by Sean Lawrenson, First Year English
The melancholic indie pop artist brought more than just his songs to Mr Wolf’s last Thursday, with a set that provided good vibes and an upbeat atmosphere all around.
Prior to going to FELIX’s latest gig, I would be lying if I said that I was at all familiar with his music, but after doing more than a fair share of scrolling through Instagram, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the tracks, and interested to see just how they would translate into a live-setting. This was his first headline gig, but make no mistake, he is been quietly racking up support slots all throughout Bristol, such as at the Louisiana and The Exchange. This consistency has clearly translated into the emerging fan base that came out in full force at Mr Wolf’s, with the dance floor filled to the brim as the audience expressed their appreciation for his music, myself included.
The Perfect Days
Support Act
FELIX was supported by The Perfect Days, a band playing their very first gig in Bristol, but you could hardly tell. Aside from the odd drop of a capo here and there, the band was able to get the energy in the building up, get the audience on board, which was a great achievement considering that all of their songs were originals.
For a first-time gig, The Perfect Days were a fine example of a band that is just below the surface, ready to shake up Bristol and its vast array of independent venues.
Photo: The Perfect Days @ Mr Wolfs © Sean Lawrenson
FELIX
Headline Act
FELIX's set itself was a diverse one. The most notable song was his cover of Wilkinson’s 'Afterglow', an extremely popular dance tune which FELIX delivered in a feel-good indie rock style. However, I have to say that my personal highlight of the evening came in the form of his song ‘Hallelujah’ which took me very much by surprise.
The song was fantastically immersive, and despite not having listened to him before, I found myself singing along to parts of the chorus, which was a unique and enjoyable feeling. To have not listened, but know, almost instinctively, is a true testament to good song writing.
With an EP coming out later this year, FELIX is undoubtedly heading in a positive direction, having clearly put in the work to improve his live performances in Bristol’s music scene. The fact that one set from an artist I had never heard before has made me thoroughly excited to hear an EP of his speaks volumes as to how successful the half hour set was.
Gigs like these remind me just how lucky I am to be studying here in Bristol. The fact that on any given night, in any number of different venues, there will be musicians playing their hearts out for audiences at pubs and clubs all around this city is truly inspiring. Some of them will unquestionably be below par, but when you go to a gig with no massive expectations and are rewarded with a truly stirring collection of songs, like FELIX provided, well, there is in my opinion no better feeling.
Photographs of FELIX by Jas Neil
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