LIVE REVIEW: Sleep Theory @ O2 Academy, Bristol
It’s not often a tour opener delivers two UK debut bands in one night, but Bristol was treated to exactly that. SLEEP THEORY have detonated over the last 12 months, and to roll into the UK headlining 1,500-cap rooms on their very first run is no small achievement. Add THE PRETTY WILD on warm-up duties and the stage was set for something special.
What a statement to make on night one of the tour. THE PRETTY WILD hit the stage like a band with everything to prove and absolutely deliver. Dual vocalists are always a compelling dynamic, but here it’s elevated by genuine chemistry, crushing harmonies, and undeniable stage presence.
There’s something profoundly powerful about feminine-presenting vocalists unleashing heavy vocals with this level of conviction. It sends a visible ripple through the room – especially among the women in the crowd – as barriers are smashed and long-held industry norms are kicked aside. This isn’t novelty, it’s dominance.
The audience locks in fast, cheers growing louder as the set progresses. Choosing a support is always risky, especially when they’re also new to the UK, but this was inspired booking. THE PRETTY WILD feel like a band on the brink, and it’ll be fascinating to see just how far they go.
Rating: 9/10
Bristol showed up for this one. From the opening note, the crowd were in full voice — at times so loud they completely drowned out the band. That kind of response doesn’t happen by accident; it’s proof of the impact SLEEP THEORY have already made.
Live, the band are flawless. All three vocalists work in perfect harmony, translating the layered dynamics of the studio recordings into a massive, emotionally charged live experience — all while delivering a performance worthy of a headline slot. For an opening night, there’s not a hint of nerves. If anything, they look fuelled by the moment, fully aware this is their chance to make a lasting first impression.
Their blend of metalcore aggression and smooth, R&B-inflected hooks lands perfectly, particularly on the slower tracks. Even a metalcore rework of ByeByeBye slots seamlessly into the set, turning the room into a full-blown sing-and-dance celebration. One crowd moment sees the vocalist Cullen More call out: “Ladies, if you’re here with your fella, make sure he holds you tight”. Cue screams.
We’ve seen it time and time again in recent years: bands going from zero to international recognition thanks to TikTok. SLEEP THEORY are clearly one of the success stories, joining a growing list of acts able to cross the Atlantic and take on the UK and Europe off the back of viral momentum.
The only real criticism? Padding the set with three cover songs to stretch it to an hour and twenty minutes. It’s understandable given the size of the room and their still-growing catalogue, with just debut album Afterglow to their name, but honestly, a shorter set stacked with originals would’ve hit harder. Still – credit where it’s due – at least it wasn’t Wonderwall wheeled out for a cheap singalong.
All told, this was a near-flawless show. SLEEP THEORY have announced themselves loud and clear, and we’ll absolutely be ready when they return to the UK — hopefully sooner rather than later.
Rating: 9/10
Check out our photo gallery of the night’s action in Bristol from Serena Hill Photography here:
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