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS – Rough Trade Stage
Over in Rough Trade, the headliners of the stage, emo band FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS prepared to tear up the stage, with many excited since the band reunited in March last year and have since been performing across the country. To everyone’s delight as the first note of the first song began, the five piece performed just as fantastic this night as they did when they first began in 2008. The alternating vocals of Laurance Beveridge and Kier Kemp work very well to deliver each song on the setlist and present the different sides of the band and their varied styles on display.
It was evident that, not only were all the members happy to be back together and loved the music they performed, but this love was infectious within the audience as well, as the whole room was full of energy and responded to everything the band did to great reception. This included a fun moment when an audience member playfully shouted that they should play FALL OUT BOY, to which the band started playing the introduction to one of their songs as a joke. It showed the close bond between fans and musicians. Featuring both old tracks and new, like Regret and Could We Burn, Darling?, FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS showcased why they were a perfect choice of a headliner by not only performing their music exceptionally, but also engaging and embracing the audience no matter what came their way, bringing so much positivity all around.
Rating: 10/10
TWIN ATLANTIC – SWX Stage
Glasgow rockers TWIN ATLANTIC take to SWX’s main stage to finish off Misery Loves Company Festival and they certainly bring their A-game. New single Stuck In A Car With You kicks things off with its live debut. It doesn’t take long for the four-piece to dip back into their old classics, starting with Edit Me, and then Make a Beast Of Myself, a soaring anthem about the trials of addiction. In between songs, frontman Sam McTrusty flexes his natural charisma, keeping the energy going with playful banter.
The best moments are undoubtedly from the band’s classic 2011 album Free. The honesty of the lyrics in Yes, I Was Drunk still pack a punch, while the title track is probably the finest rock song the troupe has written, allowing Barry McKenna’s lead guitar lines to shine. It takes Free’s massive chorus for the mosh pit to come alive, as concert-goers gleefully collide in the center of the dancefloor. As the set approaches its end, No Sleep wakes up weary audience members with its powerful riffs and shout-along chorus. The set closes with Heart and Soul, a power pop anthem from 2015’s Great Divide. It’s slightly disappointing that their debut Vivarium Is absent from the setlist, (especially What is Light? Where is Laughter?), but it’s a minor gripe with a set that has been thoroughly exhilarating from start to finish.
Rating: 9/10
Words: Naomi Sanders, Jack Ridsdale
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