LIVE FROM THE PIT: Masca, Not Soup and Cough Drops

There is not much better than live music in a small DIY venue, especially on a cold Friday night in December. Bristol’s heavy-pop trio MASCA brought magic to JT Soar in Nottingham during their recent mini tour. The night was a showcase of raw energy and diverse sounds, with local outfit COUGH DROPS unleashing fiery, post-grunge anthems and Birmingham’s NOT SOUP brought their own eclectic edge, delivering riff-heavy bursts of noise and melody. Together, the lineup created a night that felt both grassroots and electric, proof that the DIY scene still thrives on passion, grit, and the thrill of discovery.

The room was filled with a complete mix of all different types of people, showcasing the charm and ethos of JT Soar, with BYOB fully taken advantage of. COUGH DROPS started the evening off strong, with a short but sweet set of pop punk-esque but still very girly grunge, with vocals delivered by the energetic vocalist. 

Serving up a blend of dream‑drenched psychedelia and obscurity through subversive hooks and jagged, mind‑splitting rhythms, NOT SOUP delivered a set with a heavy bass line, and lyrics that hit hard, like “Eugenics, my biology leave me to die” - from a track introduced as the KKK song. It feels lazy to compare the incredibly unique vocalist to SKIN from SKUNK ANANSIE, but her accent shone through each line she sang, with a power that is reminiscent of SKIN, so the comparison is accurate. 

Hailing from Bristol, known for their compelling live presence and fearless songwriting, MASCA headlined the evening. Vocalist CHRISTINA MAYNARD brought along her soulful vocals, fully embracing the energy of the crowd and talking us through each track the band played, with the band following behind with heavy bass and drums. Described once as “DOLLY PARTON meets BATTLES or NIRVANA meets TAYLOR SWIFT”, MASCA are a small band, with big songs, delivering heavy pop that makes you dance. 

With songs like I Got Away, Up To You and Doing What I Want (about pulling a sicky at shitty work establishments), it is easy to see how MASCA fans have grown in numbers. New song and crowd favourite Oxytocin (an ode to performing and MAYNARD’s love for her son and mum, both who were on tour with them!), and Elevate, the first single from the new album, Love Letters, currently only available on vinyl, until the full release later on in April 2026 (as a rebellion against the streaming overlords) brought the heaviest moments of the set. Sweetooth, a track about imperfections, My Company, about death and existential dread and closer Stage Fright showcased the sheer eclectic talent that MASCA have. 

Although MASCA do not have any live shows announced for 2026, the band are far from quiet. With a brand new album waiting to be unveiled to the masses, they are positioning themselves as one of the most intriguing acts to watch in the coming year. Their sound is rooted in hazy shoegaze, but does not drift too far into obscure territories, instead the band weave in sharper pop sensibilities, creating a balance that appeals to all music listeners. It is music that feels dreamy and immersive, but for all ears.

What sets MASCA apart from others in the scene is the energy they bring to the stage. Even in intimate DIY venues like JT Soar, their performances carry a poetic intensity that captivates audiences. They manage to transform small spaces into something larger than life, proving that their artistry is not hindered by size. This ability to command attention in grassroots settings makes us feel that once the festival season arrives, MASCA will be more than ready to step onto bigger stages.

Words: Lou Viner-Flood

Photos: Mariia Bulkina