Night Out at Brooki

Energetic, intimate, and boiling hot - this was the predominant atmosphere of Brooki’s sold-out show at iconic Brixton venue The Windmill.

Photo Credits: Mackenzie Elliott

Though the venue’s capacity accommodates just 250 people, the cheers of excitement as Dublin-based Brooki took the stage could have filled a stadium. This energy was maintained throughout the entire 45 minute set, with the crowd somehow singing every word despite the band having no released songs to date. The set takes the audience through a sea of emotions, encompassing anger, bitterness, and somewhat resentful love within their grunge-indie sound and eloquent lyrics. The delivery of these lyrics could have been done justice by none other than frontwoman Sarah Brookfield, who radiated a raw confidence while remaining grounded (in spite of the sweltering heat). In a candid moment of appreciation after a particularly exuberant reaction from the crowd, she admitted to getting emotional, saying that the experience felt “crazy”.

This humility translated to off-stage too - I had the pleasure of meeting Sarah in the smoking area before the show and discovered through a brief conversation that she is the most sweet and down-to-earth person, even seeming slightly surprised when we asked for a picture!

I was also pleasantly surprised by preceding band Esmeralda Road, a refreshingly unique Belfast seven-piece fronted by the overwhelmingly charismatic Charlie Magill. The crowd received the performance enthusiastically, with many singing and cheering as if they were the headliners, swept up in the band’s jazz-infused indie sound and Magill’s enthralling stage presence.

Photo Credits: Mackenzie Elliott

After seeing just one show, I already feel as though these band deserve so much more attention and recognition for what they are doing. They are a part of the current “indie renaissance”, where bands are taking influence from the much loved indie bands of the last couple of decades, but adding a twist unique to each band. I can’t wait to see what each of these bands have to offer in the future, and am eagerly anticipating a debut release from tonight’s headliners Brooki, upon whom I couldn’t more fervently wish success.

This review was kindly submitted by Mackenzie. Follow her Substack!