If someone were to ask you to list the most iconic music venues in Bristol, it is likely that Thekla would be amongst your answers. Thekla has made a huge name for itself across the globe for it’s uniqueness and incredible diversity when it comes to events. No matter what genre you’re into, the glorious boat has a night for you, and last week I stepped aboard the vessel to celebrate its 40 year legacy with a night of incredible talent and infectious beats.
The first act of the night were no strangers to me, having first discovered them in 2020 at Bangface Festival and simply being blown away by what I’d stumbled across, Henge. As soon as they graced the Thekla main stage, the room felt as if it had flooded with serotonin, and the lead singer, Zpor, explained that this boat was not actually a boat, but a spaceship. Just like that, the crowd was transported into a world of cosmic, psychedelic beats and otherworldly energy. The entire set from start to finish was nothing short of addictive, with everyone constantly jumping, dancing and smiling. Each band member plays a vital part in the voyage through space and time, with their incredible costumes and boundless talent for each instrument. Unlike many events, such as raves, it was clear that every single person that filled the room was there for Henge, which led to this electrifying energy that bounced from each person and made it feel as though we were all connected and there for one reason, to enjoy this beautiful unearthly music.
Finishing at around 9:30, I was left feeling pretty emotional, as well as beaming with energy for the next event, something I knew would be alot heavier, My Nu Leng and Kahn and Neek, presented by 51°27.
Setting the next event off was local DJ, Gillan, providing some dark footwork beats whilst the room began to fill with excited dancing, and before long the night was in full swing. Both My Nu Leng and Kahn and Neek unleashed hours of filthy bassline, techno and 140 rhythms that successfully rocked the boat. Although the room wasn’t as full as the first event, it certainly made up for that with the unstoppable force from each and every raver, and the seamless blend of tunes that made for a great night, which encouraged me to stay right until the end and catch the closing talented closing DJ, Medis. Overall, each set contained the perfect ingredients to create a truly euphoric night of relentless vibrance and energy, which was reflected in not only the blends, but the friendliness from the crowd and the amount of smiles I saw throughout the night.
I’ve spent many nights in Thekla, but celebrating it’s 40th birthday was truly one to remember, and as I left the venue after almost 6 hours, I felt fulfilled. Both events were incredibly encapsulating in their own ways and with their own audiences, however they had equal amounts of that buzzing energy that always makes nights like these so successful and unforgettable. Happy Birthday Thekla!
