All photos by Ed Strelling (@eds_sketchbook_) On May 8th, I had the opportunity to go to one of the coolest multi-media extravaganzas. And that really is the only way to describe it — a night filled with music, art, video installations, and even a tent. Yep, that’s right. A tent! The night lived and breathed grassroots — from the literal natural themes to the gloriously independent vibe of the space. Hosted in one of Bath’s most intimate grassroots music venues, Roseberry Roa

Pics taken by @ashevans.raw “Our mission is to support these venues while helping to cultivate a fresh cultural identity in this part of the city.” - Harry Dodson, Outer Town founder Old Market welcomed Outer Town back for its fifth and most anticipated edition yet last weekend, and safe to say all promises were delivered. The festival has become firmly rooted in Bristol’s circuit, each year digging deeper into the underbelly of the city’s music scene. With 60 acts across 1

After a daring dash from Hampshire to Somerset, topped with flat tyres and heavy downpours, I finally made it to St James Wine Vaults to see the new band on the block: Shrink . Despite the name, the music that I heard filled the entire room with ever expanding melodic haziness. Honestly, I think the crowd, including myself, lost all sense of time; all instead transfixed by the band at the front of the curved cellar, lit by neon lights. Initially, the first thing that struc

Bellyful, taken by @shotby.breeze Somehow, winter is almost over. There’s actual flowers popping up everywhere, and it’s even a bit warm. Naturally, there’s no better time to release a single — spring is a time of new beginnings, and trip hop trio Bellyful have made space for something truly beautiful — their debut single, Proximity . I’ve been waiting with bated breath for this track. Since the group formed in late 2024, I’ve held onto every last note of ethereal synth tha

On the 1st of March 2025, the streets of Bath were lit up by a red line of fabric measuring half a kilometre, carried by crowds of passionate protestors. This line served to represent the desire for a geographical boundary, drawn to protect Palestinians from invasion and genocide. Organised by Bath Campaigns , Through The Cracks and the Palestine Solidarity Movement , the protest drew crowds from all walks of life. What they had in common was a need for justice and a rage to

On Saturday 31st Jan, I had the pleasure of going to a gig quite unlike any other — Witch Hook ’s Independent Venue Week debut at The Croft . And what a show it was. The kind where you just can't take your eyes off of the stage. Celebrating their recent single ‘ Pendulum’ , Witch Hook were a force to be reckoned with. Their opening song ‘ Rat Trap’ began with a subtle riff that, while stripped back, hinted at the chaos to come. If I was sitting down, I’d have been on the e

Growing up in a ‘sad lonely town,’ I found myself frequenting Stoke-on-Trent’s beloved grassroots music venue, The Underground . And believe me when I tell you, this venue had its quirks. It was the most picture perfect, grotty (in the best way) basement that a girl could wish for — you just had to be there. Experiencing my first pit, and being surprised that I didn’t stick to the floor, this was the place where me and my friends, well… we danced to South Walk . The self des

Monochrome shot by Sam Harbridge From the birth of metal in the 60s and 70s, there have been associations with Satanism, violence and aggression. However, ask anyone who actually is involved in the scene, and they will happily inform you that these connotations do not depict the majority of the metal music subcultures. With diversification of genre being so prominent in modern music, it’s hardly surprising that the heavier scenes are also evolving. I had the distinct pleasure

For the 9th edition of GEAR Zine, we had a very special team up with indie label bluehue — founded by EDM artist JB Hain. In the spirit of the collab, we figured, what better way to celebrate than having a night fuelled by electronic music? The GEAR team headed to Cafe Kino, Bristol on the 29th September to set up the merch desk, the DJ decks, and lay out the freshly printed zines. All that was left to do was wait for the party to kick off… With 50 people in attendance, the

The GEAR Zine team have made our move to Bristol, and there’s no better way to get to know your community than (drumroll please…) a gig review! As it happens, grassroots music venue The Louisiana were hosting the perfect night to start our new journey — Split Lip , supporting Hunter Greensmith . Formed to be a ‘musical manifestation of [his] thoughts,’ Alex Stewart's solo project finally sought out Bristol this summer in a captivating performance. Readers may already know Al

GEAR celebrated the launch of its 8th edition on the 19th of June! The Summer 2025 edition was packed full of Bath/Bristol’s best hidden gems of talent, and the night of the launch itself was one to remember… The launch took place at The Jam Jar in Bristol, and when doors opened at 20:00, the vibes were as vibrant as the venue’s walls. All attendees were greeted with a copy of G8 upon entry and got the chance to read all about the night’s headline band, Technicolour Steam Tra

Gear 7’s launch party can only be described as a hit! As lights came up and crowds started filling Burdall’s Yard, the anticipation for our first artist Sober Sundays, started to bubble up. The dimly lit tunnels, filled with blue lights, immersed the audience in their very own aquarium experience. As the drum machine began, it was apparent that this was a one-of-a-kind acoustic set from Sober Sundays. Dressed like a garden party, with themes of springtime, Bran’s band took th

Th ekla. The ship of too many stupid nights and outstanding gigs! Talking of such gigs, Pentire kicked off their 2025 tour last Thursday, with support from Mitch Saunders and Chase The Wild . A night full of laughter, great music, and belting out lyrics until our voices were breaking. What’s not to like? @chasethewildband Chase The Wild And what an opener to get us started! From the first blast from the drums, the room is filled with energy, the whole room becoming drawn in

On the 17th of January 2025, Paper Crowns released their long-awaited debut single ‘ Clean ’. The single showcases their complex and intricate songwriting; tumultuous melodies that circumnavigate one another to encase the rage and hostility felt by relationship shortcomings. To commemorate the release of ‘Clean’, the 6-piece headlined beloved Bristol venue, The Lanes. Read on for the full gig review! Zalizo IG: @zalizoband Opening act Zalizo were atmospheric and edgy. Des

One year of GEAR.... As we released our sixth edition, we hit the one-year milestone of this publication! G6 was put out to the world at the annual CM Xmas ball. Here’s how it went... We had student voted act Phoneline open the main stage. Combining Jazz and rap, they welcomed in guests with a sound that anyone and everyone could bop to (and they did!) The CM Xmas ball was host to many a recognisable face! This included cover band front man Finn Hustler, and 'The Outsiders'