No fads, no frills, no gimmicks – just quality music. Indie rock band Bilk’s set at York Crescent Community Venue was razor-sharp from start to finish.

By Katie Stewart

Photos and additional reporting by Graeme Smith

Before the headliners, who were appearing thanks to the Music Venue Trust, took to the stage, the crowd were warmed up by local rockers The Palava and Brighton’s Ellis D.

Ellis D’s set was a knockout, combining frenetic, expansive post-punk with a stage presence from which you couldn’t take your eyes. The energy was high throughout, nicely setting up the headliners. GS

Bilk’s signature fast-paced, witty lyrics transported the crowd to nights out and days spent wreaking harmless havoc around Essex. You could live and breathe the stories they told – full of chaos, joy; delivered with a gritty and personal kind of charm.

Frontman Sol Abrahams was no-nonsense, down-to-earth and effortlessly cool. Passionate about keeping authentic music alive, his performance was inspiring and unpretentious, showing how fun and special it is to make and share your own music, and your own experiences and culture through it. The vocals were faultless, clean and eminently Estuary.

Luke Hare’s basslines were driving, addictive, ear-wormy, impossible not to move to. Hare’s quips during dead air added to the light-hearted, intimate nature of the show. Harry Gray’s drumming was tight, creative, and atmospheric, playfully pushing the narrative of each song forward.

It was a show that balanced polish with chaos, grit and heart. Bilk proved themselves masters of their craft – honest, electric, and just so much fun. If you ever get the chance to see this band live, don’t let it pass you by.

Bilk are touring the UK October 8 – November 30, tickets can be purchased here. KS

The Palava, Ellis D and Bilk played at The Crescent on Monday 6 October 2025.