I am sure you can think of a band you like that you think should be much bigger than they are. For me, Icelandic trio The Vintage Caravan fit the bill completely. Over the years, I have seen them play small stages, festivals, as well as support slots to the likes of Opeth. They have never been overawed and bring a refreshing level of humour to complement their fluid ’70s blend of hard rock and psychedelic stoner vibes.
The Vintage Caravan – The Motherz
The Exchange, Bristol – 29 October 2025
Words And Photography: Paul Hutchings
Touring their latest album, Portals, The Vintage Caravan hit the stage early, as is often their way. At Damnation Festival in 2019, they decided they had completed their soundcheck early and decided to start their set about 30 minutes early.
It pays to be in your place a little before the advertised showtime with these cheeky chaps.
Their shows are highly energised, and tonight is no exception, with bassist Alexander Örn Númason a blur of movement throughout, as the many unusable photos that I took proved.
He is a gurner too, pulling faces throughout the set as well as adding backing vocals and banter. He is not alone, for this is a trio who all contribute between songs, sparring with each other with some dry humour, all of which endear them to the healthy crowd. 
Although it is only Óskar Logi Ágústsson who remains a founder member of the band, this unit has been together for a decade and are tighter than a ball of elastic bands.
They race through a set drawn from their excellent Portals album, making light of the absence of guest Mikael Akerfeldt on opener Philosopher.
Throw in a selection of songs from their back catalogue, and it is a hot and fun evening in one of Bristol’s better live venues. There is a bit of jumping, many arms in the air, and beer spilt on the floor as The Vintage Caravan’s vibrant music fills the venue. 
This was an opportunity to marvel at Ágústsson’s shredding, for he is no slouch on the guitar as well as handling lead vocals. Riot, written when the band were here last and there were riots apparently, so we are told, is a highlight, along with Crystallised from previous album Monuments and On The Run from Gateways.
It is a well-balanced set that builds into a crescendo. On the Run closes the set after an epic Babylon, featuring full audience participation. There are plenty in here who know the words, and for those who do not, you can easily hum along.
Midnight Meditation closes the evening, the band say their goodnights, and the only disappointment is the absence of physical copy of Portals to purchase. There is a story there, but Alexander keeps it under his (non) hat.
The Motherz
Formed in the summer of 2024 from the ashes of Ramblin’ Man Festival, support act The Motherz exude experience. Bassist and vocalist Cedric Pfister is no stranger to many in the audience, although the whispers between us in the front row take a while to confirm that yes, this is the singer/bassist of Daxx & Roxanne in front of us.
Pfister is joined by Miguel Montalban, badged as “one of the greatest young guitarists around,” by Zakk Wylde, and drummer Jake Cook, a former member of Famyne, who is a captivating drummer with rolling energy. [This man is also a founder of Margate Rock Festival].
The trio make a fine noise, big slabs of Sabbath style riffs, delicate passages of bluesy delight, and crunching stoner rock that gets the venue nodding along.
The 40-minutes fly by, and as we are up close and personal, the sweat from the band due to their energy and enthusiasm hits the equally enthusiastic fans gathered at the front. 
There is plenty to be excited about this band, and I cannot have been the only one who is keen to see where their journey takes them.
Big in sound, great in presence and style, The Motherz give The Vintage Caravan a run for their money tonight.
