Words by: Emily Howarth
Photos by: Giulia Spadafora
On a drizzly Wednesday evening in Bristol, I joined a buzzing crowd outside SWX, all eager to see Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap take the stage. There was a sense of anticipation and angst that grew as the venue filled out, and the band didn’t disappoint, delivering a phenomenal performance with a well-rounded setlist that showcased highlights from their latest album, Fine Art.
Renowned for their subversive lyrics, bilingual flair, and willingness to push the boundary, Kneecap brought their signature chaotic brilliance to a sold-out crowd packed wall-to-wall with enthusiastic gig goers.
If you’ve never been to a gig at SWX, let this be your sign to change that in 2025. The venue’s unique layout, including a balcony for larger shows, offers the flexibility to move between areas or enjoy the show from a different vantage point. With multiple bars at your disposal, grabbing a drink mid-performance isn’t a struggle (unless you have found yourself at barrier or in the pit, if so, good luck).
Opening with “3CAG”, Kneecap set the tone and pace and somehow managed to keep up throughout their set. As a Cornish native myself I really enjoy hearing celtic language included in music especially chart topping tracks. Kneecap’s mix of Gaeilge and English added a unique dynamic, creating a huge sense of cultural pride.
The mid-set highlight came with “Better Way to Live” and “Your Sniffer Dogs Are Shite”, where the audience roared along to every line, showing just how deeply Kneecap’s rebellious spirit resonates. Frontmen Mo Chara and Móglaí Bap worked the crowd effortlessly, while DJ Próvaí kept the beats relentless. His solo turn during “Parful” gave the crowd a breather before plunging back into the thick of it. Closing the show with the anthemic “H.O.O.D”, Kneecap left no doubt about their prowess as live performers.