Broken Fires, Nova Scotia and SHIMMER live @ Elysium Gallery, Swansea

Broken Fires (stage @ 930pm)

Broken Fires are a Welsh collective writing massive alternative rock songs about love, life and death. They aim to combine the big rock energy of Manchester Orchestra, emotional honesty of Frightened Rabbit and the ambitious, progressive playfulness of Divorce.

First album “Silhouettes” (2015) picked up BBC Radio 1 airplay, extensive play on BBC Radio Wales and syncs on MTV and BBC television.

After pursuing side projects, the band returned in 2022 with a second LP “Hymns”. Produced by Matt Lederman, the man behind the desk for Rural Alberta Advantage’s critically acclaimed Mended with Gold, singles “Dreamer” and “New Friends” picked up national radio play from Steve Lamacq and Huw Stephens. The songs generated some international interest and the band played showcases in NXNE, Toronto and Paris for Sofar Sounds.

Back with new, even more ambitious material, Broken Fires are looking forward to sharing another full length album with the world later in 2025. “Lighthouse”, the first single from their forthcoming third studio album was released in April, immediately picking up BBC Introducing radio play in their native Wales from Adam Walton and Bethan Elfyn. Second single East London Hotel is out 6 June.

“The luminous quality of those harmonies… really do give you a sense of hope. Really, really, really good” - Adam Walton, BBC Introducing Wales

“Somewhere between the 80’s guitar landscapes of The Cult, the upbeat-melancholy of The Wombats, and the emotive vocal drive of The Joy Formidable. Shwing.” - Killing Moon

“I am in love with this band and their hugely ambitious sound” - Bethan Elfyn, BBC Introducing Wales

Nova Scotia (Stage @ 845pm)

Nova Scotia is a Cardiff-based alternative band blending shoegaze and grunge influences. Formed in 2022 by Ophelia (vocals), Conor (guitar), Libby (drums), Jack (guitar), and Glen (bass), the group draws inspiration from artists like Slowdive, Deftones, and Paramore.

Their debut single Wire Mother earned airplay on BBC Radio, with Adam Walton praising its mix of Slowdive’s ethereal tones and Deftones’ heaviness, calling it “brilliant.” Following up with Pretty Lies, Nova Scotia showcased a dynamic fusion of ambient soundscapes, driving drums, and infectious melodies. Their latest release, “Teething”, embraces a heavier, My Bloody Valentine-inspired wall of sound, combining fuzzy guitars with shimmering clean tones.

Known for electrifying live shows, including a packed-out headline at The Moon in Cardiff, Nova Scotia continues to build momentum, actively performing across the UK and aiming for wider European audiences.

SHIMMER (Stage @ 8pm)

SHIMMER is a boy band. But man, unlike some boy bands we could mention they write some absolutely killer alternative pop. Expect warm bass tones, class melodies and a whole alt-pop-sadness vibe that will simultaneously add a hefty dose of melancholy to your evening and lift you up ready for the summer.

Also check out other Music events in Swansea, Entertainment events in Swansea, Workshops in Swansea.