MicroDog '23 | The Final @ Thekla, Bristol

FATSOMA ALLOCATION SOLD OUT! TICKETS ON SALE VIA THEKLA:

https://bit.ly/3SHHOvf

WE NEED BANDS x SYNTHETICA Present:
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THE UNDERDOG: MicroDog 2023

Back for its sixth run, the 2023 MicroDog series has seen 36 bands compete for six coveted spots at the Thekla final. With over 1,000 votes already cast, the final six bands have been decided: Amber Lights, Bitter Kisses, Epimetheus, Love Is Enough, The Sieged, and The Zaffiros (more information on the finalists below).

First launched in 2015, The Underdog quickly established itself on the Bristol scene as an alternative to the larger national competitions. Hundreds of local bands have competed across the six larger event series (and countless smaller events) at venues like o2 Academy, Thekla, The Fleece, Exchange, The Thunderbolt, and Zed Alley.

The 2023 MicroDog series is a smaller version of the full competition, but one that is to become a fixture of the Underdog winter calendar. It's winner takes all, with the top band from the final taking home an artist development package; featuring studio time, a single-release show, a mini tour of the Southwest, and some 'no-strings-attached' cash.

Follow the competition by using the hashtag #UnderdogBristol.

The Finalists:
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Please Note: bands are listed in alphabetical order, and do not reflect the running order of the event.

✪ AMBER LIGHTS

Indie Rock · Ambient · Post Rock

www.facebook.com/AmberLightsSounds

Amber Lights have quickly built a reputation for electrifying live shows and released their debut EP 'Synesthesia" in 2019. The release was picked up by BBC Radio Bristol and the band's tracks were a regular feature in 2019, including an 8-track live acoustic performance recorded in the BBC Radio Bristol studios. 2019 was a busy year for live shows, culminating in playing on the BBC stage at The Downs Festival. Sadly the band's momentum was interrupted by the Covid Pandemic but reemerged on the scene in late 2022. Amber Lights have been busy writing new music, recording their first full-length studio album, and resuming the epic live shows they have become known for.

FOR FANS OF: The National, Mogwai, Radiohead

LISTEN: https://spoti.fi/3Rs2zsM
WATCH: https://youtu.be/iBkbVeZ6-VI

✪ BITTER KISSES

Heavy Pop

www.facebook.com/BitterKissesUK
www.instagram.com/BitterKissesUK

Pop music you can beat your friends up to. Explosive and heavy, Bitter Kisses lead a filthy underground party loaded with infectious grooves and contagious tunes. Formed in 2022, Bitter Kisses have quickly made a name for themselves with their high-energy live shows and synth-infused blend of Dark Pop and Goth Rock.

FOR FANS OF: Queens of the Stone Age, The Pretty Reckless, Enter Shikari

LISTEN: https://spoti.fi/410qB3w
WATCH: https://youtu.be/VRBYrZkDy9A

✪ EPIMETHEUS

Doom · Shoegaze

www.facebook.com/EpimetheusDoom
www.instagram.com/EpimetheusDoom

Epimetheus have only existed for a year in their current form after being forced to evolve by unknowable, eldritch (market) forces. Armed with a new sound that combines the crushing riffs of Black Sabbath with the soaring atmospherics of My Bloody Valentine, they are on an unholy mission to convince the masses to enjoy Doom Metal

FOR FANS OF: Black Sabbath, Clutch, My Bloody Valentine

LISTEN: https://spoti.fi/3NNMkph
WATCH: https://youtu.be/5iScep2tKtY

✪ LOVE IS ENOUGH

Indie Rock · Alt-Pop/Rock

www.facebook.com/LoveIsEnoughBand
https://www.instagram.com/LoveIsEnoughBand

Love Is Enough is an Alt-Pop/Rock band from Salisbury, UK. The band have quickly made a name for themselves in the music scene with their catchy hooks and heartfelt lyrics centered around the theme of love. Love Is Enough is a band not to be missed.

FOR FANS OF: The Killers, The 1975, Duran Duran

LISTEN: https://spoti.fi/3htrU96
WATCH: https://youtu.be/DdYQjDAt99I

✪ THE SIEGED

Hard Rock

www.facebook.com/TheSieged
www.instagram.com/The_Sieged

With influences such as Motley Crüe, Airbourne and Inglorious, The Sieged have a unique classic rock sound, merged with a modern technical feel to create a sound consisting of high energy riffs, lengthy guitar solos, brutal grooves and gnarly vocals.

Despite the raucous sound and onstage antics, the band upholds an image as relentlessly professional and friendly, as testified by the repeat bookings at the venues they play.

FOR FANS OF: Motley Crüe, Airbourne, Inglorious

LISTEN: https://bit.ly/3APrkIK
WATCH: https://youtu.be/qoDOtqwmOn4

✪ THE ZAFFIROS

Alt Rock · Funk · Hard Rock

www.facebook.com/TheZaffiros
www.instagram.com/TheZaffiros

Based Around Southwest Devon, The Zaffiros are an alternative rock 3 piece who strive to combine driving groove and high-energy riffs with delicate melodies and soaring harmonies. With inspirations from the likes of royal blood, Radiohead, and the Foo Fighters, genre-blending is a given as they indulge in creating a heavily dynamic and diverse catalogue which they can adapt to all settings.

FOR FANS OF: Kaleo, Royal Blood, Nothing But Thieves

LISTEN: https://spoti.fi/3sN4rSv
WATCH: https://youtu.be/VAOq5Oc0cx0

Guest Headliner/One Night Only Winners:
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✪ MURDERHOBOS
Punk · Grunge

www.facebook.com/Murdrhobos
www.instagram.com/MurderhobosBand

FOR FANS OF: Slaves, Pearl Jam, Rise Against

WATCH: https://fb.watch/b3BAZw9GL3

Event Info:
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WHERE? ⇾ Thekla
www.TheklaBristol.co.uk
The Grove, East Mud Dock, Bristol BS1 4RB

WHEN? ⇾ Sunday 2nd April

WHAT TIME? ⇾ 6:30-11:00pm

HOW MUCH?
Super Early Bird (3X Votes) ⇾ SOLD OUT!
Early Bird (3X Votes) ⇾ SOLD OUT!
General Release (2X Votes) ⇾ £10.00 +BF

Tickets via Fatsoma

WE NEED BANDS
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Running independent live music events in Bristol and beyond:
www.linktree.com/WeNeedBands