LIVE REVIEW: GILT @ The Exchange, Bristol

The Twitter band group online has built a loyal and active fanbase that many people tuned into during lockdown as many bands and artists used the time inside to work and have a creative outlet during the difficult time with the pandemic for many musicians. Now that live shows have come back, many of these fans are now able to see their favourite Twitter band perform. One band, GILT, took the extra leap to take their post-hardcore music across the pond from Florida to Europe, including a stop in Bristol playing the basement stage in The Exchange. So, for their first international tour, does the risk pay off, or does the band sink lower than a venue’s basement?

Before they took to the stage, local hardcore punk band, EL CHAPO, opened the show with their harsh and fiery sound. Their loud, fierce, and brash style of music carried through the whole basement and through the rest of the venue. However, despite their music delivering a powerful and energetic sound, the performance was lacking that same needed movement in all of the members. The music, vocals, every element of instrumentation was performed at a top level, but the musicians behind it was very static and felt detached from what was presented to the small stage. Overall, the band’s songs are perfect to hype up the crowd, however they do need a lot of work on their presence and connection to the audience so they can attract more to their band and garner more fans from their performances. EL CHAPO has potential, they just have a lot to work on to attract more people to listen to their music.

Rating: 5/10

Now on to the main act themselves, GILT started their set with the whimsical but also harsh Amethyst setting the tone of their set as they gel together with both gorgeous melodies and guitar tones, and harsh and emotional screams and fierce rhythms from the drums. With a set filled with gems from the band’s recent EP, Conceit, including the beautifully heavy Trophy Hunter, the music was performed brilliantly as each note flowed excellently through the venue as the audience headbanged along. Along with the excellent music, the band was filled to the brim with personality as they shared hilarious anecdotes and gratitude for everyone in attendance.

Their energy was apparent in every moment as everyone, including musicians, felt the music within them and their enjoyment of the music they played allowed the audience to enjoy it with them. Even though the end was abrupt, the sad sounds from the audience indicated that they could’ve watched the band all night, which is a positive sign for any band performing. 

Overall, whilst the support had much more to work on and deliver for a future show, GILT have proven that not only could they deliver excellent music across an online space, but also present it in real life for fans all across the globe. This band have something special about them that few bands can capture in a small amount of time performing. To leave a crowd wanting more only few could accomplish at their stage of their career. GILT would definitely benefit from larger stages and venues because more need to see them and certainly more would become fans that night. Certainly a band that are worth catching live whenever possible.

Rating: 9/10

Check out our photo gallery from the night’s action in Bristol from Stu Rowles Photography here: 

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