Turin Brakes and Texas light up Bristol Sounds with soul, sing-alongs, and sharp wit
Friday night at Bristol Sounds 2025 offered up a brilliant double bill that balanced indie-folk warmth with stadium-sized hits. The sunshine of the afternoon gave way to overcast skies as the crowd gathered — clouds threatened rain, but it held off, leaving the Harbourside filled with relief and anticipation.
Turin Brakes, hailing from Balham, South London, delighted the crowd with a beautifully judged, melodic set that set the tone perfectly. The duo of Olly Knights and Gale Paridjanian, joined by Rob Allum and Eddie Myer, have been winning over audiences since 1999 with their soulful, folk-infused sound. Their harmonies carried across the harbour, creating a laid-back, reflective atmosphere as the evening settled under heavy skies.
Then came Texas, bringing the Amphitheatre to life with a set packed full of classics, warmth, and playful energy. Sharleen Spiteri and the band delivered a show that felt both effortless and electric — a reminder of why they’ve remained so loved across the decades. From the moment they opened with I Don’t Want a Lover, the crowd were on their feet, singing every word. Halo, Summer Son, Black Eyed Boy and Say What You Want followed, each greeted like an old friend.
Spiteri’s sharp wit and easy charm were on full display. From playful exchanges with the front row to teasing guitarist Tony McGovern — “Who do you think you are, Yngwie Malmsteen?” she laughed, after some unexpected cheeky shredding — she kept spirits high between songs. I never thought I’d hear a Malmsteen reference at a Texas show, but it was one of many moments that added to the night’s fun, inclusive spirit.
The band were tight and assured, moving seamlessly from floor-fillers to more reflective moments like In Demand, which matched the moody skies perfectly. A euphoric encore featuring Inner Smile and a surprise cover rounded off another standout night at Bristol Sounds.
