Words and photos by: Ryan Hill
A run-of-the-mill Monday afternoon was lived for most without knowing the excitement and energetic performances going on in the Bristol Rough Trade store from the electric, feel-good band Good Neighbours.
After their matinee performance, a new crowd began forming a queue in preparation for the doors to open, so they can enter the venue. Good Neighbours are an English indie rock duo, backed up with 3 other band members, and they were all on a record store tour around the UK in preparation for their debut album Blue Sky Mentality, an album packed with great vibes and pick-me-up melodies that were performed live at these intimate shows. As the crowd waited patiently in the café area of the store, the doors opened and everyone made their way through, eager to be at the front.
The 5-piece band came onto the stage to a cheering crowd and got stuck into the set, there was so much energy in the room with pounding drums and dreamy vocals it really felt like everyone’s problems went on hold in that space, upbeat and positive lyrics were paired with a smiley, overjoyed band who looked as if they enjoyed the show more with every beat of every song which really brought together the music, the performers and the crowd.
The setlist featured many songs from the new album which was a great exclusive as the album released on the 3rd of October the following week, songs like Keep It Up, found u/me and their ballad The Buzz all proceeded plus many more that can be found on the newly released album and every song came with more energy, with lead singer Oli Fox putting all his energy into his extra tom drum in between singing, hitting it during choruses to have the songs hit even harder.
They gave many thanks throughout the show, thanking the crowd for allowing them to be in the position to release their debut album and be on the journey they’re currently on as a band. With this, followed the song that started it all for them, Home, released in 2024 and being their biggest song to date at 470 million streams strong. This was one the crowd knew after all of the brand-new songs before. You could hear everyone giving it their all for this one to conclude the night, and with a massive round of applause, each band member made their way off stage again to conclude a fantastic evening of music.
Good Neighbours’ album Blue Sky Mentality is out now on all streaming services.