Wicked world returns in the new year with another blistering line up not to be fist. first headlining in the new year is

INTO OBSCURITY

(nu-metalcore)

https://www.instagram.com/intoobscurityband/?hl=en

Into obscurity are a southwest based nu-metalcore band that combines the crushing aggression of outfits such as slipknot and loathe with the ambience and elegance of deftones and sleep token. a band defined by contrast expect pure unfiltered heaviness characterised by heart-felt lyricism and an energy guaranteed to get a room moving. supporting them are

ARCHEMORI

(tech metal)

https://www.instagram.com/archemori/?hl=en

The bristol based tech metalers are bring their show to the thunderbolt. with shedding skills unrivalled and vocals that will have you questioning how does she do that. the band have been quietly getting things ready since storming the stage at last years metal to the masses competition and we can't wait to see them make their return. opening the night are

SHRU MAMMOTH

(stoner rock/metal)

https://www.instagram.com/shru_mammoth/?hl=en

making a noise on the scene in bridgewater lately we've got the guys in to bring their stoner metal noise from the cobblestones to the thunderbolt. and were so exited to hear what they have in store for us

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e143919

WE NEED BANDS Present:THE UNDERDOG 2026

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THE UNDERDOG 2026 · Heat E (Indie/Rock)

The Underdog Is Back for 2026!

After a record-breaking 2025, Bristol’s most electrifying battle of the bands returns — bigger, louder, and wilder than ever!

The Heats will see hundreds of local musicians go head-to-head for one of just eighteen golden spots at the Thekla Semi-Finals. From there, our finalists will fight for glory — and a massive prize haul, including:

£1,000 cash — no strings attached
Two full days in a professional recording studio
50 custom-printed band t-shirts
A killer promo photoshoot
A mini South West tour

Since launching in 2015, The Underdog has become a Bristol institution — the go-to series for up-and-coming talent and a true alternative to the big-name competitions. Past events have rocked legendary venues like O2 Academy, Thekla, The Fleece, Exchange, The Thunderbolt, and Zed Alley.

This year, 72 bands from across the South West and Wales will throw down in our biggest showdown yet. But when the dust settles… There can only be one Underdog Champion.

Follow the action and join the hype: #UnderdogBristol

Please Note: Only one ticket can be claimed per person (you cannot buy multiple tickets for the extra votes).

The BANDS:
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔

Please note – the line-up will be determined on the night; bands are listed here in alphabetical order and do not reflect the running order.

✪ A STRANGE ALLIANCE
Indie · Alt Rock
https://linktr.ee/astrangealliance
WATCH: https://youtu.be/MnIb5mGNO_o
FOR FANS OF: Oasis, Inhaler, Catfish and The Bottlemen

✪ KOOKABURRA EAT YOU
Psych Rock
LISTEN: https://spotify.link/IUnp7XwFWXb
WATCH: https://youtu.be/qGMA6_VDEuw
FOR FANS OF: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Tropical F*ck Storm, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets

✪ ROMAN
Indie Folk Rock
https://linktr.ee/romanband
LISTEN: https://on.soundcloud.com/hGgjPd5uoXvIeS10f9
WATCH: https://youtube.com/shorts/__0kypPtX1o?si=J5q-sSBg33ea4hnZ
FOR FANS OF: Arcade Fire, The Stone Roses, Wolf Alice

✪ THE AMBUSHED POETS
Rock · Soul · Indie
https://linktr.ee/theambushedpoets
WATCH: https://youtu.be/84aDE43Ursw
FOR FANS OF: The Rolling Stones, Santana, Fontaines DC

✪ THE PAVILION
Indie Rock
https://linktr.ee/thepavilionband
LISTEN: https://youtu.be/3Ei_YTD1sbo
WATCH: https://youtu.be/fwTUj0c53Tg
FOR FANS OF: Catfish and The Bottlemen, The Backseat Lovers, Overpass

✪ THE PROBLEM SOULS
Rock · Britpop
https://linktr.ee/theproblemsouls
LISTEN: https://on.soundcloud.com/leN3...
WATCH: https://youtu.be/KKltk742XKc
FOR FANS OF: The Verve, Sam Fender, Manic Street Preachers

The INFO:
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
WHERE? ⇾ The Thunderbolt
124 Bath Rd, Bristol, BS4 3ED

WHEN? ⇾ Friday 23rd January

WHAT TIME? ⇾ 7:00pm-11:00pm

HOW MUCH? ⇾
Super Early Bird (4X Votes): SOLD OUT!
Early Bird (3X Votes): SOLD OUT!
General Release (2X Votes): £9.00 + BF
Final Release (1X Vote): £9.00 + BF

Please Note: Only one ticket can be claimed per person (you cannot buy multiple tickets for the extra votes).

Follow All The Action:
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Search #UnderdogBristol on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with all The Underdog 2026 news, or follow us on social media via:

www.instagram.com/UnderdogBristol
www.facebook.com/UnderdogBristol

Please double-check the heat you're buying tickets for! We have twelve similar-looking events, so please ensure you buy tickets for the correct heat.

Tickets: https://www.fatsoma.com/e/2xe9ggui/la/h33t

WE NEED BANDS Present:THE UNDERDOG 2026

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THE UNDERDOG 2026 · Heat F (Alt Rock/Punk)

The Underdog Is Back for 2026!

After a record-breaking 2025, Bristol’s most electrifying battle of the bands returns — bigger, louder, and wilder than ever!

The Heats will see hundreds of local musicians go head-to-head for one of just eighteen golden spots at the Thekla Semi-Finals. From there, our finalists will fight for glory — and a massive prize haul, including:

£1,000 cash — no strings attached
Two full days in a professional recording studio
50 custom-printed band t-shirts
A killer promo photoshoot
A mini South West tour

Since launching in 2015, The Underdog has become a Bristol institution — the go-to series for up-and-coming talent and a true alternative to the big-name competitions. Past events have rocked legendary venues like O2 Academy, Thekla, The Fleece, Exchange, The Thunderbolt, and Zed Alley.

This year, 72 bands from across the South West and Wales will throw down in our biggest showdown yet. But when the dust settles… There can only be one Underdog Champion.

Follow the action and join the hype: #UnderdogBristol

Please Note: Only one ticket can be claimed per person (you cannot buy multiple tickets for the extra votes).

The BANDS:
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔

Please note – the line-up will be determined on the night; bands are listed here in alphabetical order and do not reflect the running order.

✪ BUTANE SKIES
Alternative Melodic Rock
https://linktr.ee/butaneskies
LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/track/5DNxdhmTncGhqDuOLmFZUY
WATCH: https://youtu.be/70a7HeO4u80
FOR FANS OF: Muse, My Chemical Romance, Radiohead

✪ DIRTBASEMENT
Alternative Rock · Pop Punk
https://www.instagram.com/dirtbasementband/
LISTEN: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/climate/1840463906
FOR FANS OF: New Found Glory, Neck Deep, Blink-182

✪ HËLENBACH
Heavy Rock
https://www.instagram.com/helenbach666/
LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/track/0YUBNSRlgOEkqTFLqb0Eyz
FOR FANS OF: Motorhead, Iron Maiden, Lillian Axe

✪ INDECISION
Alt Rock
https://linktr.ee/indecisionbanduk
LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/track/1007khbq0PbtZq2KcqolVD
FOR FANS OF: Deftones, Smashing Pumpkins, Basement

✪ SACRELIGION
Grunge · Punk
https://linktr.ee/sacreligion
FOR FANS OF: Deftones, Mannequin Pussy, Nirvana

✪ TRAITORS
Garage Rock · Alternative Blues
https://linktr.ee/traitorsbanduk
LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/track/3hmk8SCR7wQomw97ruGjHU
WATCH: https://youtu.be/MKW-_jMaXpM
FOR FANS OF: All Them Witches, The Bonnevilles, The Kills

The INFO:
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
WHERE? ⇾ The Thunderbolt
124 Bath Rd, Bristol, BS4 3ED

WHEN? ⇾ Saturday 24th January

WHAT TIME? ⇾ 7:00pm-11:00pm

HOW MUCH? ⇾
Super Early Bird (4X Votes): SOLD OUT!
Early Bird (3X Votes): SOLD OUT!
General Release (2X Votes): £9.00 + BF
Final Release (1X Vote): £9.00 + BF

Please Note: Only one ticket can be claimed per person (you cannot buy multiple tickets for the extra votes).

Follow All The Action:
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Search #UnderdogBristol on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with all The Underdog 2026 news, or follow us on social media via:

www.instagram.com/UnderdogBristol
www.facebook.com/UnderdogBristol

Please double-check the heat you're buying tickets for! We have twelve similar-looking events, so please ensure you buy tickets for the correct heat.

Tickets: https://www.fatsoma.com/e/s9s78jkw/la/agpm

THE HARRI MASON BAND

Harri Mason is a Bristol born singer-songwriter and she released three albums with all the music written, recorded and produced by her at home. With influences like Bruce Springsteen and Fleetwood Mac, Harri is able to curate a niche within Soft Rock and Folk that speaks to various audiences. She has been releasing new music this year which has been well received and has been played on various radio stations including BBC Bristol and Amazing Radio.

https://www.facebook.com/harrimasonmusic

https://www.instagram.com/harrimasonmusic/

www.harrimason.com

LITTLE BIG MAN

There's a lil' bit o' country in everyone. Just knock back a cold one, and get into the music!

https://www.facebook.com/littlebigmanband

HOT FRIDGE

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e143448

WE NEED BANDS Present:THE UNDERDOG 2026

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THE UNDERDOG 2026 · HEAT G (Indie/Rock)

🔥 The Underdog Is Back for 2026! 🔥

After a record-breaking 2025, Bristol’s most electrifying battle of the bands returns — bigger, louder, and wilder than ever!

The Heats will see hundreds of local musicians go head-to-head for one of just eighteen golden spots at the Thekla Semi-Finals. From there, our finalists will fight for glory — and a massive prize haul, including:

💷 £1,000 cash — no strings attached
🎙️ Two full days in a professional recording studio
👕 50 custom-printed band t-shirts
📸 A killer promo photoshoot
🚌 A mini South West tour

Since launching in 2015, The Underdog has become a Bristol institution — the go-to series for up-and-coming talent and a true alternative to the big-name competitions. Past events have rocked legendary venues like O2 Academy, Thekla, The Fleece, Exchange, The Thunderbolt, and Zed Alley.

This year, 72 bands from across the South West and Wales will throw down in our biggest showdown yet. But when the dust settles… There can only be one Underdog Champion. 🏆

📱 Follow the action and join the hype: #UnderdogBristol

⚠️ Please Note: Only one ticket can be claimed per person (you cannot buy multiple tickets for the extra votes).

The BANDS:
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔

Please note – the line-up will be determined on the night; bands are listed here in alphabetical order and do not reflect the running order.

✪ DEADLY NIGHTSHADE
Grunge · Shoegaze · Punk

https://www.instagram.com/deadly_nightshadee_

FOR FANS OF: Nirvana, Hum, My Bloody Valentine

✪ LOAB
Indie · Grunge · Post-Rock

https://loabmusic.com/

LISTEN: https://spotify.link/SLZfmeGgQXb
WATCH: https://youtu.be/tnNQHMkPO3A

FOR FANS OF: Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Biffy Clyro, Queens of the Stone Age

✪ OPEN RETURN
Indie Rock

https://linktr.ee/open.return

LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/track/5qRoEw6TnbGBFhlu8xBJn4
WATCH: https://youtu.be/_RSedjws61Y

FOR FANS OF: Foo Fighters, Foals, Bad Nerves

✪ SOPHIE & THE STICKS
Alt-Pop

https://linktr.ee/sophieandthesticks

LISTEN: https://spotify.link/rkLmZWjSVXb
WATCH: https://youtu.be/yGQpRX9kkzE

FOR FANS OF: CMAT, Lily Allen, Lola Young

✪ THE RADIO MAKERS
Glam · Indie Rock

https://linktr.ee/theradiomakers

LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/track/2qVf8hgkUX5Im0wqueMi5r
WATCH: https://youtu.be/B9ApNie8nsQ

FOR FANS OF: Duran Duran, INXS, Blondie

✪ VACANT SHORES
Electronic · Indie · Pop

https://linktr.ee/vacantshores

LISTEN: https://soundcloud.com/vacantshores/flat-circle/
WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUn0_w7VjNw

FOR FANS OF: Moderat, Portishead, Chvrches

The INFO:
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
WHERE? ⇾ The Thunderbolt
124 Bath Rd, Bristol, BS4 3ED

WHEN? ⇾ Friday 30th January

WHAT TIME? ⇾ 7:00pm-11:00pm

HOW MUCH? ⇾
Super Early Bird (4X Votes): £7.00 + BF
Early Bird (3X Votes): £8.00 + BF
General Release (2X Votes): £9.00 + BF
Final Release (1X Vote): £9.00 + BF

Please Note: Only one ticket can be claimed per person (you cannot buy multiple tickets for the extra votes).

Artist WAITLIST:
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Didn’t get your application in on time? ⏰
Join our Artist Waitlist and be the first to hear if a slot becomes available!
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/QxdxxYBKAUSf4Z4p9

Follow All The Action:
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Search #UnderdogBristol on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with all The Underdog 2026 news, or follow us on social media via:

www.instagram.com/UnderdogBristol
www.facebook.com/UnderdogBristol

Please double-check the heat you're buying tickets for! We have twelve similar-looking events, so please ensure you buy tickets for the correct heat.

https://www.fatsoma.com/e/erbn0t19/the-underdog-2026-heat-g-indie-rock

WE NEED BANDS Present:THE UNDERDOG 2026

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THE UNDERDOG 2026 · HEAT H (Emo/Shoegaze)

🔥 The Underdog Is Back for 2026! 🔥

After a record-breaking 2025, Bristol’s most electrifying battle of the bands returns — bigger, louder, and wilder than ever!

The Heats will see hundreds of local musicians go head-to-head for one of just eighteen golden spots at the Thekla Semi-Finals. From there, our finalists will fight for glory — and a massive prize haul, including:

💷 £1,000 cash — no strings attached
🎙️ Two full days in a professional recording studio
👕 50 custom-printed band t-shirts
📸 A killer promo photoshoot
🚌 A mini South West tour

Since launching in 2015, The Underdog has become a Bristol institution — the go-to series for up-and-coming talent and a true alternative to the big-name competitions. Past events have rocked legendary venues like O2 Academy, Thekla, The Fleece, Exchange, The Thunderbolt, and Zed Alley.

This year, 72 bands from across the South West and Wales will throw down in our biggest showdown yet. But when the dust settles… There can only be one Underdog Champion. 🏆

📱 Follow the action and join the hype: #UnderdogBristol

⚠️ Please Note: Only one ticket can be claimed per person (you cannot buy multiple tickets for the extra votes).

The BANDS:
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔

Please note – the line-up will be determined on the night; bands are listed here in alphabetical order and do not reflect the running order.

✪ AMALFI
Shoegaze · Emo · Alt

https://linktr.ee/weareamalfiband

LISTEN: https://spotify.link/jzn3uLLmYXb
WATCH: https://youtu.be/DOll1Wf7nzw

FOR FANS OF: Biffy Clyro, Glassjaw, Future Islands

✪ MY MATE DENNIS
Mid-West Emo

https://linktr.ee/mymatedennis

LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/track/2S3HxnpCFKY92CRxjKMtys
WATCH: https://youtu.be/5ZU2X__tRYw

FOR FANS OF: Mom Jeans, Michael Cera Palin, Braid

✪ OSCAR AND THE KARMA
Melodic Hardcore · Emo

https://linktr.ee/OscarandtheKarma

LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/album/67n2OBGDstSIij0Mx5vP1w
WATCH: https://youtu.be/HTYwOXMPGuk

FOR FANS OF: Deftones, La Dispute, Modern Colour

✪ POINT 5
Grunge · Alt-Rock

https://linktr.ee/Point5band

LISTEN: https://spotify.link/yTYZtRm8UXb
WATCH: https://youtu.be/JhRVeCDzUl4

FOR FANS OF: Nirvana, Dinosaur Jr., Alice in Chains

✪ THROUGH HER EYES
Alt-Rock · Shoegaze

https://linktr.ee/throughhereyesband

LISTEN: https://spotify.link/2KQpqdzvTXb
WATCH: https://youtu.be/ur9qZBc6YCk

FOR FANS OF: Deftones, Loathe, My Vitriol

✪ TOO PRETTY I’M SCARED
Emo · Slowcore

https://linktr.ee/tooprettyimscared

LISTEN: https://on.soundcloud.com/hMJIX3hVQxiSYCG1zr
WATCH: https://youtu.be/bBhJv4vC7sE

FOR FANS OF: Rites of Spring, American Football, The Get Up Kids

The INFO:
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
WHERE? ⇾ The Thunderbolt
124 Bath Rd, Bristol, BS4 3ED

WHEN? ⇾ Saturday 31st January

WHAT TIME? ⇾ 7:00pm-11:00pm

HOW MUCH? ⇾
Super Early Bird (4X Votes): £7.00 + BF
Early Bird (3X Votes): £8.00 + BF
General Release (2X Votes): £9.00 + BF
Final Release (1X Vote): £9.00 + BF

Please Note: Only one ticket can be claimed per person (you cannot buy multiple tickets for the extra votes).

Artist WAITLIST:
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Didn’t get your application in on time? ⏰
Join our Artist Waitlist and be the first to hear if a slot becomes available!
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/QxdxxYBKAUSf4Z4p9

Follow All The Action:
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Search #UnderdogBristol on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with all The Underdog 2026 news, or follow us on social media via:

www.instagram.com/UnderdogBristol
www.facebook.com/UnderdogBristol

Please double-check the heat you're buying tickets for! We have twelve similar-looking events, so please ensure you buy tickets for the correct heat.

https://www.fatsoma.com/e/gissp1nm/the-underdog-2026-heat-h-emo-shoegaze

Steve Miles releases his second album as European Sun, accompanied by Ian Button (drums), Rob Pursey (bass) and Elin Miles (additional vocals). Tonight, it's the launch gig.

If one LP could act as a refutation of the toxic culture of ‘masculine energy’ and the tech bro-sponsored whipping up of hatred that blights our lives - this is it.

It is true of the lyrics. Nostalgia for an imagined past where men were men, and racism was de rigeur is eviscerated in title track When Britain Was Great. Fetishisation of a World War by patriots who are too pumped up to realise the war was a fight against Nazism is picked apart in Angels In The Clouds. And the clumsy, half-arsed struggle to seek something better, to try to escape the trap of cynical acceptance of it all, is sardonically observed in the comically accident-prone Falling Down The Stairs With Arthur Seaton. All this is interspersed with deeply personal tracks like The Space She Left, unflinchingly exposing emotional vulnerability and anxiety, and with carefree pop songs, still able to access the wide-eyed wisdom of childhood: The Sea Is A Pirate’s Best Friend expresses a kind of joy that we all had once, but have lost contact with.

The music is a refutation of ‘masculine energy’ too: it is utterly devoid of that grim modern male quality ‘swagger’. Sometimes echoing the casual, intimate, fragile tones of the TV Personalities, the songs are bluntly emotional but shamelessly catchy. On other occasions - louder occasions - the echo of an angry Wreckless Eric riff can be heard. The warmth and gentleness of the vocal might remind you of Jonathan Richman. The experimentation - the brass section, the feedback, the occasional reggae rhythm – is reminiscent of the earliest, fearless phase of punk adventurism – The Slits, The Mekons, The Desperate Bicycles even. Punk before it regressed to Rock. This hand-made music is the opposite of AI-generated crud. Every bit of it, even the chaotic bits – especially the chaotic bits - are deliberate and meticulously thought through.

Special Guests - BUSH & FEY
Bush and Fey are a Bristol-based ‘psychoustic' duo comprising Steve Bush on singing and Fran Fey on guitar and singing. In the past 20 years they’ve released four albums including a recent ‘Best of…’ on TICKETS: wegottickets.com/event/678510/

WE NEED BANDS Present: THE UNDERDOG 2026

▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔

THE UNDERDOG 2026 · HEAT I (Alt-Metal/Metalcore)

🔥 The Underdog Is Back for 2026! 🔥

After a record-breaking 2025, Bristol’s most electrifying battle of the bands returns — bigger, louder, and wilder than ever!

The Heats will see hundreds of local musicians go head-to-head for one of just eighteen golden spots at the Thekla Semi-Finals. From there, our finalists will fight for glory — and a massive prize haul, including:

💷 £1,000 cash — no strings attached
🎙️ Two full days in a professional recording studio
👕 50 custom-printed band t-shirts
📸 A killer promo photoshoot
🚌 A mini South West tour

Since launching in 2015, The Underdog has become a Bristol institution — the go-to series for up-and-coming talent and a true alternative to the big-name competitions. Past events have rocked legendary venues like O2 Academy, Thekla, The Fleece, Exchange, The Thunderbolt, and Zed Alley.

This year, 72 bands from across the South West and Wales will throw down in our biggest showdown yet. But when the dust settles… There can only be one Underdog Champion. 🏆

📱 Follow the action and join the hype: #UnderdogBristol

⚠️ Please Note: Only one ticket can be claimed per person (you cannot buy multiple tickets for the extra votes).

The BANDS:
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔

Please note – the line-up will be determined on the night; bands are listed here in alphabetical order and do not reflect the running order.

✪ AVICIDE
Alt Metal · Metalcore

https://linktr.ee/avicide

LISTEN: https://on.soundcloud.com/RFQ5LVfPGfDOBQXbNq

FOR FANS OF: Heriot, Knocked Loose, Terminal Sleep

✪ CULT TREXY
Metal · Nu-Metal

https://beacons.ai/culttrexy

LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/track/45JzyRO5dfv5vkiPEwvNBg
WATCH: https://youtu.be/wqPzgC8olSE

FOR FANS OF: Bring Me The Horizon, Limp Bizkit, Rage Against the Machine

✪ HOPE THROUGH GRACE
Metalcore

https://linktr.ee/HTGband

LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/track/7l0kWsu4LKZvKguZqOGcGa
WATCH: https://youtu.be/uFH0Y2WqF0M

FOR FANS OF: Lamb of God, Korn, Papa Roach

✪ MOTE
Metal · Electronic

https://www.instagram.com/mote_music/

LISTEN: https://soundcloud.com/motekeatinge/here-and-now/s-RG1l48aNZpY
WATCH: https://youtu.be/b7_7AHVouto

FOR FANS OF: Igorrr, The Algorithm, Mick Gordon

✪ REDSHIFT
Progressive Metal

https://linktr.ee/redshiftbanduk

LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/track/1tYZUa3eLxzfMHS4WUQjy7
WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgnnU9tQChY

FOR FANS OF: Dream Theater, Between the Buried and Me, Opeth

✪ WORLD/ERROR
Metal Fusion

https://www.instagram.com/worlderrorband/

LISTEN: https://spotify.link/G8UcPquKPXb
WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUHpBazvHYc

FOR FANS OF: Northlane, Silent Planet, Make Them Suffer

The INFO:
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
WHERE? ⇾ The Thunderbolt
124 Bath Rd, Bristol, BS4 3ED

WHEN? ⇾ Friday 06th February

WHAT TIME? ⇾ 7:00pm-11:00pm

HOW MUCH? ⇾
Super Early Bird (4X Votes): £7.00 + BF
Early Bird (3X Votes): £8.00 + BF
General Release (2X Votes): £9.00 + BF
Final Release (1X Vote): £9.00 + BF

Please Note: Only one ticket can be claimed per person (you cannot buy multiple tickets for the extra votes).

Artist WAITLIST:
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Didn’t get your application in on time? ⏰
Join our Artist Waitlist and be the first to hear if a slot becomes available!
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Follow All The Action:
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Search #UnderdogBristol on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with all The Underdog 2026 news, or follow us on social media via:

www.instagram.com/UnderdogBristol
www.facebook.com/UnderdogBristol

Please double-check the heat you're buying tickets for! We have twelve similar-looking events, so please ensure you buy tickets for the correct heat.

https://www.fatsoma.com/e/z0kzfmuf/the-underdog-2026-heat-i-alt-metal-metalcore

WE NEED BANDS Present:THE UNDERDOG 2026

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THE UNDERDOG 2026 · HEAT J (Indie/Rock)

🔥 The Underdog Is Back for 2026! 🔥

After a record-breaking 2025, Bristol’s most electrifying battle of the bands returns — bigger, louder, and wilder than ever!

The Heats will see hundreds of local musicians go head-to-head for one of just eighteen golden spots at the Thekla Semi-Finals. From there, our finalists will fight for glory — and a massive prize haul, including:

💷 £1,000 cash — no strings attached
🎙️ Two full days in a professional recording studio
👕 50 custom-printed band t-shirts
📸 A killer promo photoshoot
🚌 A mini South West tour

Since launching in 2015, The Underdog has become a Bristol institution — the go-to series for up-and-coming talent and a true alternative to the big-name competitions. Past events have rocked legendary venues like O2 Academy, Thekla, The Fleece, Exchange, The Thunderbolt, and Zed Alley.

This year, 72 bands from across the South West and Wales will throw down in our biggest showdown yet. But when the dust settles… There can only be one Underdog Champion. 🏆

📱 Follow the action and join the hype: #UnderdogBristol

⚠️ Please Note: Only one ticket can be claimed per person (you cannot buy multiple tickets for the extra votes).

The BANDS:
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Please note – the line-up will be determined on the night; bands are listed here in alphabetical order and do not reflect the running order.

✪ EJECTOR SEAT
Rock

https://linktr.ee/Ejector_Seat

LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/track/44WFDxfEV0QaDZAcHCJI0x
WATCH: https://youtube.com/shorts/SQUTyUCNqFw

FOR FANS OF: The Stone Roses, The Smashing Pumpkins, Oasis

✪ EVANGELINE
Indie Funk

https://www.evangeline-music.com/

LISTEN: https://youtu.be/wTmB2_2ck4w
WATCH: https://youtu.be/d9qtC9YuiZE

FOR FANS OF: Arlo Parks, Hayley Williams, Wolf Alice

✪ HAVE YOU SEEN THIS CAT?
Indie · Garage Rock

https://haveyouseenthiscat.carrd.co/

LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/track/5RGKeo8mrJCBSHZE3MnVAv
WATCH: https://youtu.be/cQLe5EjT26s

FOR FANS OF: The Strokes, Pavement, Ty Segall

✪ LOLITE
Indie Rock

https://linktr.ee/lolite.band

LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/track/4SGGE4vW2cXvYJf07MzHcJ
WATCH: https://youtu.be/Ppp7Frfkq7k

FOR FANS OF: Catfish and the Bottlemen, Overpass, Kings of Leon

✪ SEB LONGHORN
Folk rock

https://linktr.ee/seblonghorn

LISTEN: https://youtu.be/MrImpgJt9LA
WATCH: https://youtu.be/pNlNYkKiBUY

FOR FANS OF: Paul Simon, Belle and Sebastian, Frank Turner

✪ THE VIVAS
Indie Rock

https://linktr.ee/thevivas

LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/track/0Eug34F1PlxudXcLoOc4hd
WATCH: https://youtu.be/zxeQNm-xluI

FOR FANS OF: The Royston Club, Inhaler, The Libertines

The INFO:
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WHERE? ⇾ The Thunderbolt
124 Bath Rd, Bristol, BS4 3ED

WHEN? ⇾ Saturday 7th February

WHAT TIME? ⇾ 7:00pm-11:00pm

HOW MUCH? ⇾
Super Early Bird (4X Votes): £7.00 + BF
Early Bird (3X Votes): £8.00 + BF
General Release (2X Votes): £9.00 + BF
Final Release (1X Vote): £9.00 + BF

Please Note: Only one ticket can be claimed per person (you cannot buy multiple tickets for the extra votes).

⚠️ Please double-check the heat you're buying tickets for! We have twelve similar-looking events, so please ensure you buy tickets for the correct heat. ⚠️

https://www.fatsoma.com/e/sem6e1cx/the-underdog-2026-heat-j-indie-rock

Meraki Route : Meraki Route is a 4 piece Jazz/Hip-Hop/Punk group that takes inspiration from artists like King Krule, Loyle Carner and A Tribe Called Quest. This unique blend of genres creates a sometimes laid back, sometimes Chaotic energy that without a doubt creates a great atmosphere.

Loula: Loula is an alt-pop artist making music for the sentimental and the slightly restless.

Blending bright melodies with lyrical honesty, she captures the nuance of being human. Backed by a full band, Loula delivers vibrant alt-pop energy with songs that linger long after the show ends.

Bitching Hour: A 4 piece all female riot girl inspired band. Bringing you feminist music we all near to hear!

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e145426

WE NEED BANDS Present:THE UNDERDOG 2026

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THE UNDERDOG 2026 · HEAT K (Punk/Grunge)

🔥 The Underdog Is Back for 2026! 🔥

After a record-breaking 2025, Bristol’s most electrifying battle of the bands returns — bigger, louder, and wilder than ever!

The Heats will see hundreds of local musicians go head-to-head for one of just eighteen golden spots at the Thekla Semi-Finals. From there, our finalists will fight for glory — and a massive prize haul, including:

💷 £1,000 cash — no strings attached
🎙️ Two full days in a professional recording studio
👕 50 custom-printed band t-shirts
📸 A killer promo photoshoot
🚌 A mini South West tour

Since launching in 2015, The Underdog has become a Bristol institution — the go-to series for up-and-coming talent and a true alternative to the big-name competitions. Past events have rocked legendary venues like O2 Academy, Thekla, The Fleece, Exchange, The Thunderbolt, and Zed Alley.

This year, 72 bands from across the South West and Wales will throw down in our biggest showdown yet. But when the dust settles… There can only be one Underdog Champion. 🏆

📱 Follow the action and join the hype: #UnderdogBristol

⚠️ Please Note: Only one ticket can be claimed per person (you cannot buy multiple tickets for the extra votes).

The BANDS:
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔

Please note – the line-up will be determined on the night; bands are listed here in alphabetical order and do not reflect the running order.

✪ BIG MUSSELS
Post-Punk · Harsh Noise

https://linktr.ee/Bigmussels

LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/track/79QBIeKCu0M1fiyBw41yfN
WATCH: https://youtu.be/xmjZ-PU1ZTE

FOR FANS OF: Gilla Band, A Place to Bury Strangers, Queens of the Stone Age

✪ DREDGE
Noise · Punk · Sludge

https://www.dredgetheband.com/

LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/track/2uQFUzUxYVXveO2FF9cpRX
WATCH: https://youtu.be/HY65zMXaneM

FOR FANS OF: Melvins, ’68, Empire State Bastard

✪ GUNKUS
Indie Punk · Alternative Rock

https://linktr.ee/gunkus

LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/track/3M77yFAxRbu2E32rn47Bg2
WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM9f-pV8_XA

FOR FANS OF: Ween, Husker Du, The National

✪ GURP
Folk · Punk · Grunge

LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/track/0njEE0C5RqxqNTNIkYOtip
WATCH: https://youtu.be/qutQf9ZmMqw

FOR FANS OF: The Pogues, Dropkick Murphys, Lankum

✪ HONEYGLOW
Riot Grrrl · Grunge

https://linktr.ee/honeyglowisaband

WATCH: https://youtu.be/oT9OXVmJ8KU

FOR FANS OF: Mannequin Pussy, Amyl and The Sniffers, Elastica

✪ MOXIE DOLLS
Indie · Alt · Rock

https://linktr.ee/moxiedollsband

FOR FANS OF: Kasabian, Amyl and the Sniffers, Bloc Party

The INFO:
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WHERE? ⇾ The Thunderbolt
124 Bath Rd, Bristol, BS4 3ED

WHEN? ⇾ Friday 13th February

WHAT TIME? ⇾ 7:00pm-11:00pm

HOW MUCH? ⇾
Super Early Bird (4X Votes): £7.00 + BF
Early Bird (3X Votes): £8.00 + BF
General Release (2X Votes): £9.00 + BF
Final Release (1X Vote): £9.00 + BF

Please Note: Only one ticket can be claimed per person (you cannot buy multiple tickets for the extra votes).

⚠️ Please double-check the heat you're buying tickets for! We have twelve similar-looking events, so please ensure you buy tickets for the correct heat. ⚠️

https://www.fatsoma.com/e/fqplacnj/the-underdog-2026-heat-k-punk-grunge

WE NEED BANDS Present:THE UNDERDOG 2026

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THE UNDERDOG 2026 · HEAT L (Alt Rock/Pop Punk)

🔥 The Underdog Is Back for 2026! 🔥

After a record-breaking 2025, Bristol’s most electrifying battle of the bands returns — bigger, louder, and wilder than ever!

The Heats will see hundreds of local musicians go head-to-head for one of just eighteen golden spots at the Thekla Semi-Finals. From there, our finalists will fight for glory — and a massive prize haul, including:

💷 £1,000 cash — no strings attached
🎙️ Two full days in a professional recording studio
👕 50 custom-printed band t-shirts
📸 A killer promo photoshoot
🚌 A mini South West tour

Since launching in 2015, The Underdog has become a Bristol institution — the go-to series for up-and-coming talent and a true alternative to the big-name competitions. Past events have rocked legendary venues like O2 Academy, Thekla, The Fleece, Exchange, The Thunderbolt, and Zed Alley.

This year, 72 bands from across the South West and Wales will throw down in our biggest showdown yet. But when the dust settles… There can only be one Underdog Champion. 🏆

📱 Follow the action and join the hype: #UnderdogBristol

⚠️ Please Note: Only one ticket can be claimed per person (you cannot buy multiple tickets for the extra votes).

The BANDS:
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔

Please note – the line-up will be determined on the night; bands are listed here in alphabetical order and do not reflect the running order.

✪ DUST CUP RELEASE
Alternative · Indie Rock

https://linktr.ee/dustcuprelease

LISTEN: https://spotify.link/OegmY2LvTXb
WATCH: https://youtu.be/C6BKgPRMQGY

FOR FANS OF: Yo La Tengo, Big Thief, Elliot Smith

✪ ECHO CULTURE
Alt Rock

https://linktr.ee/echoculturemusic

LISTEN: https://spotify.link/3VFzGfEvTXb
WATCH: https://youtu.be/Gb3SrFOvKnI

FOR FANS OF: Queens of the Stone Age, Nothing But Thieves, Smashing Pumpkins

✪ JUMP JUMP JOAN
Indie · Pop Punk

https://linktr.ee/jumpjumpjoan

LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/track/7az4dwA9Z3qVw8E83YZ9JP
WATCH: https://youtu.be/7B1o8MjBGaw

FOR FANS OF: Paramore, Elastica, Garbage

✪ KURT ALEXANDER
Post-Emo

https://linktr.ee/kurtisalexander

LISTEN: https://spotify.link/iNveIsOwTXb
WATCH: https://youtu.be/YwEaz299Ybk

FOR FANS OF: And So I Watch You From Afar, Idles, Basement

✪ LOVE IS ENOUGH
Alt-Rock

https://linktr.ee/loveisenough

LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/album/3xsL4cqKDos4BwymfoWgVY
WATCH: https://youtu.be/7NvidifxzHQ

FOR FANS OF: Coldplay, The Amazons, Biffy Clyro

✪ ONLY LOVE
Emo · Pop Punk

https://linkpop.com/onlylove/index.html

LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/track/44HrorVA0Z3ouQA2gstHSR
WATCH: https://youtu.be/KaUvyH0JQ5c

FOR FANS OF: Alkaline Trio, AFI, My Chemical Romance

The INFO:
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WHERE? ⇾ The Thunderbolt
124 Bath Rd, Bristol, BS4 3ED

WHEN? ⇾ Saturday 14th February

WHAT TIME? ⇾ 7:00pm-11:00pm

HOW MUCH? ⇾
Super Early Bird (4X Votes): SOLD OUT!
Early Bird (3X Votes): SOLD OUT!
General Release (2X Votes): £9.00 + BF
Final Release (1X Vote): £9.00 + BF

Please Note: Only one ticket can be claimed per person (you cannot buy multiple tickets for the extra votes).

⚠️ Please double-check the heat you're buying tickets for! We have twelve similar-looking events, so please ensure you buy tickets for the correct heat. ⚠️

https://www.fatsoma.com/e/g1s1ru3t/the-underdog-2026-heat-l-alt-rock-pop-punk

THE LIMIA

Bristol Pop Punk

https://www.instagram.com/thelimiaband/

LITTLE FUNCTION

Yes, you've been to a function. But was it a Little Function?

A band from Bristol

https://www.instagram.com/lilfunction13/

MYLES EDWARD

indie/folk rock from bristol

https://www.instagram.com/myles.edwardmusic?igsh=aHIyM3FvM25zc3k5

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e145489

The razor sharp raconteur and songsmith, a carrier for a punk/post punk/folk is back!

This is the official “Fairy tales and Lies” Album Launch! The new album last year at Alma Vale Studio in Clifton. Engineered by brilliant and highly respected Luke Cawthra.

With the comradeship of the uk`s most magnificent powerhouse rhythm section of John Langley on drums and Mike Youe on bass, Rita is going to deliver a night of glittering, high-energy, rock'n'roll-fueled glory!

““ Bristol’s enduring riot grrrrl rock’n’roll banshee Rita Lynch needs to be seen to be worshipped. The St Paul’s icon of razor-blade guitar anthems is always essential viewing FFO: PJ Harvey, Patti Smith, Screaming Females, Breeders, Ex Hex."“ HEADFIRSTBRISTOL.COM

https://ritalynch.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/rita.lynch.121

HERMETICUS

Deliverer of the beyond. Reducer of the cake.

Cracker of the barrel. Son of Man. Guitar Drum Doom.

https://www.instagram.com/hermeticus.band/

TICKET LINK: https://hdfst.uk/e134606

Feeling the blues of a crummy valentines of maybe even just something to follow up a great valentines date then we've got a hardcore show for you. headlining are the great

R.P.C

(party thrashcore punk)

https://www.instagram.com/rpc.band/?hl=en

back after a jaw dropping show for for our early halloween show we couldn't wait to get them back and thankfully they've agreed. supporting them are

CALL OF THE VOID

(hardcore punk)

https://www.instagram.com/callofthevoid_uk/?hl=en

bring us back to the way hardcore started less beatdowns more energy and two steps that you can throw a fist at in the pit. opening up the show are.

JOHN FRUM CARGO CULT

(sludgecore)

https://www.instagram.com/jfcc_band/?hl=en

who will be bringing the beatdown side of things. this band are already starting to make waves in the scene despite only really making their presence known in 2025 definitely one not to miss.

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e143994

THE JESSAMINE

Alternative Electro Pop Rock Duo with a love of loud guitars, dirty synths and a touch of retro melody

https://www.instagram.com/the_jessamine/

VETNA

How to love you in the liquid society

https://www.instagram.com/vetna.music/

MALIBU BARBIE DELISH

original melancholic alt goth pop / rock

https://www.instagram.com/malibubarbiie/

TICKETS: https://hdfst.uk/e145485