THE city of Bristol is incredibly lucky to have some of the best music venues in the country, and last night Eliza and the Bear seemed as stoked as the crowd to be playing in the Thekla, which is renowned as being one of the best in the west.

Support came from Secret Company and Model Aeroplanes, but it turned out to be a very early night as the main act came on stage at 8.45pm and stayed for just an hour. Home for cocoa before ten then.

But the boys did not let us down (no, there is neither an Eliza nor a bear in this line up!) with an electrifying performance that had the boat buzzing from start to finish.

Kicking off the set with Light It Up and Make It On My Own, a couple of oldies but goodies, the band went on to showcase a few new tracks – well, they do have a new album to shift after all, and they weren’t going to let us forget that.

Upon The North, Where Have You Been?, Brother’s Boat, Oxygen, Talk and an excellent track from the album called I’m On Your Side gave the gig real ‘meat’ before bringing the gig to a blistering climax with Lion’s Heart and Cruel. But they weren’t kidding anyone, and loud chanting from the crowd brought the boys back out for an encore or It Gets Cold and the ever popular Friends.

Frontman James Kellegher leads his gang onwards in their journey to music industry success with an infectious energy and enthusiasm that once you’ve heard it will keep you coming back for more and more. With impromptu jamming sessions which, at times, turn the Thekla into a ‘European Techno Rave Lounge’, the band and the audience are totally relaxed and in sync with each other throughout.

A few well received compliments to our fair city don’t go amiss, but the quality of musicianship shines through in its own right. Eliza and the Bear have worked really hard to achieve success and their dedication shines through.

What a shame the gig didn’t last a bit longer. Never mind, this London five-piece will go on to bigger venues and longer playlists given half the chance. They are so ready for it – and so are we!