Gig of the Week Spotlight - Hands Off Gretel

Bristol get ready to have your faces ripped off as the noise and visual explosion that is Hands Off Gretel roll into town next Thursday (July 4th) to play a sold out gig at the legendary Louisiana.

Bristol is the 10th stop on a 16 date, UK wide, headline tour that has sold out most venues already.

Believe the hype around this band as they arrive with their flamboyant, unapologetic, alt rock sound. Spattered with sounds of 90s grunge and roots in the UK Punk scene.

Formed in 2015 in South Yorkshire, HOG consist of creative force, Lauren Tate (vocals, guitar), Sean Bon (Guitar), Sam Hobbins (drums) and Bristol’s own Becky Baldwin (Bass).

The name for the tour is taken from the bands second studio album “I want the world”, released in March of this year to critical acclaim.  The album swings from in your face, grunge rock (Kiss me girl, Milk ) that is faithful to the bands early sounds. To a more pop punk, commercial sound (It’s my fault, blame myself) reminiscent of Pink, a childhood heroine of Lauren.

The band is self-made, self-created and self-funded. With the new album hitting 100% of its PledgeMusic target within 24 hours. Showing the huge base following they have developed through grit, hard work and talent since bursting on to the scene with “Burn the Beauty Queen” in 2016.

HOG are very much masters of their own destiny with Lauren ploughing countless hours into the creative direction of the bands' videos and merchandise, As well as somehow finding the time to be incredibly active on Social Media and very much in touch and open with their fan base.

The passion of the band for the close to the heart subjects of body image, mental health, celebrity and loneliness shine through in both records. And will hit the mark with anyone who feels a repour with, or is going through any of those issues.

And in Lauren they have a strong female front woman leading the charge of a new wave of female performers currently kicking down the doors and barriers from previous decades.

The live performances are something to behold. Rasping vocals, deep bass and hard hitting drums, mix with a smash mouth style that will keep you wondering if you’re about to be punched in the face or seductively kissed.

Bands like this don’t come around very often so anyone with a ticket will feel lucky to have been a part of the experience.

And having already ticked off festival appearances at Download, Isle of Wight and Camden Rocks. And garnering airplay across Kerrang and Planet Rock “I want the world” may soon prove not to be a request, but a demand.

Website: www.handsoffgretel.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/handsoffgretel

Instagram:  www.instagram.com/handsoffgretel

Written by: The Bristol Nomad