A band that I have wanted to see since they first broke into the country scene a decade ago now, A Thousand Horses have really reinvented themselves the last few years in a major way. Being fully independent now, the band have been creating a huge buzz, as well as putting out one of the best albums of the year so far. So, when they announced this tour, there was no way we weren’t heading down, especially at one of our favourite venues! And, not only that, but they also had an awesome support band. So, let’s dive into everything that happened that evening!

Though they are a Nottingham-based band, I’d somehow not heard of Jacqueline before now. However, they instantly have a big new fan in me! Firstly, her and her band are all such talented players and songwriters, their unique brand of folk-rock sounding fantastic in a live setting. Her vocals are powerful and so interesting, giving off vibes of Alanis Morissette or Dolores O’Riodan in her delivery. She is also a fantastic frontwoman, holding the crowds attention throughout and being an excellent storyteller through both her lyrics and between tracks. And as I said, the band behind her played their asses off through the whole set, fitting her vibe perfectly. Only having one EP out, 2025’s Still Running, meant that we got the lot and then some! Their setlist had a great flow to it, and it’s had me listening to them on track much of this week. I already want more music from the band, and am also desperate to see them live again!

After a short break, the headliners took to the stage! As I’d said, I’d been wanting to see them for a while, and safe to say they didn’t disappoint! Right from the fantastic new opener ‘Dead Man Walking’, I was hooked, and not let go through their entire set. It was White Flag Down-heavy in the best way, with each of the other four songs off it being equally incredible. ‘Part of My Story’ and ‘Voices’ seemed to be particular fan favourites already, the place singing along to every word of them and cheering loud at their conclusion. However, that was far from all we got. From the excellent ‘Room Full of Strangers’ and ‘Highway Sound’ of The Outside, to the very best of Southernality, to even a cheeky addition off not only their Bridges EP, but an early track from their repertoire, ‘Suicide Eyes’ from 2011’s Footloose. It was a jam packed set to say the least! Everyone loved their breakout hit, ‘Smoke’, of course, and the one-two-punch of the encore being ‘Drunk Dial’ and ‘Heaven is Close’ was excellent. The only one missing for me was ‘Song to Remember’ but hell, there’s always next time…

As for the performance itself, it was also amazing! The band are incredibly tight, it sounding close to the track while still having room to breathe, like a great rock show should. The band all played their asses off, putting every ounce of energy out there for the packed-out crowd. And, what’s more, they genuinely seemed like they were enjoying themselves up on stage, which is always great to see! Michael’s voice was on top form throughout, and he’s a really great frontman. However, both Bill and Graham were fantastic performers in their own right too, all putting on one hell of a show. They gel so well together, and it’s clear to see they have been doing it for a while, while also still clearly enjoying being up there together. And the other two, who I assume are more session players(?), also killed it. It was a straightforward show, just five guys getting up there and playing some great songs, but it was such a pleasure to watch, and felt like it went by in no time at all! It was loud, and a hell of a lot of fun!

And there you have it, another fantastic night of live music! Both bands killed it and I would recommend seeing either in person if you at all can, as well as spin their stuff if you somehow haven’t heard them on track before. I had a blast and already want to see both bands again. And, with Horses saying they’ll be over here more regularly moving forward and Jacquline being from down the road, there is a very big possibility I can do both soon! The Bodega has also been knocking it out of the park with gigs at the minute, so I’d highly recommend keeping an eye on them if you’re local. What a gig!