Live Review: Bilk – Polar Bear, Hull
08/10/2025
Me and Dad | Bilk @ Polar Bear – Hull | Photo by: Holly Oakley – TheIndieMasterplan.co.uk
Me and my dad headed down to the legendary Polar Bear Music Club in Hull for Bilk’s stop on their Small Venues Tour. As Hull residents, there’s something special about seeing one of your favourite new bands take over a venue that’s been a lifeline for grassroots music for years. The atmosphere was buzzing from the moment we walked in.
Elson | Polar Bear – Hull | Photo by: Holly Oakley – TheIndieMasterplan.co.uk
First up were Elson, a band from over the Humber in Grimsby. They kicked things off with a solid serving of northern indie, tight, melodic, and packed with heart. Before their set, they gave a shoutout to the Music Venues Trust, the brilliant charity fighting to protect and improve independent venues like the one we were standing in that night.
Their upcoming single ‘Open My Eyes‘ stood out, it was atmospheric, driven and one that instantly caught the crowd’s attention. You could easily imagine it echoing out across a summer field at Tramlines or Y Not Festival. The frontman broke the ice with a story about being stuck in traffic on the way to Hull and how being in a car always makes him sleepy.
“Does this happen to anyone else?” he laughed.
Cue my dad shouting back,
“Yeah… While I’m driving!”
Classic dad joke energy but the whole crowd loved it.
ELLiS-D | Polar Bear – Hull | Photo by: Holly Oakley – TheIndieMasterplan.co.uk
I was pleasantly surprised to see not one but two support acts on the bill. Next up was Brighton’s ELLiS-D and his backing band who launched straight into a set that oozed glam-rock swagger and psychedelic charm. Tracks like ‘Drifting‘ and ‘Humdrum‘ shimmered with energy and his use of false endings kept the crowd on their toes, whipping everyone into cheers before crashing back in louder than ever.
The chemistry between the band was unreal, the keys and guitar danced perfectly together and I could’ve sworn smoke was about to rise from the strings. Midway through, ELLiS-D leapt off the stage and into the crowd, guitar still slung, feeding off every ounce of energy in the room. It was one of those “remember this name” moments and if you missed him, don’t worry, he’s back at The Polar Bear on 19th November and trust me, I’ll be there.
Bilk | Polar Bear – Hull | Photo by: Holly Oakley – TheIndieMasterplan.co.uk
Then came the main event, Bilk!
I’ll admit, I was a little late to the Bilk party but after hearing ‘On It‘ with that infectious bassline and rowdy lyrics about mad nights out, I’ve been hooked ever since. The Essex trio of Sol (vocals/guitar), Luke (bass) and Harry (drums) exploded onto the stage with ‘Brand New Day‘, an anthem of social commentary and everyday chaos that had the crowd singing every word.
Keeping the momentum, they dived straight into ‘RNR‘, a swaggering ode to the rock’n’roll dream that gave a cheeky nod to Oasis while still feeling distinctly Bilk. Between songs, Sol spoke passionately about the importance of the small venues tour and how crucial places like The Polar Bear are for the next generation of bands. Looking around the packed room and yes, the life-sized polar bear watching over it all it was impossible not to agree.
‘Tommy‘ followed, a fast and furious favourite of mine, telling the tale of a girl falling for the wrong guy. ‘Spiked‘ came next its jangly guitars contrasting perfectly with the darker theme of being “fucked off a drug you didn’t want to take.”
Then came ‘Hummus and Pitta‘, a proper bounce-along track that channels early Green Day if Billie Joe had grown up in Chelmsford. The crowd needed no encouragement to lose themselves to that one.
‘Daydreamer‘ was another highlight, giving everyone a chance to belt out the chorus and soak in the new cult lyric: “Being a lazy twat is my star sign”, Iconic.
We were also treated to two brand-new songs the first titled ‘Are You Gonna Be My Lover?‘ and another unnamed due to a quick drum glitch but both absolute belters that blew the roof clean off.
They closed with ‘Band Life Blues‘, another personal favourite. The southern-style guitar groove and Sol’s reflective lyrics about how Bilk came to be made for a perfect ending. It felt like being in a dusty American bar, yet it was so unapologetically British at heart, the ideal Bilk balance.
The crowd’s chants for an encore said it all but instead of hiding backstage, the band headed straight to the merch stand to meet fans, take photos and have a proper chat. That’s what makes Bilk different, they’re as real as it gets.
I could’ve stayed there all night, easily. I’d have loved a few more cuts from their latest record ‘Essex, Drugs and Rock & Roll‘ and the iconic ‘I Got Knocked Out (The Same Night England Did)‘ but I guess that just means I’ll be catching them again soon.
As me and Dad left The Polar Bear, both grinning ear to ear, it hit us, this is what it’s all about. Loud guitars, sweaty crowds and the fire of grassroots music burning bright. Bilk are the real deal, and venues like The Polar Bear are where legends are born.
