By Carron Stacey, A Humdrum Mum

WHEN?: Friday 25 July 2025

I spy lead singer/percussionist Nikki Belfiglio on the merch stand and she graciously gives me a mini interview. 

• Read on for reasons including how Bodega has their next 3 records planned

I ask her why they seem to tour so much in Britain and she claims that the British have taste! We listen to them the most, she says, and support them the most. They have a UK label, Chrysalis, and BBC 6Music plays their music amongst new releases, something she feels the US doesn’t do on a national level. 

Having put out their latest release by hardcore alter-ego band, Nodega, Nikki says they are currently recording in Leeds. (In fact, Ben tells us later that he’s practising a few tracks that they haven’t performed live yet together for Leeds!) Nikki adds that this is going to be their fourth album, maybe going in “a more melodic, popular realm”. She announces Bodega has the next three records planned, they just have to “record and write the chords”! I end the interview begging them to play Victorious Festival.

After cracking support sets by Lugmut (proggy with a horn) and Ugly Ozo (sisters who could give Wet Leg a lesson or two on how to perform), on rock Bodega, the art-punk band from New York, who you really could believe had played at CBGBs with Talking Heads and the Ramones. 

I like to describe every band I see as “the bastard child of so and so” and I think I’ve just nailed it with those two parents. Guitarist Dan Ryan has an attitude and sass that puts him there, before even discussing his huge talent. 

We’ve seen Nikki grow from occasional computer operator and cow bell banger, to full-on lead singing and the best cymbal up and down-bashing I’ve seen. Drummer Adam Shumski, not their first standing drummer, is mesmerising and Adam See’s bass just keeps them all going. Ben Hozie reminds me of a softer Frank Black and you need time to digest his lyrics as neither the gig nor this review does them justice. 

At around £1 per song, you certainly get your money’s worth. We’ve always loved seeing them live and they always leave you feeling spirited and wanting more.

This time, I’m sure they were the best they’ve been – thanks to Nodega, the evil alter ego – so much more punky and punchy and playing extended versions of their songs with epic extensions on Ryan’s guitar.

A little beef started up in the front of us (Bodega could but thankfully don’t attract a mosh pit) and I’m sure they extended the track even more to level us out, lift us up and then gently bring us back down again afterwards. Was it Tarkovski?

I heard most of my favs – Shiny New Model, Jack in Titanic, How Did This Happen, Statuette on the Console and Territorial Call of the Female.  They asked us for songs they could do as their encore – Ben ends up singing Ten Thousand Kisses For You as an improv, but they smash it with their cover of Paranoid in honour of Ozzy’s recent passing. A truly musically memorable and emotional moment – for them and for us. 

I never wanted the gig to end. I can’t wait to see them again. Hell I’d even just see Nodega at this rate!

• Pictures via Facebook courtesy Bodega and A Humdrum Mum. Tickets
• Read more from Carron at her blog A Humdrum Mum
• Have you seen any of these shows? Let us know what you thought in the comments below
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