Squid’s hometown performance made Bristol proud
In celebration of their highly anticipated 2025 album, Cowards, Squid delivered a performance that showcased their signature intensity and boundary-pushing sound.
Photo: Harrison Fishman
It only made sense for the Bristol-based Squid to deliver the finale of their UK tour leg at the world-renowned Bristol Beacon: a grand venue with a theatrical atmosphere that perfectly complemented their powerful sound. The iconic venue was brimming with a special kind of anticipation: one that acknowledged just how special the night about to unfold would be.
Seasoned Squid fans would recognise Martha Skye Murphy’s ethereal voice from her feature on Narrator — but now was her time to take the stage. She kicked off the show with more than just a support set, but a spellbinding performance: enchanting, genre-defying and arguably Bjork-esque.
Squid opened with Crispy Skin, drawing the audience in with a mesmerising synth-driven intro. This electrifying first track set the tone for the night, immersing the crowd into their sonic world.
Their set boasted a dynamic mix of tracks from across their discography, creating a well-balanced blend that catered to long-time fans and new listeners alike. The band radiated confidence, elevated by the masterful integration of a diverse range of instruments, seamlessly blending classical elements with intricate percussion. The brass sections injected an extra layer of dynamism, weaving effortlessly into their signature sound and further amplifying the band’s already dramatic presence.
Whilst primarily upbeat, Squid’s set also featured some powerfully poignant moments. The Blades was a touching performance: Ollie Judge accompanied his heart-wrenching vocals with emotive, delicate choreography reminiscent of ballet.
Squid’s powerful finale featured unforgettable ballads, including Houseplants and Narrator. As Narrator unfolded, Martha Skye Murphy joined the stage, instantly commanding the spotlight. Her voice morphed from hauntingly delicate to piercingly intense, creating an eerie and enthralling contrast that captivated the crowd. As the song escalated, her performance evolved into a striking piece of performance art, blending high-pitched screams interlaced with frantic, writhing movements, her body contorting in a chaotic yet strangely graceful display. The raw energy of the moment was spellbinding, pushing the performance beyond music and into a realm of pure expression.
Squid provided an unforgettable night of pure musical excellence. But don’t worry if you missed it, there are still plenty of opportunities to witness their eclectic, genre-defying magic in person.