By David O’Neill
Another trip to another of the grassroots venues we feature regularly at Über Rock, The Fleece in Bristol. I was surprised by the lack of a queue on arrival as this venue is usually well supported; however, I was rather glad as it got me closer to the front for photography. I was even more surprised to find that Silveroller were on the same bill, having only seen them for the first time last week.
Entering to the stage with the theme tune from ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’ a slightly different set from that previous gig ensued but the gig was no less nostalgic or enthusiastically received by the crowd.
Silveroller have a knack for channelling the spirit of the Seventies, but their sound is never derivative; instead, it’s fresh, tight, and brimming with energy. Throughout the set, the crowd was swept up in big riffs, soulful vocals, and irresistible grooves—every song delivered with conviction and a sense of fun. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, and their performance ignited the audience, leaving grins all around and a palpable sense of wanting more.
Silveroller’s set was perhaps only too short—a testament to how compelling their live show has become. For fans of classic pop-rock with a modern twist, this was a night to remember.
DeWolff’s return to The Fleece was a masterclass in modern psychedelic southern rock, delivered with the energy and confidence of a band at the peak of their powers. The Dutch trio – Pablo van de Poel (guitar/vocals), Luka van de Poel (drums/vocals), and Robin Piso (Hammond/Wurlitzer) – have built a reputation as electrifying live performers, and this show only cemented their status as one of Europe’s most formidable touring acts. Having never heard of the band previously I had no idea what to expect.
From the opening notes, the band’s chemistry was undeniable. Pablo’s guitar work was both ethereal, searing and soulful, effortlessly weaving between bluesy licks and soaring solos, while his vocals carried a raw, emotive edge. Luka’s drumming was tight and dynamic, anchoring the set with groove and precision, and Robin’s Hammond organ filled the room with swirling, vintage tones that transported the audience straight to the crossroads of blues, soul, and psychedelia.
The setlist showcased material from their acclaimed recent albums, including tracks influenced by their time recording at the legendary Muscle Shoals studios (‘Ophelia’, ‘Snowbird’, ‘Natural Woman’)—a chapter that has infused their sound with even greater authenticity and depth.
Songs from ‘Love, Death & In Between’ stood out especially Will o’ the wisp and the 25 minute long finale in Rosita, with the crowd responding enthusiastically to both the new material and older fan favourites, the oldest track being ‘Vicious Times’ from ‘DeWolff IV’ (although it was actually their third album, a point made by Pablo!) The trio’s improvisational flair was on full display, with extended jams and spontaneous interplay that kept the audience spellbound. Much of the guitar and organ work reminded me of the variety in Santana’s ‘Moonflower’ album.
Looking around the venue there was a huge age range on display who were all enthusiastically enjoying the virtuosity on show. One member of the crowd next to me actually said he was seeing them on every gig on the tour! Now that’s a superfan! He also told me I would be blown away by the band – was I? Just wait and see!
By the end of the night, The Fleece was buzzing, with fans old and new united by the band’s infectious energy and musical virtuosity. DeWolff’s Bristol gig was a triumphant celebration of rock’s enduring spirit – fiery, soulful, and utterly unforgettable.
More to the point, they had recruited another fan in me. This would be a superb addition to Steelhouse Festival’s lineup!
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