If you have been anywhere near a certain niche sector of internet music discussion, Little Grandad is a name that certainly rings a bell - but if not, then let us introduce them: Little Grandad are a "Britaincana" band formed by the Lower brothers in 2025 who have been taking over the Windmill Scene like the second coming of Edward I. They have toured with bands including Cardinals, The Orchestra (for now) and Man/Woman/Chainsaw, and have now decided to take over the country, one city at a time. This time, it was Nottingham's turn...
The Bodega is a venue that is just fun to be in. It’s not as tight as some venues, but is not as big and impersonal as others. That makes it perfect for catching smaller bands who have a full sound, while both being able to see from anywhere in the room but still feel close and intimate with the music.
Of course, given the band playing tonight, the crowd were all the coolest introverts you’d ever meet - with Geese, English Teacher and Wunderhorse shirts scattering the congregation like a church for people who use rateyourmusic on a weekly basis.
The opening artist Charlie Noordewier absolutely captivated me with just his voice. I thought for a solid minute, “this must be playback, it has to be” - I could not believe that any person could hit those notes and have that presence live.
The standout song of his set would definitely be Dear Diazepam, a hauntingly beautiful song perfectly complimented by Charlie’s amazing ability on the guitar.
If you are a fan of Hozier or the voice of Lewis Capaldi, I would heavily recommend going out of your way to check Charlie out live: he is amazing on record but in person, his vocals will just blow you away.
I am almost lost for words to explain just how amazing Little Grandad were, but I will try my hardest. The first thing that got me was the melodies that the band employs- as whenever the Lower brothers or even the entire band harmonise together, it feels as if the heavens are opening up. This band is so talented and so tight that it feels like they must have been performing together forever... so for them to only have been together for a year is astonishing.
A majority of the set was formed of unreleased (as of now) tracks from their forthcoming album (SPEAK SOFTLY, SON) which is sure to be an early album of the year contender for 2027. The songs sounded absolutely amazing in a live space, as the tone of the instruments alongside the amazing vocals (as mentioned before) creates a wholly unique and awe-inspiring atmosphere.
In terms of standout performances, the crown would have to go to their live rendition of Unmasked. It is hard for a gig to bring me to the brink of tears but, I swear, I felt one escape. If you go see Little Grandad for one thing, make it be to hear Unmasked live. The experience will stick with me for a long, long time.
Another thing to mention is the energy these guys have. It is clear how much they adore their songs and performing them live they got so into it, it was infectious. With every track they gave 110% of their effort. In a time where so many larger artists phone-in their performances, it was amazing to see a band with such a rabid following still be so in love with music and the art of performance.
Little Grandad both have the music and the momentum of fans to truly be massive, and I am sure that they will. So if they interest you, go see them now. As the Britaincana revolution sweeps the nation, it won’t be long until these guys are jamming with Jools Holland, so catch them while they’re small, before they’re selling out Rock City and Albert Hall. You will not regret it.
Little Grandad performed at The Bodega on 2 September 2026.
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