Where better for George Gadd and his band to host a homecoming show (and launch a new album) than The Bodega? We joined the sold out show and discovered warmth, music and plenty of vinyl...
You can read LeftLion's interview with George here.
Saturday night at The Bodega felt like more than just another gig - it was a homecoming and celebration, a reunion, and a victory lap all rolled into one. Yes, George Gadd + The Aftermath were launching their new album Too Many Ghosts to a sold-out crowd, but the true love and friendship around the room was palpable from the moment we walked in.
I was particularly drawn towards the merch table, stacked with colourful vinyl, CD's, posters, tote bags, and t-shirts, along with several glow-in-the-dark ghost and bracelet freebies. The vinyl completist in me still regrets only buying the white splodge version, and leaving the translucent vinyl and CD versions on the table. Help!
Ignoring my vinyl regrets, I waited patiently to get a drink at the very busy bar and first support act Willow Bay came on stage. An intimate set from the trio on bass, guitars, banjo and vocals, they immediately drew the crowd into their sounds. They are a three-piece indie folk band with a gentle and melodic delivery that was a perfect kind of calm before the storm vibe.
It was my first time viewing of these guys, but not my last. Oh, and be on the lookout for their new single-out soon.
Next up were Campfire Social, who turned up the heat and sound by several notches. These guys must have been together for over a decade and they keep getting better with age. If Willow Bay were delivering a soft melancholy, Campfire Social made the melancholy crackle and pop. Stabbing bass lines accompanied thunderous drum beats, and the heavy but catchy melodies, along with three-part vocals, provided some really impressive heavy pop music. Their interplay of male and female vocals, intricate guitar lines and sheer enthusiasm was contagious to everyone in the room. It was no surprise when they reappeared later in the night for the grand finale; the kinship between the three bands was evident throughout.
By the time Geroge Gadd + The Aftermath took to the stage, The Bodega was buzzing. The new material from Too Many Ghosts mixed perfectly with the older songs. A decade of growth and development have helped to make this an impressive album and the launch at The Bodega was the perfect setting. Yes, their influences include Death Cab for Cutie and Bright Eyes, but George Gadd + The Aftermath bring something extra to the party. Friendship. I've not witnessed a gig with this much love for a very long time and the drinks were flowing both on and off stage throughout the set.
These guys may have played at 2000 Trees, Dot To Dot, Beat The Streets and many more festivals over the years but The Bodega October 2025 must go down as one of their best performances.
The night wasn't without some chaos though. George decided to crowdsurf, only to be dropped by some of the 'friends' in the audience. It was spontaneous, it was messy and it was probably painful, but I guess that's life!
As the set drew to a close, Campfire Social came back to the stage and joined in the final number. Voices merged, mobile phone lights came to life and a room filled with sweat and love shared the moment. In the end, this wasn't just a launch show-it was a statement of connection. If you can't carry George in a crowdsurf then at least carry him onto greater times by giving the album a listen.
George Gadd + The Aftermath performed at The Bodega on 11th October 2025. The band’s debut album, Too Many Ghosts, is also available to buy and stream everywhere.
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