Goblyns at Down Stokes: A Last-Minute Booking That Became a Festival Highlight
- Ed Leese
- Jul 19
- 2 min read
As I darted between venues making sure everything was running smoothly and the team had what they needed, I managed to catch just 15 minutes of Goblyns. They were a last-minute addition to Down Stokes after a band pulled out—we actually flew them in at the eleventh hour. It was one of those chaotic moments that only independent festivals can produce: we needed a band, so we just made it happen.
After their set, I caught up with the band and Liam summed it up perfectly: “I had no plans this weekend, and now because of this—I have plans.” That’s the magic of it.
The Down Stokes team (me and Viv) can safely say this was one decision we’ll never regret. Goblyns are an absolute must-see for fans of jam bands, psych rock, funk—just fans, full stop. With big basslines, tight drumming, and reverberating, fuzzy guitar tones, they take you on a sonic trip. Hearing Big Red live—a psychedelic cowboy fever dream—was one of my favourite moments of the weekend.
It’s right up there with the late-night Bristol debut of Karma Sheen in 2023, Margarita Witch Cult tearing Lakota Gardens into a retro-rock frenzy, or Dreamwave’s explosive 2024 closer. These are the kinds of shows that shape the tapestry of experience at a truly independent festival—something unpredictable, special, and increasingly unmissable in Bristol’s cultural calendar. We’re incredibly proud to be behind it.
Since their Down Stokes set, Goblyns have released their new record Three Sisters. The title track is a heavy jam steeped in fuzz—on bass, on guitar—pushing the boundaries of just how rich and immersive that sound can be. And they’re not just a band—they’re visual artists too. Their stop-motion style music videos, crafted from individual printed PNGs, show a commitment to curating a full-spectrum artistic experience.
Their upcoming show at The Louisiana on 28 August—warming up for their Manchester Psych Fest debut—is a must-see for anyone into psych, jam bands, or simply witnessing three incredibly talented musicians pour everything into their craft. It’ll be warm, weird, and wonderful.
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