Some Notes on Sunken Smile

Sunken Smile started in Bristol in January 2026.

The songs had been hanging about for a while before the band existed. Bits written on lunch breaks. Voice notes sent at strange times. Chords carried from one flat to another. Things half remembered.

Eventually they ended up in a rehearsal room.

The room smelt vaguely of damp and old carpet.

We started a band through our chemistry, friendship and love of music.

The songs slowed down once there were three people playing them. They stopped trying to be anything. They just sat where they landed.

A lot of music feels over explained.

Sunken Smile prefers loose threads.

The name came from a feeling. That strange overlap between happiness and sadness. The look on someone’s face when they’re caught between the two. A smile sinking in to itself.

Most of the songs live there.

The first demos were recorded in a small room in Bristol with very little equipment, one microphone and not much money. A broken finger delayed things. Life delayed things. Work delayed things.

Things usually delay things.

Still the songs arrived.

Sunken Smile play slow songs. Some are quiet. Some aren’t. There are traces of jazz, rock and roll, shoegaze and whatever else has accidentally found its way in.

People can decide the rest.

The band’s first show takes place at The Louisiana, Bristol, on 20th August 2026.

Maybe we’ll see you there.

Tags: Bristol band, Bristol music scene, indie band Bristol, shoegaze Bristol, live music Bristol, The Louisiana Bristol, alternative music Bristol, jazz trio Bristol, new Bristol band, Sunken Smile.