Polite Bureaux

On Saturday, 21 March, Polite Bureaux are returning to Brighton for a headline set at The Green Door Store. This Bradford-based act has been carving out a niche with a sound that sits somewhere between art-punk and raw electronics, and this stop is part of a wider eight-date national tour. If you’ve spent time in the local scene, you might remember them from previous appearances at The Great Escape or their earlier shows under the Trafalgar Street arches. They’re currently touring their 2025 album, Except You Skint, which followed on from singles like ‘LIDL FIDDLE’, so the performance will likely focus on that recent material.

The project is often compared to a northern version of Mike Skinner or a blend of Sleaford Mods’ lyricism with the kind of electronic backing you’d expect from Underworld. It’s music with a lot of punk urgency and a focus on working-class perspectives, delivered with a fairly stripped-back, electronic edge. Having previously toured with The Lovely Eggs, they’ve developed a live presence that fits the intimate, industrial feel of the venue. They won't be alone on the night either, as the lineup includes special guests to round out the evening, keeping the energy consistent with the band's art-punk roots.

The logistics for the night are pretty standard for a weekend show at the venue. Doors are set for 19:00, with the live music finishing up around 23:00. It’s strictly an 18+ event, which is worth noting before you head towards the North Laine. Tickets are priced at £7 plus the usual booking fees, though you might see them listed at approximately £8.16 depending on which platform you use. It’s a good opportunity to see how their sound has evolved since their last visit, especially with the new album now part of their repertoire. The venue itself, located on Trafalgar Street, provides the right kind of atmosphere for this type of electronic-heavy performance, offering a space where the grit of the lyrics and the pulse of the music can really come through.