THE MARMOZETS // THEKLA, BRISTOL

Marmozets definitely turned up tonight – they came, they saw, they delivered

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5)

MARMOZETS AT THEKLA, BRISTOL
PHOTOCREDIT: DEEPAK RAMADASAN

January 29th, 2026. However, it most definitely feels like January 229th 2026.

Tonight, Thekla is hosting a sold-out show featuring 2 bands from West Yorkshire – Goo, who are a rising 4-piece indie rock band, known for energetic live shows and alt-rock stalwarts Marmozets, who after a seven-year long hiatus, are returning on the back of a new record deal and a new album titled CO.WAR.DICE releasing on 22nd May 2026.

If one was to combine the anticipation and excitement of witnessing the return of Marmozets and multiply that with a sold-out capacity of 400 people, then a special night lay ahead. Goo appear on stage to a hearty welcome and after a couple of tea jokes post introduction, open with ‘Payday’ to get the night into full swing. Anyone who had not heard their music until tonight is met with a wall of distorted high-energy rock which immediately gets the feet tapping and head banging. The overall energy of the set maxed when they played ‘Call In Sick’, a superb track consisting of infectious riffs and a catchy chorus laced with ample cowbell that even Will Ferrell would be pleased with. Goo complete their set and are seen off with a thunderous applause, Bristol looks forward to your return with a new album tour in 2026.

What follows next is the usual commotion of personnel moving instruments around the stage, preparing for the main act and not before long, the lights dim and 400+ people let out a huge roar as the members of Marmozets appear on stage. Drummer Josh Macintyre in on stage first, followed closely behind by guitarist Jack Bottomley who holds station at the far left of the stage. Bassist Sam Macintyre appears on stage, armed with his phone, presumably taking a video of the crowd. “Hello Bristollll! he shouts, with the biggest grin that the Thekla has ever witnessed in a very long time and very rightly so. And finally, vocalist Rebecca “Becca” Bottomley arrives on stage, energetic and eager to kick off their return. Let’s see what seven years away has done to this band… 

Marmozets launch into the night with ‘A Kiss From A Mother’ – that highly recognised intro of bass drum, slowly gaining momentum, lifting you up in the air, supported by the guitar resulting in a crescendo followed by Becca’s first phrase of the night - “Attention for the day, let’s follow through” – it is a relentless assault on the senses and these four give off the impression that they were never away on a hiatus; the wait is over, they are so back!

They dip into the classics by giving us the trio of ‘Play’, ‘Weird and Wonderful’ and ‘Is It Horrible’ – there is a wonderful dynamic for these 3 tracks, the crowd is supercharged and matching the band with every move. Whilst Sam was trying to resolve a technical issue with his earpiece, Becca expressed her gratitude and joy for being able to once again perform for the fans after the hiatus, the heartful conversation quickly leading into a new track titled ‘You Want The Truth’. And just before ‘Love You Good’, Sam congratulated the winners of 2 tickets to the gig – he’s on top form tonight, encouraging the crowd to go nuts, not that the crowd needed an invite to do so.

This band is one big family and tonight this family is 404 people strong and it is quite the sight to behold as some hardcore punters commence crowd surfing as the band delivers ‘Move, Shake, Hide’ – there is nowhere to hide tonight, not with this band. It is raw emotions and pure ecstasy and it is visible on everyone face, as they jump around, soaking in the energy and at the prospect of witnessing this once again when the new album lands later on in May this year. They end the night with ‘Major System Error’, Becca’s amazing delivery of “Can you keep it together?" ringing out loud and flooring everyone in the room. What a night, what a show.

Marmozets definitely turned up tonight – they came, they saw, they delivered, proving that sometimes good music is all you need to get through 229 days in January and that it is great to be weird and wonderful.

REVIEW + PHOTOS BY: DEEPAK RAMADASAN