Bullmaera at Cove17: Raw energy and rough edges
Written by Sacha Price
Bullmaera performing at Cove17 | Credit: Joe Fuller
There’s something slightly surreal about seeing a punk band like Bullmaera play in Cove17, a modern barber shop tucked inside an office building in Walthamstow. Only three-quarters full but still buzzing with energy and chatting, the room wasn’t exactly fit for their raw, twangy guitar sound. Still, the band threw themselves into it, and aimed to deliver an energetic, noisy set that showcased both their promise of punk and their rough edges.
The unusual choice of venue added a tension, with the modern, minimalist interior clashing against the bands gritty aesthetic, but it also gave the performance a level of intimacy, letting the audience feel almost too close to the stage and be fully immersed in every moment.
Longtime Bullmaera fan Lewis Green, who had come prepared with a clear ear for the band’s influences, praised their latest EP. He said he had listened to China Shop and “really enjoyed it. I think their take on punk is fantastic. There are shades of many great bands within their sound; I hear The Clash, The Libertines, and I think Tom’s [Tom Griffin, lead guitarist] has a little bit of The Smiths – he reminds me of Johnny Marr a lot.”
When pressed for a favourite track, Green admitted he had too many, but singled out the lead single ‘Imitator’ for it’s raw energy. Reflecting on the bands past gigs, he notes, “I’ve seen Bullmaera live dozens of times, and every time it’s brilliant – raw, energetic, passionate, great live band. At the end of their set, everyone chanted ‘one more song,’ and then they played Boys in the Better Land by Fontaines DC, which I really enjoyed.”
Green’s take on Bullmaera underlined the contrast between Bullmaera’s die-hard fanbase and the casual crowd who seemed less familiar with the band’s catalogue.
Credit: Joe Fuller
After speaking with Tom Griffin and bassist Charlie Pearce about the bands new EP and their musical approach, it was clear the recording process was intentionally raw. “We left it a bit late, to be honest,” admitted Griffin, while Pearce added, “We recorded like all the best bands do – in one session, just set up a couple of mics and paid a bloke to mix it basically.”
Their influences are broad but firmly rooted in punk and post-punk traditions, with Joy Division, Sex Pistols, and The Stranglers all informing their sound. “For me, The Stranglers – I like the basslines,” said Pearce, while Griffin added, “I like the guitar solos from The Strokes, like in ‘The Modern Age’ and ‘Is This It’.” When asked about favourite tracks on the EP, both cited’ Mist’ – Griffin for its guitar solo, and Pearce for the bassline he developed during Covid, waiting for the right moment to bring it to life.
On performing live, Pearce described the feeling as “intimidating,” while Griffin simply said it’s “amazing.” Their comments reflect a band confident in their musical influences but still learning how to translate that into their own confidence.
On stage, however, some may agree there’s work to be done, as with all rookie bands. Lead singer Harry Edwards’ vocals, often clearly trying to channel Joy Division, paired with his minimal swaying movements fail to project much expression.
Paired with the absence of a second guitarist, the sound can be left feeling thin, blending many songs together, although standouts like ‘Imitato'r’ and ‘Ruckus’ cut through the imperfections and unfinished elements. Despite this, drummer Kane Woodrow contributed a relentless energy, punctuating each track with sharpness and precision, driving the set forward.
Credit: Joe Fuller
By the end of the set, Edwards leapt into the crowd, briefly connecting with some fans, singing along and moshing. Green’s enthusiasm highlighted this loyalty – although the room wasn’t filled, the crowd’s energy remained high and passionate. For newcomers, the band’s music may feel repetitive, but the level of devotion from fans and moments of interaction add a certain charm to their performance.
Bullmaera at Cove17 showcased a band still finding their live identity. While China Shop demonstrates strong songwriting, the stage presence, vocal delivery and guitar layering still need some attention. Yet there is an undeniable punk energy with potential. If the band can harness this rawness and tighten their live cohesion, future shows in more suitable venues could fully realise and cement their promise of punk. With refinement and experience, Bullmaera could turn these glimpses into fully compelling performances that match their growing fanbase.