BRISTOL MUSIC WEEKLY
New Releases (25 Oct 25 - 31 Oct 25)
*Happy Halloween* Each Friday we round up the freshest sounds from Bristol’s buzzing scene. From boundary-pushing underground acts to chart-ready anthems, discover the tracks and albums making waves this week. Dive in below and explore what’s new.
Bristol Music Weekly
Happy Halloween, Bristol! 🎃
What a week for it! The city has been alive with a ghoulish energy, and the new releases have provided the perfect spooky soundtrack. From dark, atmospheric techno and cinematic soundscapes to ferocious punk and haunting alt-pop, it’s been a week of pure autumnal magic. Let's dive in!
Bandcamp Picks 🎶
HAWKSMOOR – “Life Aboard the International Space Station / Storm Bird-Storm Dreamer”
HAWKSMOOR (James McKeown) takes listeners beyond Earth on this haunting two-part ambient release. Blending analogue synths, tape hiss and Moog bass, it explores psychogeography and dream states through cinematic sound design. “Life Aboard…” drifts weightlessly, while “Storm Bird…” grounds the journey in ghostly rhythm — a cosmic meditation from Bristol’s experimental frontier.
Sophrosyne – “Skullduggery”
Bristol industrial-metal outfit Sophrosyne unleash pure chaos on “Skullduggery”. Blending cyber-grind, digital hardcore and socio-political rage, it’s a visceral, riff-driven assault on apathy and conformity. Brutal, thought-provoking and defiantly underground — this is Bristol metal at its rawest.
TJA – “Just Like This”
Rising Bristol vocalist TJA shines on “Just Like This”, a smooth blend of jazz-tinged vocals and Caribbean rhythm. It’s a warm, soulful introduction from a newcomer bridging genres with confidence — proof that Bristol’s next generation of voices is already stepping into the light.
Roy Bar – “ENZ022”
DJ and producer Roy Bar drops two deep, grime-flavoured UK garage riddims with ENZ022. Clean basslines, chopped vocals and dancefloor minimalism make this release a nod to Bristol’s long-standing love affair with bass music. A concise, potent reminder that underground energy still fuels the city’s pulse.
Spotify Drops 🔥
Around About Dusk – “The Swarm”
From Bristol’s porches to New Orleans busking festivals, Around About Dusk channel their nomadic roots into an intoxicating mix of dark folkloric imagery and sun-soaked rhythms. “The Swarm” conjures a tempestuous heroine with cumbia horns and folk harmony — an arresting first offering ahead of their debut album, blending Latin grooves, poetic storytelling, and vintage swing instrumentation.
The Clean Up – “Talk About It (Live at Mill Farm Studios)”
When Bristol’s funk-soul crew The Clean Up step into Mill Farm Studios for a live take of “Talk About It”, the result is pure groove: tight rhythm section, soulful vocals, and that live-room energy that reminds you why Bristol’s soul scene keeps thriving. Capturing the chemistry of their live shows, it’s funk and feel-good energy straight from the source.
Code Red – “Sinners” (from Code Red EP)
With CODE RED, Bristol producer Kilaze and collaborators deliver rapid-fire hip hop and spoken word rooted in local grit. “Sinners” stands out as a raw, reflective cut — tackling self-doubt, struggle, and redemption with punchy beats and underground attitude. It’s Bristol rap in its purest form: fearless, independent, and full of fire.
O.Love – “I Keep Losing Sleep”
Bristol’s O.Love (aka Asian Hawk) trades his turntables for soul-soaked songwriting on “I Keep Losing Sleep”. Layered with future-funk grooves, falsetto melodies and heartfelt lyrics, it’s a midnight confession that cements his transition from world-champion DJ to neo-soul frontman — proof that Bristol’s groove runs deeper than basslines.
Kippo & Pholo feat. Mai – “Maze” (from Nightwalker)
Kippo & Pholo’s “Maze” (feat. Mai) is a sleek, shadow-lined ride through Bristol’s bass-driven underground. 2-step drums, haunting vocal layers and polished sub-bass grooves showcase the next wave of Bristol producers reshaping UK garage with cinematic flair. Released via Duckland, this is one for the late-night headphones and smoky dancefloors.
Hoax – “Genesis”
From Bristol’s D&B trenches, Hoax steps into the spotlight with “Genesis” — a precision-engineered, bass-heavy blast that shifts from melodic intro to full-throttle drop. The track’s cinematic production and Hospital Records polish mark Hoax as one of Bristol’s most exciting drum & bass exports.
The Sun Vanished – “Bakemono” / “Evacuate”
With “Bakemono” and “Evacuate”, The Sun Vanished delivers heavy, cinematic bass for the apocalypse. Thunderous low-end, warped synths and relentless momentum define these tracks — crafted for the dark basements and festival sound systems of the global underground. Two monster cuts that prove The Sun Vanished’s name is anything but quiet.
Circa – “Lovin’”
Electronic producer Circa keeps Bristol’s club heartbeat alive with “Lovin’” — a smooth, groove-led house track that balances polished production with dancefloor warmth. Subtle, soulful and made for motion, it’s another gem from the city’s ever-evolving electronic scene.
Elsewhere Finds 🌍
Live: THUNDERBONK SPOOKTACULAR 👻
The gig of the week for punk fans! The Thunderbolt hosted the THUNDERBONK SPOOKTACULAR, an incredible night of Halloween-themed chaos. With live sets from GLUEBAG, PIZZATRAMP, HAG REFLEX, JED AND THE (NO MICROWAVE), and BILLIE SCREAMZ, it was loud, sweaty, and pure punk perfection.
Live: Lady Nade & Friends
A more serene, but equally brilliant, event. The monthly 'Lady Nade & Friends' night took place aboard the MV Balmoral. It's a totally unique venue, and Lady Nade's stunning vocals, backed by her house band, made for a magical evening on the water.
That's A Wrap!
That’s it for this massive, spooky week. What a way to round out October! From punk-rock Halloween parties to a deluge of incredible new music, Bristol has done it again. What were your highlights? Let us know on our socials!
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