Live Review: Florence Black - Exchange, Bristol
16th October 2022
Support: Häxan
Words & Photos: Paul Hutchings
I don’t think it’s overstating it to say this tour was probably the last chance you’d have had to see Florence Black in such a small series of venues. The Merthyr trio have been relentless in their touring over the past 12 months, with a series of arena support slots in Europe alongside a UK support to Kris Barras, and numerous festivals to their name. Over 60 shows are no mean feat in a year, but these boys show no signs of slowing. A sold-out crowd crammed into one of Bristols smallest venues for the final show of the band’s current tour were rewarded with an evening which showcased why Florence Black are such a hot property now.
Arriving over 40 minutes before the show starts, the queue is crunched up under the two canopies outside The Exchange. It’s the proverbial cats and dogs coming down and any bit of shelter is gratefully accepted. Once inside, the heat is already formidable, and we haven’t heard a note yet.
Supporting Florence Black on this tour has been fellow Welshies Häxan. The Cardiff trio hit the stage bang on time. They are crammed to the front of the stage. Drummer Jess is almost in the pit such is the proximity to the audience, whilst guitarist Sam and bassist Harriet are either side. It’s cramped. Sam has monitor issues but once the band hit their stride it’s easy to see why they are on this tour. Feisty, fist in the air anthems are Häxan’s trademark, and they don’t disappoint. Musically tight after a couple of weeks on the road, they keep the chat short, focusing on songs from their debut ‘White Noise’. Jess seems particularly animated, wildly delivering the rhythm without missing a beat. Maybe it’s the front and centre position, but she hits hard. Very hard. Harriet is full of head throws, high kicks, and huge bass lines. Sam focuses on lead guitar and vocals. It’s a classy combination that goes down a storm. By the time we get treated to singalongs on ‘Black Sheep’ and ‘Bring the Thunder’ any non-believers are won over. It’s a confident show which wins deserved applause.
More bodies cram into the room. It’s nose to nipple. It feels and sounds like half of Merthyr are in the venue. The Welsh contingent understandably dominant. Florence Black hit the stage to a hero’s welcome. It’s almost a hometown show despite the bridge in the way. They start hard … and heavy. Tristan Thomas cranks out the opening riff to ‘Zulu’ and the place explodes. Drinks spill, sweat flows, arms are raised aloft, and words are screamed back to the band. It’s Sunday night but it’s a huge, hot party.
There’s a very thin line between confidence and arrogance. It’s the one that Florence Black tread carefully but with ease, Thomas, drummer Perry Davies and bassist Jordan Evans showing why they are rising stars. They know they are in the ascendancy and grab and savour every second. Davies is all hair and arms; ferocious roars and muppet show drumming. It’s effective and he’s on point. Evans is hyperactive, roaming his side of the stage, constantly fist bumping, encouraging clapping or simply singing. Meanwhile Thomas is just a natural. He’s confident. Very confident but hell, he’s right. Blistering lead work, gravel-soaked vocals and limited chat, keeping it mainly to thanks you’s and song titles. It’s the right balance.
It’s ‘Weight of the World’ that forms the bulk of the set. ‘Inside Out’, ‘Caught on the Ropes’, and ‘Can You Feel it?’ are greeted like old friends. The crowd intensifying in passion, the words roared. ‘Grove Street’ cools things a little but this is mere respite. By the time we get to ‘Bird on a Chain’ and another ferocious version of Budgie’s ‘Breadfan’, it’s game over. Heavy as hell, yet melodically stunning, Florence Black no longer has the weight of the world. It’s theirs for the taking.
Photo Credits: Paul Hutchings
