As a city, it’s undeniable that Bristol really pulls above its weight when it comes to day festivals. In a city brimming with art and culture, Breakfast Records have become a pillar of the music scene - appreciated by locals and touring bands alike. Now in its’ fifth iteration, Breakfast Records’ own aptly named ‘Breakfest’ is yet another jewel in the Bristol musical calendar.
What constitutes an all day Breakfast? Ten hours at Strange Brew might just fit the ticket. Hosting fourteen bands across two stages, the venue really is the perfect backdrop for this marathon of a festival. With no clashes whatsoever, there’s really no planning required - just turn up and Breakfest can guarantee you a good time.
Starting the day with local band Foot Foot, we’re welcomed in with the soft lull of sax and strings. Creating dream-like layers, their tracks build and twist as their experimental sounds fill the room. Their relaxing presence takes hold as their tracks resolve with a quiet beauty.
Cardiff five-piece Muriel are up next. Their pensive lyricism fills the air as their floating melodies wash over the crowd. Gentle but powerful, the band craft each track with a slow intensity. A haze of strings swallows the room as the violin shines out above drones. Three interweaving guitars fill the space in absence of a bass to create the most perfect dreamy soundscape.
Over in the back room, Sheffield-based post punks Good News deliver their snappy hits with a refreshing edge. The minimalist three piece shine as their front-woman plays everything from a clarinet to a melodica. While they may not win over the Sprechgesang haters, the band’s rhythmic led anthems are a winner in our books.
Ead Wood are next to take to the back room, with a comforting old school sound that’s nothing short of uplifting. There’s seemingly an Americana uprising in the west country, and Ead Wood are definitely on board. Capturing the crowd with their lo-fi guitars and captivating storytelling, the band’s intimate set is a real highlight.
Mandrake Handshake then shake things up out front with their feel-good indie-psych. Crowding the stage, the collective bring big melodies and even bigger smiles as their set builds and builds. It’s rare to find two vocalists whose voices work together so well, merging together in the hazy mix. Truly bringing something different to the lineup, there’s something cool about this band which is only heightened by their mesmerising performance.
Blood Wizard take to the stage to mix things up with their headband-worthy hooks. Their set brings high energy indie anthems with an added grit. Effortlessly catchy, their licks and riffs ring out amongst the fuzz as their charming drawl has the crowd transfixed. Tracks are stylishly fragmented as their hypnotic rhythms take over.
Bristol three-piece MOULD are next up. Having played together in many iterations over the years, the band have a reputation which precedes them as anticipation builds for their set. Delivering what is likely the most energetic set of the day, the bands euphoric anthems and gripping intensity have captured the crowd as they deliver their quick hits with an impressive flair.
Chatter fills the crowd as any welsh speakers confirm that the cute yellow mill which has appeared on stage is the namesake of this evenings headliners - Melin Melyn. As always, no detail is forgotten as the band launch into their set. Jam packed with fun and theatrics, the wit and whimsy of their show only adds to their impossibly tight performance. Welsh language croons compliment their snappy hits as the multilingual band deliver a perfectly polished show. This band are perfectly crafted to entertain - and with the announcement of their debut album to be released in March next year we’re sure they’ll be back for more very soon.
Closing out the night with a fun-fuelled set are Leeds band Eades. From their mighty croons to their effortless charm, the band take control and inject some life back into the tired crowd. Even while dealing with a broken string, the band maintained a perfect command of the crowd, with smiles and singalongs all around. Delivering anthemic garage-rock at its very best, Eades polished delivery brings a bounce back to the crowd, closing out the night with a bang (and a banger!)
Truth be told, in Bristol there’s only really one marker for a great music event - and seeing local legend Big Jeff spending his day up front, it’s clear that Breakfest 2024 has certainly passed the test.
Overall, Breakfest have yet again delivered a fantastic day out, adding more top class alumni to the festival’s books. Perfectly paced, the festival has curated a community who are there to discover new artists as well as enjoy old favourites. With an incredible value for money, Breakfest continues to deliver year on year - so if it’s not on your radar already we suggest you get on board, you don’t want to miss out on the years to come!