FESTIVAL REVIEW: 2000trees Festival 2024
Returning for its 16th year, 2000trees has once again done what it always does best: being an easy-going festival with positive, friendly vibes and an immaculate line-up. No matter your tastes and preferences, there’s a guarantee that there will be something for you to enjoy with, not only music, but a full roster of entertainment. So, what went down this weekend?
Wednesday – July 10th
KITE THIEF – Word Stage
Wednesday is usually the warm-up day for those who have arrived early with exclusive sets and appearances separated from the rest of the weekend. Things kick off in the best way when KITE THIEF take to the Word Stage, where it’s immediately apparent how excited everyone is for the next few days, along with some good vibes when part of the crowd is taken over by bubbles. One might think a warmup day would be relatively gentle and ease everyone into the upcoming carnage, but no, that’s not the way here as the scenes are filled with circle pits, so good that even the band joined in, as KITE THIEF perform their pop-rock meets metalcore sound, complete with a gnarly breakdowns and rough vocals.
Rating: 8/10
THE XCERTS – Forest Stage
Things progress into the evening and people make their way down to the Forest for a more intimate performance with THE XCERTS who will be performing on the main stage on Saturday. As a special treat for those arriving early, they decide to perform There Is Only You in full as part of celebrating it’s 10-year anniversary. A decision that, according to Murray Macleod, “my therapist said I shouldn’t be doing” that he jokingly agrees with, further promising to play “eight songs we know for certain” during their Saturday performance. It’s a fun atmosphere as they play their signature anthemic rock sound complete with moody guitar riffs that we unfortunately don’t get to experience fully with the limited sound system. But regardless of those issues, it’s still a fun time and there’s something lovely about watching a rock set in a forest as you can see the trees sway in the background.
Rating: 7/10
DREAM STATE – Forest Stage
It’s here that we get to the exclusive performance of the weekend where DREAM STATE make their 2000trees return. For better or for worse, their set clashes with the Euros game so as a compromise they decide to set up a TV in the background showing the game so no one misses out on anything. What’s guaranteed when you watch a DREAM STATE set is that we will get everything from gnarly vocals and screams to beautiful melodic harmonies, from hard-rock breakdowns to upbeat pop-rock sounds. Unfortunately, the limited sound system holds them back from giving us the full effect but despite that, it’s a fun performance and holds several standout moments including Jessie Powell crowdsurfing on a Unicorn floatie and the singalongs during White Lies and Hand In Hand. So good that even Gandalf and Jesus decided to make an appearance.
Rating: 8/10
BOSTON MANOR – Forest Stage
Blackpool’s favourite sons BOSTON MANOR return to 2000trees for a triumphant set, bringing an end to Wednesday night’s live music offering. The band kick things off with recent singles Sliding Doors and Container before throwing things back to the early days of their career with three rarely played tracks from debut album Be Nothing, including the anthemic Laika. The beautiful scenery of the forest stage makes the perfect setting for this nostalgia-filled celebration, providing thrills for casual fans and an enticing preview for their Axiom set the next day for the band’s followers.
Rating: 8/10
Thursday – July 11th
SHOOTING DAGGERS – The Axiom
We’ve now arrived at the official first day of 2000trees where the rest of the weekend attendees are arriving while the rest of us are waking up, still partially recovering from the first night. A fact that queercore, punk outfit SHOOTING DAGGERS are aware of on The Axiom, acknowledging the early time of their 12PM set where we’re maybe not quite at the energy for moshing or jumping around. Still, they give it their all with their fast punk-rock sound with heavy emphasis on their identities as queer women within the rock scene, highlighting the importance of making this space a safe place for everyone. And “if you feel offended, you might want to check your conscience.”
Rating: 7/10
DEAD PONY – Main Stage
Glasgow power pop troupe DEAD PONY get things kicked off on Thursday morning, with a spirited set complete with electro-rock tunes and plenty of dance moves. The four-piece’s songs are unremarkable, but the energy they bring to the set, especially frontwoman Anna Shields, makes this a solid start to the day.
Rating: 7/10
ENOLA GAY – The Axiom
Fast forward a few hours as ENOLA GAY takes the same stage where now people are more awake and ready to enjoy their post-punk sound that brings in elements of genres like pop, rap, reggae and metal. Going in blind you might find it chaotic, but it’s chaos in the best kind as the whole crowd moved and bounced along to their sounds.
Rating: 8/10
STATIC DRESS – Main Stage
Leeds metalcore mob STATIC DRESS make their 2000trees Main Stage debut early afternoon on Thursday, giving the late risers a powerful start to their day. The past two years or so have been huge for the four-piece, touring venues around the country supporting their ruthless debut album Rogue Carpet Disaster, appearing at festivals like Download, and opening for BRING ME THE HORIZON on their arena tour. This newfound experience shows in an electrifying set that pulls no punches, delivering brutal breakdowns and emotionally charged choruses in equal measure.
Rating: 8/10
KNIFE BRIDE – The Cave
Just as ENOLA GAY finish at The Axiom, KNIFE BRIDE over on The Cave bring their own brand of ‘slut-metal’ to 2000trees. A newcomer in the world of metalcore, but a strong one at that with their unapologetic lyrics and heavy riffs. What is immediately clear is that KNIFE BRIDE love what they’re doing with the way that they come together as a band and with how they like to dance around the stage, vibing to their own songs.
Rating: 7/10
CASSYETTE – Main Stage
CASSYETTE is known for her fiery anthems and she certainly brings the heat to the Main Stage on day one of 2000trees. With a setlist comprised of punk-pop tunes from her 2022 debut, as well as a series of hype singles and EPs released throughout 2024, CASSYETTE gets the crowd jumping with infectious energy and undeniable stage presence.
Rating: 8/10
GROVE STREET – The Cave
Carrying on the heavy riffs, GROVE STREET who waste little time with getting straight into the loud and chaotic with their hardcore sounds that also bring in some heavy metal influence. From start to finish, their high energy performance encouraged non-stop mosh-pits and at one point some gnomes even turned up to start their own pit. There was even a boat filled with people crowd surfing at one point. A truly beautiful sight.
Rating: 8/10
SPANISH LOVE SONGS – The Axiom
Since their debut in 2018, SPANISH LOVE SONGS have built up a dedicated following for their no-frills emotive rock music. As demonstrated in his earlier acoustic set at The Forest, Dylan Slocum’s starkly honest lyrics resonate deeply with fans with voices raised from front-to-back for anthems like Routine Pain, Clean-Up Crew, and Buffalo Buffalo. The band are truly grateful to be on stage at 2000trees, after their first booking was scarpered due to COVID, and it shows in their rousing set.
Rating: 9/10
MOVEMENTS – The Cave
On a more (sort of) calmer note, we then have MOVEMENTS next up. To open the set, they played their newest single, Afraid To Die, which fans knew instantly but even those unaware could still enjoy it and the way that, despite it’s title, leaves you with a feeling of positivity. The set itself, if to be described in one word, was just purely wholesome with Patrick Miranda constantly reaffirming their love of the UK and their excitement to be there. Even during the more harsher song topics covered in tracks like I Hope You Choke, you can’t help but feel happy throughout. Further cementing this is during final song Daylily, creating a beautiful moment as everyone shouts back the line “I think it’s time you had a pink cloud summer”.
Rating: 9/10
KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES – Main Stage
As one of the original UK scene bands from the mid-2000s, KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES straddled the line between emo-flavored power pop and chart-bothering indie rock. Taking the stage under the afternoon sun, the Welsh five-piece deliver nostalgic anthems like Saturday and Give Me What I Want with flair. While they lack the energy of the day’s other main stage bands, the fans lap up every note.
Rating: 7/10
BOSTON MANOR – The Axiom
Moving back over to The Axiom, an recurring theme that unfortunately plagues some artists is technical difficulties or outside factors that cause them to cut their set short as seen with BOSTON MANOR who had problems with their intro track and then had small gaps where different equipment would stop working. Despite this they pushed through, delivering their now signature rock with it’s dark, gritty undertones that was established back on their album Welcome To The Neighbourhood, with their more recent songs off their upcoming record further solidifying that they only get better as time goes on.
Rating: 7/10
MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA – Main Stage
Georgian quartet MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA have a vast and varied catalogue of music spanning soft indie rock to thumping post-hardcore, so we attend their set curious to see what kind of mix we get at one of the most diverse rock festivals in the UK. Andy Hull and co open with some of the hardest tracks in their catalogue focusing on riffs with tracks like Pride and I Can Barely Breathe. As twilight approaches, the group switch things up with some of their slower fare, even bringing out THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM’s Brian Fallon to assist on The Gold.
Rating: 8/10
CASKETS – The Cave
Returning to The Cave, rising metalcore outfit CASKETS took to their stage with their pop-rock meets metalcore sounds with a set filled of anthemic choruses and catchy hooks. Fans were singing along, newer faces found it easy to join in on the fun. With strong heavy vocals that, while at times slipping up, adds an emotional element to each song.
Rating: 7/10
HOT MULLIGAN – The Axiom
The number one hot new band make their 2000trees debut with a stunning set packed with bangers from throughout their discography. The Michigan troupe’s intensely emotional brand of pop-punk shines in The Axiom tent, inspiring crowdsurfers and jump pits galore. There are plenty of huge singalong moments including the bouncy Equip Sunglasses and the heart-wrenching BCKYRD. Arguably the highlight of the set is the new material – Stickers Of Brian and End Eric Sparrow And The Life Of Him, which elicit huge responses, pointing to a bright future for HOT MULLIGAN.
Rating: 9/10
BETTER LOVERS – The Cave
Closing out The Cave is BETTER LOVERS, a band formed from the ashes of EVERY TIME I DIE, also featuring members from THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN and FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY. To open their set, a montage of famous love songs throughout the last few decades was played. A five minute long one that probably should have been cut down, but all is forgiven as soon as they come on with little time wasted in delivering hard riffs and inciting carnage, particularly when Greg Pucatio decided to climb up the tent’s infrastructure. A chaotic set playing both released and unreleased songs from their upcoming debut album, and certainly a way to close out the stage with a bang.
Rating: 7/10
THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM – Main Stage
After a day of metalcore, punk, emo, and everything in between, THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM’s inspiring brand of Americana-tinged rock ‘n’ roll is just what’s needed to send the night off on a calm and heartwarming note. Frontman Brian Faddon has the perfect mix of charisma and humility, taking requests from fans and frequently pausing to express his gratitude to be performing to headline crowds after almost two decades as a band. The setlist is diverse and crowd-pleasing, mixing material from latest album History Books with bangers from their back catalogue including singalong anthems like Handwritten and American Slang. The New Jersey troupe aren’t afraid to slow things down either, offering a gorgeously somber rendition of Michigan, 1975 and the tear-jerking ballad The Weatherman. The joyful The ‘59 Sound is the perfect closing track, inspiring dance parties all over Upcote Farm.
Rating: 9/10
Friday – July 12th
BEX – Main Stage
BEX’s sexy goth anthems don’t quite fit the sunny summer morning in Upcote Farm, but that doesn’t stop the punk-pop solo artist from pulling out all the stops for her 2000trees debut. The young performer is a natural-born rockstar, brandishing a bubble gun for their bratty single sunDae. This is one to watch.
Rating: 7/10
ARTIO – NEU Stage
If you woke up (relatively) early on Friday and made your way over to the NEU Stage, you would have been able to catch rising UK band ARTIO with their blend of rock and electronic pop in songs that cover self-identity and trying to exist in world we live in today. Those unfamiliar with ARTIO may recognise songs like Babyface and Product Of My Own Design which have gone viral on TikTok, all performed in a way that just feels powerful with Rae Brazill’s beautiful vocals, their confidence and the group’s stunning chemistry. The tent just feels like a safe space for the entirety of their set.
Rating: 8/10
AS DECEMBER FALLS – Main Stage
Heading over to the main stage, you could spend the next few hours enjoying a range of rising British bands. First, we have AS DECEMBER FALLS, the fast rising emo-pop band who brings you back in time to your MySpace days whilst also bringing in modern elements of pop-rock, pop-punk and emo. Their fans were fast to make themselves known, but even those unfamiliar would be able to quickly pick up their lyrics and join in the fun. It’s not hard to see why they’ve grown so quickly in popularity.
Rating: 8/10
CRAWLERS – Main Stage
Next up we have CRAWLERS who are late on, at first you think this is due to technical issues until they finally come on with Holly Minto making several concerning statements of “we nearly died getting here!” and “I look good for a dead bitch!” as they kick off with I Don’t Want It. Ok, please explain?! Turns out that their tire flew off their van on their way to 2000trees and they only got here five minutes before coming onstage. Damn, well, good to know you’re all ok! Despite the now cut down set, spirits remain high with Minto’s high energy and charisma, even during the moody Come Over Again as everyone sang along. “We fucking lived bitches!” Holly proclaims as they leave the stage.
Rating: 7/10
SWEET PILL – The Axion
The 2000trees organisers have a great reputation for booking rising stars before they blow up – TURNSTILE’s appearance in 2018 springs to mind – and SWEET PILL just might be the next 2000trees alumni to shoot to stardom. The Philadelphia five-piece waste no time, kicking straight into the noodling guitars and soaring melodies of Where The Heart Is. The emo troupe have infectious energy and the songs to back it up. Watch this space.
Rating: 8/10
NOVA TWINS – Main Stage
Now for a different kind of chaos as NOVA TWINS take to the stage. The field is full and ready for them as soon as they come on, looking as cool and confident as is standard. Once you hear NOVA TWINS, it’s hard to forget them with their stunning blend of hard rock, punk, electronic and riot grrrl, making both a new genre and setting a new bar for what’s already established. Watching the crowd lose it in songs like Taxi and Cleopatra was incredible, but even then, it didn’t matter which song they performed, the crowd was ready for anything and everything. It just goes to show, there are no rules with rock, and if there had been any, they have long been destroyed thanks to artists like NOVA TWINS.
Rating: 9/10
LAURAN HIBBERD – Forest Stage
Fans of pop-rock divas like AVRIL LAVIGNE have a treat in store for them on this sunny afternoon, as the Isle of Wight singer-songwriter takes to the Forest Stage. LAURAN HIBBERD’s irreverent pop bangers like 2nd prettiest girl (in the world) are impossible not to like and her top-notch crowd interaction wins over casual viewers with ease.
Rating: 9/10
BEARS IN TREES – The Axiom
Those wanting to take a break from the heavy made their way to The Axiom to watch wholesome ukulele meets emo band BEARS IN TREES. In their own cheerful words, “We’re BEARS IN TREES and we’re here to make you think about death and get sad!” Even though they’re amongst the, relatively, calmer artists, that didn’t stop them from putting on a high energy performance with the crowd gleefully singing and dancing along.
Rating: 7/10
GRANDSON – Main Stage
Although an already out-of-date reference barely two weeks on, GRANDSON’s backdrop which features Joe Biden and Donald Trump locked in an intimate moment perfectly captures the rap-rock artists’ cheeky attitude that shines through in this entertaining set. While the New Jersey songwriter attacks his set with vigour, one cannot help but think the music is a couple of pilots short of 21.
Rating: 6/10
BLOOD COMMAND – The Cave
Heading straight over to The Cave, we then go to the complete opposite side of the spectrum with BLOOD COMMAND who smoothly blend both the heavy and upbeat with their own brand of deathpop. Nikki Brumen gave non-stop energy as a vocalist, effortlessly switching between rough and clean styles and constantly held the crowd in the palm of her hand, especially when it came to demanding a wall of death during the most unlikely part: during a pop song.
TURNOVER – The Axiom
TURNOVER’s transition from angsty emo rock to blissed-out indie jams is one that has been divisive among fans, but opening their set with some of their most laid-back cuts is certainly a jarring choice at 2000trees. The energy picks up towards the second half, as the band trot out some old favourites including Dizzy On The Comedown and Take My Head, but the Virginia quartet still struggle to win over the crowd.
Rating: 5/10
CLT DRP – NEU Stage
Over at the NEU Stage, CLT DRP took to the stage to deliver their set of electro-punk sound. While the meaning behind the lyrics in terms of feminism, misogyny, owning one’s sexuality and being unapologetically you is great, sound wise it felt a little disjointed. While it’s clear that their fans were into it, those going in blind might be a little confused as to what’s going on and might be put off. But it’s still fair to say that their more dance focused songs were the highlights of their set.
Rating: 6/10
BOB VYLAN – Main Stage
Fresh off a fall-out with the Slam Dunk organisers over a backstage scuffle, BOB VYLAN show no signs of calming down at 2000trees, delivering a set stuffed with bangers and banter. Bob’s grime/punk fusion is as electrifying as ever, but crucially, they don’t hold back from addressing the social issues that have always been at the heart of these genres. Taking aim at the genocide in Palestine and systematic racism in the UK, BOB VYLAN’s set is shot through with righteous anger that is impossible to take your eyes off of.
Rating: 10/10
HOT MILK – The Axiom
HOT MILK’s brand of melodramatic pop-punk comes to life in the live setting, due in no small part to frontwoman Han Mee’s relentlessly dynamic stage presence. The party cuts go down the best – Zoned Out and Alice Cooper’s Pool House being highlights. But that’s not to say that the ballads don’t hit – Glass Spiders closes out the set and definitely teases out a few tears in the front row.
Rating: 8/10
EMPIRE STATE BASTARD – The Cave
Closing The Cave is EMPIRE STATE BASTARD, an extreme metal duo consisting of Simon Neil and Mike Vennart. Simply walking on stage with no intro track, things kicked off immediately as they spent the next hour delivering tracks that blend grindcore, hardcore and punk, and even then, there’s so much. A very chaotic, loud way to close out The Cave stage.
Rating: 7/10
THE CHATS – Main Stage
The raucous party that closes Friday night will surely only be rivalled by Saturday’s headliners DON BROCO, as the Australian three-piece take to the stage to play some riotous punk tunes to an audience as soaked in beer and sweat as they are. The trio blast through punk tunes like it’s going out of fashion, tearing through 22 high-octane rippers, barely pausing to address the crowd and the fact that “it’s coming home”. Hearing the audience scream back the lyrics to 6L GTR, is truly something to behold, especially with nearly everyone in attendance imitating Eamon Sandwith’s trademark bark. Outside of some subtle social commentary, THE CHATS‘ music is more about pure fun than any kind of emotional depth, and in a bill filled with great bands that can be a little self-serious. THE CHATS’ good humour and unapologetic passion make this headline slot a breath of fresh air.
Rating: 9/10
Saturday – July 13th
PIZZA TRAMP – The Cave
We’ve now reached the final day where the likely majority are tired, hungover or both. But if you had dragged yourself out of bed and walked over to watch Pizza Tramp (8) on The Cave stage then you’ll watched potentially the funniest performances of your life. With Jimmy “No Whammy” joking about being in an equal state of tiredness and feeling sick, in his own words, “this is going to be a fucking car crash” the audience experienced a chaotic thirty minutes of thrash combined with silly jokes, anecdotes and constantly different groups, people and places to “get fucked”. Guaranteed, they had the loudest laughs of the weekend.
Rating: 8/10
MICHAEL CERA PALIN – The Axiom
Midwest emo fans can get the party started nice and early on Saturday as Atlantan outfit MICHAEL CERA PALIN rock The Axiom with a selection of emotive indie punk bangers. With only a pair of EPs under their belts, the trio rock the house like seasoned veterans pulling off noodley guitar licks wrapped in honest, vulnerable lyrics. While it’s not a totally original sound, the young band impress with their endearing performance. LP1 could be something special.
Rating: 8/10
HAWXX – The Cave
Emerging UK alt-metal outfit HAWXX get the honour of opening The Cave stage today. The four-piece communicates messages of social change through their soaring, defiant anthems, touching on topics like violence against women and homophobia. The group deliver this important message with chunky riffs and soaring sing-along choruses, blowing away those in attendance and winning over plenty of new fans.
Rating: 7/10
PRESS CLUB – The Axiom
Moving over to The Axiom, rising Aussie punks PRESS CLUB took to the stage with a slightly smaller crowd that they deserved. Yet spirits remained high with the band’s chemistry, Natalie Foster’s confidence and energy, and just the overall good vibes with their punk-rock sounds, blending both elements of melodic and hard punk. Anyone walking in could just enjoy good music to bounce along to.
Rating: 8/10
THE XCERTS – Main Stage
Immediately after they finished, THE XCERTS took to the Main Stage to perform a set filled with nothing but anthemic alternative rock songs, perfect for any mid-afternoon festival performance. Especially given it’s the final day and anyone could enjoy it whether in the pit or sitting down in the back. We even had a surprise appearance from last year’s headliner when Josh Franceschi of YOU ME AT SIX joined them during Feels Like Falling In Love.
Rating: 7/10
TEENAGE WRIST – The Axiom
TEENAGE WRIST’s grungey take on emo is the perfect fit for 2000trees, bringing angst and catchy hooks to The Axiom. Much like MOVEMENTS, TEENAGE WRIST deal in dreamlike, shoegaze-inspired tracks – generally easy on the ears with the potential to reach some soaring climaxes. Earth Is A Black Hole’s infectious chorus provides the perfect close to this superb set.
Rating: 8/10
THE NIGHTMARES – NEU STAGE
Heading straight over to NEU, rising goth-rock band THE NIGHTMARES put on an atmospheric performance. Highlighting their focus on all things macabre and dark, their take on 80s goth-rock combined with a modern take on horror punk, and when not being broody, we could enjoy some upbeat alternative songs to dance along to. Or bop along if you’re too tired.
INTO IT. OVER IT. – The Axiom
The midwest emo party rolls on with INTO IT. OVER IT., aka Chicago-born singer-songwriter Evan Weiss. His music fluctuates between jangly pop-punk-flavoured emo and DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE-style indie-folk ballads. Wisely, he sticks to the former for this set, showcasing a selection of introspective, yearnful tracks from across his decades-long career. The audience’s response to INTO IT. OVER IT. is somewhat muted, but it’s impossible to not be in awe of the impeccable technical ability of Weiss and his four-piece band.
Rating: 8/10
ANGEL DU$T – The Cave
Comprised of members of TURNSTILE and TRAPPED UNDER ICE, it should come as no surprise that ANGEL DU$T are an absolutely incredible live band. Their unrelenting hardcore tunes feel right at home in The Cave tent, lighting a fire under the tired festivalgoers struggling through day three afternoon. Their melodic dance-punk jams like Brand New Soul get casual watchers dancing, while heavier material like Set Me Up incites some huge mosh pits.
Rating: 9/10
AMIGO THE DEVIL – Forest Stage
At the Forest Stage, AMIGO THE DEVIL delivered his version of folk-rock that bought in elements of country and blues rock. It brings in the elements seen in artists like Passenger with wholesome, calm music whilst also bring in the energy of Jack Black with his constant jokes and banter between him and the crowd. AMIGO THE DEVIL is the perfect artist to be put on the Forest Stage.
Rating: 8/10
DEATH FROM ABOVE 1979 – The Axiom
The sound of Canadian two-piece DEATH FROM ABOVE 1979 is best described as pure adrenaline distilled into musical form. The duo specialises in lean, loud rock music played with the kind of intensity rarely seen from new bands let alone 20-year veterans. Sebastien Grainger sings, screams, and slays the drums without missing a beat, while Jesse F. Keeler hammers out blood-pumping basslines and mans the synths. As the duo blast through hits like Romantic Rights and Trainwreck 1979, it’s impossible not to be caught up in their relentless energy. A fantastic late-afternoon pick-me-up.
Rating: 9/10
LONELY THE BRAVE – The Cave
Shortly after, LONELY THE BRAVE took to The Cave where their version of moody meets feel-good alternative rock. A solid performance to be sure, and likely a highlight if you’re a fan, yet going in unfamiliar might leave you feeling like everything sounds the same.
Rating: 6/10
FRANK TURNER & THE SLEEPING SOULS – Main Stage
Folk-punk singer-songwriter FRANK TURNER is so synonymous with 2000trees Festival that he has his own camp named after him, returning to perform at the community-led festival year after year. His main stage set is sandwiched between an acoustic set-cum-Q&A at the Forest Stage and an intimate ‘busking’ set at the campsite which bears his name. As such, the Hampshire rocker sticks to his most impactful rock anthems for this appearance, packing in plenty of new material from Undefeated, as well as classics like The Ballad Of Me and My Friends and Recovery. It’s a joyful set packed with playful audience interaction and air-tight performances from the SLEEPING SOULS. A little rain can’t dampen the jubilant atmosphere for Turner’s triumphant return.
Rating: 9/10
CREEPER – The Axiom
If you happened to walk into The Axiom and had no clue as to who was on next, the sea of purple callous hearts might give you a hint. CREEPER close out the stage, opening with a “vampire familiar” coming out to give a speech before the energetic live performance kicks off with Will Gould giving the introduction of, “all of the way from the gates of hell, we are CREEPER”. It’s a known fact that CREEPER have always loved the dramatic and that’s exactly what they do as they show off what they do best in the realm of theatrics and horror punk. The set consists mainly, and the theme revolves around, their latest album of Sanguivore which, if you haven’t guessed by now, is about vampires. But that doesn’t step them from playing songs from their debut album, giving a nostalgic feeling when songs like Down Below are performed. The main highlight however must be the crowd proudly singing along to Misery, taking over completely from Will who stood there looking so moved. “It’s moments like this that make it all worth it”.
Rating: 8/10
DON BROCO – Main Stage
Bedford mob DON BROCO step out on stage and make their intentions clear – they’re going to make their 2000trees headline set the biggest party the festival has ever seen or die trying. They couldn’t set the mood with a better track than the enormous club banger Everybody, accompanied by a hail of fireworks, which summons every BROCO fan, casual or hardcore to the main stage.
Even three years on from the release of the superb LP Amazing Things, it still stuns us that a band primarily known for mixing laddy banter with chunky riffs could produce a song as beautiful as One True Prince. Seeing this uplifting anthem performed in a live setting always reaffirms the songwriting talent of the four-piece, who can switch from providing grins to tears in a matter of seconds. Moshing anthem Gumshield ignites circle pits, while Manchester Super Reds No.1 Fan almost sees them turn into football riots with its nu-metal pre-chorus and sing-along hooks. Priorities provides a nostalgic throwback for old-school fans, before the repeated refrain of “yippee-kaya motherfucker” in Bruce Willis turns the weekend’s biggest crowd to pure pandemonium. Of course, BROCO close their set in garment-twirling tradition with T-Shirt Song, before Three Lions plays off the weekend’s most unashamedly joyful headline set.
Rating: 9/10
It’s no wonder why 2000trees is such a beloved festival. From the way it’s organised, the people you meet, the music, anyone can attend and have the best time. What more can be said asides from we look forward to next year!
Words: Charlotte Griffiths, Jack Ridsdale
Check out our extensive photo gallery of this year’s 2000trees Festival from Rhys Haberfield Media here:
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