Words: Rosie Burgess
Photography: Lydia Cashmore
@ Louisiana, 05/02/26
Coming just a day before the release of their new EP Style Over Substance, Paige Kennedy’s headline stop at The Louisiana showcased an artist operating in their own corner of funky, wonky art-pop. There’s something knowingly theatrical about Kennedy’s music, blending glam, pop and queer irreverence, that calls to mind the playful experimentation of 70s glam or 80s alt-synth. Playing to a packed room, the set felt confident and self-assured, balancing humour, polish, and a sharp sense of identity without ever tipping into self-indulgence.
Support came from Z1ggy2000, a newly-formed Bristol band, who immediately set the tone with a dreamy, hazy soundscape. Washed-out guitars blanketed the room while the singer’s ethereal, delicate vocals floated effortlessly over the mix. It was soft without being sleepy, delivering a set that pulled the crowd in and left the room perfectly warmed up for the rest of the night.
Paige Kennedy hit the stage with undeniable presence. The set opened with a playful voice note clip describing a breakup, a funny and slightly unhinged intro that snapped the crowd into attention before dropping straight into the first song, driven by an infectious, funky bassline.
What Does Your Girlfriend Think stood out as an early highlight. The track was bouncy, cheeky, and impossibly catchy, with a groove that weirdly echoed the Love Island theme. Crush took things in a darker but still danceable direction, a disco-tinged track about stalking that paired wobbly bass with swooping vocals, before ending in an impressive guitar solo that arrived unexpectedly and landed perfectly.
An outfit reveal followed early on, with Paige and the band rocking matching full denim looks that instantly cemented a playful aesthetic. The band was also just as cohesive musically. Guitarist James Cook delivered endless sparkling riffs, bassist George Burrage kept everything grounded with tight, funky lines, and drummer Imogen Shortall drove the set forward with punchy kick patterns and relentless hi-hats.
Life in Fear was a standout moment. The chaotic, high-energy track felt like synth-pop on crack, blending Cyndi Lauper-esque flair with Marina and the Diamonds-style melodies and a distinctly electronic edge.
Oh Honey, a recent release from the EP, was pure joy. Super up-tempo, funky, and impossible not to move to, with a wailing guitar that sent the crowd into motion. Paige’s humour shone between songs too, from a mismatched voiceover gag asking the audience what should be played next, to a mock police officer skit leading into the euphoric Is She Gay.
The closing track Fingers brought full audience participation. With everyone waving their hands in the air, crouching down before jumping back up and cowbells ringing out over the final breakdown, it was chaotic, joyful, and completely fitting. Paige Kennedy’s Bristol show felt confident, camp, and alive, a perfect launchpad for Style Over Substance.
//Words: Rosie Burgess // Photography: Lydia Cashmore//