Music

Meet the A Shot at Discovery finalists: Bristol

Meet the Bristol finalists for The Pogues Irish Whiskey Presents: A Shot at Discovery ahead of the regional heats.

The Pogues Irish Whiskey have teamed up with Academy Music Group, the people behind all of those iconic live music venues across the UK, to award one unsigned band with a huge prize. The national winner will enjoy £3000 towards new instruments, studio time with The Pogues as guest producers, live opportunities and management services, plus much more.

With the regional finals kicking off on Sunday 5 March, we’ll be bringing you an introduction to each of the bands scheduled to play.

See all of our A Shot at Discovery coverage here.

Here are the Bristol finalists, who will take to the O2 Academy on Monday 6 March. You can grab tickets here.


Constance

Constance - Memento

Although Constance themselves describe their sound as that of puking unicorns, this alt-rock five piece play loud and proud. First and foremost, they’re friends and have been ever since they were too young to buy drinks, go on roller coasters or watch Jaws without parental supervision. Thankfully, they were allowed to create their music at Jay and Aaran’s house and have been playing ever since. Now they’re taking their sound, unicorns and all, to any and all venues – making the journey in a busted up bright yellow ex-AA rust bucket.


Cosmic Ninja

If you’re trying to put Cosmic Ninja in a box, you’re in for a surprise. The spirited Bristol trio are pushing boundaries with their blend of rock and electronica. Inspired by acts like Pendulum, Muse and The Prodigy, they haven’t let that throw them off creating something unique. Set to release their debut EP this year, Cosmic Ninja delivers memorable tracks and big performances. In the end, the driving force remains their collective passion for creating something different and breaking the mould.


IDestroy

If you’re looking for a tune that will take up residence and refuse to get out, look no further. IDestroy has blended commanding rock ‘n roll riffs with bubblegum pop melodies to create a sound that’s completely infections. They were described by Classic Rock Magazine as a band that snaps, crackles and pops, wearing studded leather jackets with a feisty punk sneer. The magazine also said, “If you like your rock’n’roll short, sharp and spiky, then Bristol grrrl rockers IDestroy might just be your favourite new band.”


Syren City

SYREN CITY - 10,000 Knives (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Syren City’s made up of five individuals set on pushing boundaries with their unique brand of rock. They’ve drawn inspiration from punk, metal and grunge bands to create a sound that’s both mesmerising and forceful. Perhaps their success could be ascribed to that force. The band used social media to cultivate a solid fanbase and have also been received positively by a range of magazines and websites, including Rock Sound and Metal Hammer. They’ve also opened for the likes of Cancer Bats, Brand New and As It Is.


The Belishas

Belishas - Spectrums (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Although unsigned, indie-rock band The Belishas, have been playing in and outside of Bristol for four years. The four-piece independently released their EP, Spectrums, when they were just 18. Heavily influenced by 90’s Britpop, post-punk, as well as modern indie, the band has a great balance of originality, which produces punchy, powerful songs. With their hearts set on touring, the band also hopes to keep their fanbase growing.


The Marks Cartel

The Marks Cartel - Curtain Call (Official Video)

Originally from Swansea, this indie-rock quartet is well established in Wales and is now looking to spread their wings by gaining a following in London. Having recorded an EP Max Heyes, who have also worked with Primal Scream, London Grammar and many more, The Marks Cartel will be releasing their first single, Slave in Feb. To boot, the band have played festivals such as The Great Escape and Kaya and headlined Proud Camden last year, after playing 21 shows in just five months.


Find out more about the Pogues Irish Whiskey: A Shot At Discovery competition over on the Academy Music Group website.

Grab tickets to all of the A Shot At Discovery regional finals through our friends over at TicketWeb.