Gig Goin’ – Izzo Wizzard Returns in Style as Bryony Sier Sets the Tone for a Memorable Night at Le Pub

After a year away from the live stage, Newport’s own Izzo Wizzard returned to Le Pub with a full band for an impressive homecoming, supported by one of South Wales’ most respected singer-songwriters, Bryony Sier. Representing Newport City Radio were Stephen, Dani and Luke, and here’s what Stephen thought of an excellent evening of live music.

 

Opening the night was Merthyr Tydfil’s Bryony Sier, delivering an intimate acoustic set that immediately captivated the audience. Beginning with Babylon, Bryony demonstrated not only exceptional songwriting ability but also accomplished guitar playing, setting the standard for the evening ahead.

 

 

Having spent many years performing across the live circuit, Bryony has developed a unique stage presence. Their warmth, humour and willingness to be vulnerable create an immediate connection with the audience. That honesty is perhaps best reflected in songs such as Personal Monster, which tackles mental health with sincerity and compassion. Bryony deserves enormous credit for openly discussing these themes, creating music that resonates on a deeply personal level.

 

One of Bryony’s greatest strengths is an ability to find inspiration in everyday life. Current single Telephone was inspired by seeing a photograph of their mum standing in a phone box, while Bitter Taste emerged from quietly observing people in a coffee shop and wondering what stories they might be carrying with them.

 

The set concluded with a stunning reinterpretation of Pink Floyd’s Another Brick in the Wall, transformed completely into Bryony’s own style, before closing with an original song dedicated to one of their biggest influences, Johnny Cash.

 

It was a beautifully crafted performance from one of the region’s finest talents and the perfect way to begin the evening. With debut album Who Am I due for release in August, Bryony Sier is undoubtedly an artist to watch.

 

If Bryony provided the perfect opening chapter, Izzo Wizzard delivered a triumphant main event.

 

Newport City Radio has followed Izzo Wizzard’s journey from their early self-produced releases through to becoming a fully-fledged live band. This marked only their second headline performance at Le Pub, the first coming when the band was still finding its feet. A year on, the progress is unmistakable.

 

Launching straight into Sin City (Is Overrated) before flowing into recent single Clover, the band immediately showcased their trademark dreamy indie-pop sound. The addition of a confident, well-rehearsed live band gives the songs far greater depth and energy, elevating material that was already impressive in its recorded form.

 

A standout moment came as Prettiest Thing flowed seamlessly into Scarlett (I Miss You). Together they formed one of the strongest back-to-back moments of the night and demonstrated just how strong Izzo Wizzard’s catalogue has become.

 

Their time away from the stage has clearly been spent writing. New songs such as What Do You Dream About and People Pleaser offered an exciting glimpse into the future, suggesting that the next chapter could be their strongest yet. Both tracks have enormous potential and should make a significant impact when officially released.

 

The evening finished with a rousing performance of Rotten, the first song Izzo Wizzard ever produced, before bringing everything full circle with an inspired cover of Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain—a choice influenced by Bryony Sier, who could be seen dancing throughout the headline set, highlighting the genuine sense of community among Newport’s musicians.

 

Overall, this was an outstanding night of live music. Bryony Sier delivered a thoughtful, emotionally engaging opening set, while Izzo Wizzard returned looking more confident, polished and ambitious than ever before. Their performance was expertly paced, packed with variety and demonstrated just how much they have evolved as a band over the past year.

 

If this performance is any indication of what’s to come, both artists have exciting futures ahead, and Newport’s thriving independent music scene can be proud of producing talent of this calibre.

 

Written by Stephen Howell