There is a lot to impress with Black Country, New Road. They are a band full of surprises and do not conform to a traditional four piece sound. Having seen them a number of times, it’s always been enjoyable, even if we aren’t that well versed on all the songs. The songs are strong and immediately you’ll be hooked. Music genres don’t apply here, don’t expect a moshpit, but you may just see the best set of the weekend. Headlining the Woods on Sunday evening.
It’s no secret that we are big fans of The New Eves (pictured above), who are another band not wanting to conform, and they are very good at that too. The LP ‘The New Eve is Rising’ is just out, a wonderfully bizarre post-punk and folk crossover. The singles ‘Rivers Run Red’ and ‘Cow Song’ were both outstanding and both offer the pleasing vocals, awkward changing rhythms and supressed guitars. For fans of truly alternative sounds, we feel it should be compulsory to be at the Woods on Saturday lunchtime.
Makeshift Art Bar make a very interesting noise! There’s less than a handful of singles so far but no two songs sound like each other. Some heavy duty noise and soundscapes going on here, like One Big House favourites, Gilla Band. We like ‘Birthday Party’ and ‘Bedwetter’ as tracks, but there really is a wide variety of things going on. Be prepared for something both inspiring and in need of your full attention, opening the Big Top on Friday lunchtime.
If guitars are your thing, then don’t miss Tropical Fuck Storm. Whilst the name might suggest a barrage of noise, that’s not quite what goes on here. It’s a lot more subtle and sophisticated. Sometimes experimental and sometimes melodic, and OK, sometimes noisy. Plenty of LPs to choose from but assume this will be based around latest release “Fairyland Codex”. Check out ‘Bye Bye Snake Eyes’ and ‘Goon Show’ as examples of what we might get. On the Woods late afternoon on Sunday.
If you are beginning to wind down on Sunday afternoon, then don’t! Katy J Pearson may have been created to play at festivals. We sense Katy is very much at home in this environment. Her own words describe the sound as “soft sand between the toes”. There are peaks and troughs, sad and happy bits, beautiful words and gorgeous tunes. It all adds up to something very special. Don’t miss this. In the Garden on Sunday late afternoon.
Black Midi may have been the greatest band of the “2020s”. We first saw them play a secret set at End of the Road Festival many years ago. They even wore the purple and black shirts as per their early image. Geordie Greep was front and centre in that band, and his solo stuff continues at the same high level. His solo LP from 2024 is great, and whether you liked Black Midi or not, you should not miss his set in the Garden on Sat evening.
Part 1 of the Lookahead can be found here
One Big House 