There are worse places to be in Bristol on a rainy Saturday night than Colston Hall. For those who haven’t had the pleasure, it is the largest venue in Bristol. Although I can’t be certain, it is probably the smallest largest venue for a city of Bristol’s size. And the venue within the venue, The Lantern, is smaller still with a capacity of c. 350. And it’s at the Lantern that Mt. Wolf had their first headline show in Bristol for the last show of a mini-tour to celebrate the launch of their new album, Aetherlight.

About 100 now dry souls had the run of the various facilities of Colston Hall as there was no act at the larger venue that evening. However, once Mt Wolf any feelings of emptiness were soon filled by a band that was very much on a mission. First, they augmented their core (guitar and vocals, acoustic guitar and drums) with a keyboardist, backing vocalist and four strings. Second, they had a tailored light show far above the usual standard for such a venue. Last, they played with immense conviction and passion.

The vocalist evoked both Matt Berninger and Jonsi, which is no small feat. While the band as a whole also had touchstones of the National and Sigur Ros. I also heard a lot of Explosions in the Sky as the songs built to sonic and emotional crescendos. Overall, I think all went back into the wet night quite pleased with how the evening panned out and eager to follow a band clearly on the up.

Kevin B.

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