Bathing Suits - Gut Level - 14/10/25
Bathing Suits at Gut Level, 14/10/2025. Photo by @fotograliaaaaa
Leeds-based independent label Private Regcords have built quite a reputation for putting on some outstanding gigs and showcasing some of the best new artists; so when they announced Bathing Suits’ October UK tour supported by Normal Village it was a no-brainer - and a Sheffield date? You spoil us. This was mine and Ben’s first visit to Gut Level, Sheffield’s inclusive, not-for-profit members events space that hosts everything from club nights to art workshops to kinky karaoke and, with its very affordable membership prices, we were very excited to check it out.
The venue had the same DIY charm as the best house party you’ve ever been to, run by staff who are clearly just as passionate about the scene as those paying to be there. After enjoying a pint on the roof terrace, a moment of calm before the storm that is Normal Village, we headed back into the main room which had tripled in capacity since our arrival. Despite this being a Bathing Suits tour with Normal Village opening show, the Leeds post-punk outfit already had the room filled, anticipated, by the time they hit their first chord. Any inch of the room that wasn’t already occupied by bodies was filled with loud, harsh, distorted guitar tones and the lead singer’s aggressive vocals that were matched only by his own drumming. The band came equipped with the sharp math-rock rhythms and crunchy, unpredictable chord progressions they are known for; much to the pleasure of myself and the rest of the audience whose drinks were finding it hard to stay in their glasses - though the unique time signatures made something as simple as tapping a foot a bold endeavour. The two guitarists each also took turns providing lead vocals on songs, sharing the spotlight and proving that Normal Village, and their honed sound, is a true collaboration of talents and efforts from all of its members. The band closed their set with their two, very well received, singles ‘Bunny’ and ‘To Me, To You’, to which the crowd was singing passionately along to; a passion that was measured by the fact that I could hear the singing over the already roaring music. This wasn’t my first time seeing Normal Village and I hope it wasn’t my last.
Bathing Suits at Gut Level, 14/10/2025. Photo by @fotograliaaaaa
Following further respite on the roof terrace, a moment for my foolishly unprotected ears to recover, we prepared for Bathing Suits - though ‘prepared’ is perhaps the wrong word as we weren’t ready for the musical force that we were about to witness. Guitars and bass that were layered in so much distortion and delay that they were stretched beyond recognition momentously built an onslaught of noise before breaking into the opening guitar riff of ‘Relay’, followed by the bassy eruption of the drum machine that instantly brought the room to life. The infectious energy that Bathing Suits provided wasn’t just maintained throughout the show but was constantly being ramped up. This was particularly the case for their single ‘I Can Be A Freak’ which was evidently a crowd favourite as its opening lyrics entranced the entire room. We were all in the palm of Bathing Suits’ hand as they stretched, extended and improvised over their songs, masterfully pushing their instruments to their limits, all while maintaining the momentum and pulse that is at the heart of their music. Every beat, every chord, every riff felt so fresh, unique and completely addictive, as if to say “enjoy it now because you’re not going to find this anywhere else.” For the remainder of the gig I had lost myself to the frenzy of the crowd, forgetting (ignoring) my noble journalistic responsibilities - I have no regrets.
Bathing Suits at Gut Level, 14/10/2025. Photo by @fotograliaaaaa
Private Regcords had done it again; organised a brilliant night of next level music at one of the coolest grass-roots venues in Sheffield. So get involved while you still can because I doubt it will be long before these bands are playing on much bigger stages to much bigger crowds.