Feel-good energy with the emerging indie band...
Since experiencing their performance at G! Festival last year, CLASH has been completely taken by Personal Trainer’s energetic yet memorable songs. That show, which occurred at a playground for children, was soon followed by their sweaty, stripped-down gig at Bristol’s Rough Trade. Entering Thekla’s revered venue this Monday night, it dawned on me that it was my first time witnessing them play a full-length, full-band set. Touring in support of last year’s ‘Still Willing,’ the Dutch group was in spirited and precise form, their songs having been thoroughly tested on the road. However, before the main act, the audience enjoyed a delightfully rowdy performance from Manchester’s Westside Cowboy.
—
—
Riding the wave of their debut single – and only that single – the four-member band was relatively unfamiliar. With a streaming bio that simply stated, ‘B R I T A I N I C A N A,’ the audience was curious about the hype. Fortunately, the band delivered an enjoyable set, their songs reminiscent of Pavement and Built To Spill with a distinctly English twist. Special mention goes to drummer Paddy Murphy, whose Grohl-like drumming nearly took down the kit – and their short set – early on. In an unexpected conclusion, the band dove into a folk-shanty style, leaning into the mic while harmonizing and strumming an acoustic guitar. What exactly is Westside Cowboy about? It’s tough to say just yet, but they certainly captured attention.
—
—
Soon, Personal Trainer’s frontman Willem Smit appeared with a bright smile. While many acts proudly label themselves as ‘bosses’ or embrace a distant sense of cool, PT’s Dutch warmth was a welcome change. That’s not to suggest the six-piece plays gentle tunes – far from it. Personal Trainer’s music combines Beck-like twists. Led by Smit’s electric-acoustic, their tracks often begin with a confessional tone before bursting into vivid color. Saxophone, trumpet, and wild synth riffs injected a sense of madness into Smit’s narratives of ego, uncertainty, and surreal observations of the world. It’s incredibly enjoyable.
—
—
The band powered through fifteen songs, delighting the near-capacity crowd. Crowd favorites ‘New Bad Feeling’ and ‘Upper Ferntree Garden’ appeared alongside a couple of new tracks like the lovely ‘Burrows.’ At one point, a woman placed a few eggs on stage, leaving the singer bewildered, and a spilt can of Red Stripe was awkwardly cleaned up with Smit’s jumper. The title track from their second album got the now very warm boat rocking, as the band unleashed an extended jam. Guitarist Franti Marešová’s Fender Esquire roared while the band bobbed their heads in appreciation. PT was a band enjoying their own sound as much as their audience.
For an encore, the cheerful band returned, convinced they could "make something up" for the grand finale. Indeed, it turned out to be a powerful performance of ‘The Lazer,’ the standout from their 2022 debut ‘Big Love Blanket.’ The place erupted, especially impressive considering it was a Monday night. In just over an hour, the band gained new fans and reminded their dedicated followers why their star is on the rise. They possess the tunes, the live energy, and the upbeat vibes. Clash suggests you catch them in a city near you while the venues remain intimate.
—
—Words: Sam Walker-Smart Photography: Rhys Dolman
—
Join the Clash mailing list for the latest music, fashion, and film news.
The Manchester alt-pop favorite shares her vision of the perfect night out.
Chaos In The CBD has released a new track titled 'I Wanna Tell Somebody'. The production duo, who are actually brothers Louis and Ben Helliker-Hale, merge organic
London singer Hope Tala has released a powerful new track titled 'Magic Or Medicine'. The artist took a moment to refocus, engaging in sessions for her highly anticipated
Rich in emotion and reflective, with honest lyrics.
Charli XCX has won the Songwriter of the Year award at the BRIT Awards 2025. The grand event is scheduled for this Saturday (March 1st) at the O2 Arena in
Rebecca Vasmant is back with her new track 'Blessed'. The Glasgow-based artist is paving the way for the city's jazz scene as a producer, DJ, and composer of
After seeing their performance at G! Festival last year, CLASH has been completely convinced by Personal Trainer’s energetic and infectious tracks. That show, which lasted