Free Throw – Dingwalls

Good honest screaming draws a serious crowd to the corner of the canal to check out Free Throw and their charming skate nostalgia blended with a bottle throwing attitude. ‘Pallet Town’ claws for a connection through hazy riffs and evaporated memories of past pits and we paste the quieter contemplative moments with joyful claps and heartfelt callbacks. New song ‘Mike Nolan’s Long Weekend’ clicks heartfelt and vulnerable in its warmth, and their rumbling bright survivorship burns away our mid-afternoon haze.

Modern Life is War – Underworld

From one basement to another, Modern Life Is War prove there’s a darkness in the centre of town, their pounding energy like a runaway tank through the crowded Underworld. With juggernaut drumming and a powerhouse vocal performance from Jeffrey Eaton, they’re mixing the hardcore past and present into a foreboding sound. When he screams we’re going down it feels like a promise not a threat and their occasional moments of smoothness feel like a gathering storm. All in, they’re hypnotic: a cathartic harbinger of the evening to come.

The Dirty Nil – Roundhouse

All the way from Ontario to the industrial Roundhouse, The Dirty Nil’s stripped back style drags those who didn’t get into A Wilhelm Scream’s pub set through the garage squat past and into our renegade future. They’re Weezer’s more authentic cousins, with freedom-loving gang vocals and when they crank out ‘Rock n Roll Band’ we’re treated to a tale of twang and desperation. ‘That Don’t Mean It Won’t Sting’ shows off their back to basics attitude, but we really don’t need much more from these guys: we’ve already got an unrefined sweetness and a whole lot of rough-around-the-edges heart. ‘Ride or Die’ springs through evocative romance, leaving us with a beautifully abstract sense of hope.

The Hotelier – Roundhouse

As Christian Holden shouts out the first line of ‘An Introduction to the Album’ he’s greeted with a  chorus of raised fists. It’s an unexpected lovely track live, full of the pain of daybreak: each line murmured in return, the headbangs flowing on the drop. Three guitars are the catalyst for an avalanche of emotion as they slam their way through a set at today’s “incredibly sad festival”, with ‘The Scope Of All This Rebuilding’ carrying the energy of the moment when when you just have to smile through the aftermath of a tragedy. Scaling peaks of distortion laden shape beauty, The Hotelier have the chest-opening quality that we’re seeking today, rich with grit and tenderness.

Comeback Kid – Roundhouse

The first pit of the evening cracks open as Comeback Kid raise the temperature with ‘False Idols Fall’. Ferocious, intense and an absolute jolt of power, they spit unity and irresistible punk aggravation. Their “punk rock festival singalong shit” lights the fire under the pit while frontman Andrew Neufeld stalks back and forth like a caffeinated tiger, stirring the pit fervour even further. He bounces foot to foot like a boxer, bringing the fighting spirit to us through turbo boosted old school hardcore and we’re giving it our all through their pneumatic bass of and the carnage it brings. They fill the arena with their blender of a hardcore sound as we scream back the chorus to ‘Wake The Dead’, smashing a crater of an impression into our memories.

Joyce Manor – Roundhouse

At the other end of the spectrum from Comeback Kid, Joyce Manor serve as a poppier respite to the evening. ‘NBTSA’ smashes through with scratched solos and a lighter vibrancy, and the way their outsider chords strike into the crowd speaks of a wonderful transcontinental connection on ‘Beach Community’. There’s a crush at the front but the waves of their complicated honesty stretch through to each of us. Each song feels devastatingly brief, each teenage tripped line a testament to flash of an idea. Whether it’s wanting some backyard biro artwork on ‘Tattoo’ or the moment you’re ready to leave your crush behind on ‘Victoria’. Joyce Manor’s upbeat realistic snapshots are a thing of absolute joy.

Spanish Love Songs – Roundhouse

‘Losers’ cements Spanish Love Songs as not only fan favourites of today but also as more than we ever realised. Today’s set exposes their raw edges as they’ve eschewed polish and synth in favour of playing with the hardcore end of their sound. A yelp and a growl lurk at the edges of ‘Clean Up Crew,’ with a solemn churchlike pause to appreciate each lyric before the crowd surfers remind us of the power of the human spirit. ‘Generation Lost’ switches between double speed and slow motion, playing with our emotions before we’re smashed by ‘Lifers’, a song whose petals open like gruff enlightenment. Between tough singalongs that twist into a worshipful bridge, and more optimistic notes that make us jump away our fears, Spanish Love Songs serve as a beacon of resilience when the night gets too dark.

Hot Water Music – Roundhouse

Hot Water Music have evolved to become the finest version of themselves, to the point that we’re too shellshocked to dance until halfway through their set. Somehow ‘Drag My Body’ has become more desperate and bare, any free sonic space filled with Chuck Ragan’s monumental roar, but that’s not to discount Chris Wollard’s vicious vocal achievement on ‘Menace’ in the least. ‘Killing Time’ smashes onstage, its autumnal harmonics as road worn and lurid as a tour flyer. They’re still flying their flag resolutely, and slowly a pit coalesces by ‘A Flight And A Crash’ as they stomp through regret and blues and out the other side.

“It feels like we all made it to the end of a punk rock scavenger hunt today,” jokes Wollard, and maybe it’s that sense of victory that we’re absorbing with each bass burst. Their new songs like ‘Fences’ and ‘After The Impossible’ are just as brittle and deep as all the rest of their back catalogue, haunting and gripping as they lead us through chanted landscapes. ‘Remedy’ explodes, our tired bodies shaken awake by the drama and riffs and layers of hard won shout. Dave Hause jumps in on guest vocals for ‘Trusty Chords’ as we choir it back to him, the world suddenly glowing golden at the combination of two resolutely independent vocalists joining forces on one of our favourite songs. 

As we stumble out, somewhat broken from a full day of slamming, we’re forced to contemplate the ‘Common Thread’ uniting the day. The sunlight of surviving through hardship permeates the day, as does a resounding sense of forging your own path through the frequently harsh nature of modern existence. Perhaps we, who spend the day running up and down Camden High Street, braving the queues and fuelling ourselves with plastic glasses of post-mix Coke, were the fabric that drew the day together before the tour rumbles on to the next town lucky enough to be treated to a day of magnificent punk. 

Kate Allvey

From the peaceful and emotional sets that took place under a canopy of trees, to the raucous mayhem over at the main stage that had us thrown into the most fun pits we’ve ever experienced – this festival really does have it all.

Lucky for us, we were there to check out the whole thing, braving the heat and having the time of our lives.

Words: Yasmin Brown [YB], Gem Rogers [GR] Images: Penny Bennett [PB], Matt Higgs [MH]

If there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to kick off a festival the right way, pop punk is it. Despite many still battling their tents into position, Liverpool’s WSTR have pulled a sizeable crowd out into the sunshine at the main stage – and it only takes the likes of ‘Tell Me More’ and ‘Bad To The Bone’ to get things moving. Their punkier approach to the genre makes them one of the most enjoyable bands the UK has produced in a long time – and though they don’t have quite the same level of energy as usual this morning, the finale of upbeat anthem ‘Crisis’ is more than enough to get 2000trees off to a fantastic and enjoyable start. [GR]

At almost the opposite end of the spectrum, Bristolians Phoxjaw pump the nearby Neu Stage full of darkened atmosphere with their loud and powerful alt rock. Featuring a mixture of tracks from debut EP ‘Goodbye Dinosaur…’ and the recently released ‘A Playground For Sad Adults’, this set is nothing short of flawless; expansive and intricate, every riff rings out with perfect clarity, whilst Danny Garland’s impressive vocals tie everything together for what already feels like one of the most memorable sets of the weekend. Phoxjaw are only just getting started – and things couldn’t look much better for this quartet’s future. [GR]

Londoners Wallflower are next up on the Neu Stage, with a much mellower set than the preceding Phoxjaw. In fact, it’s a bit hard to tell they’ve even started, with an overly understated move from soundcheck to performance, and they struggle to capture the audience’s attention. Wallflower have a lot of promise, but this unfortunately is not a set that shows them at their best, as songs merge together and lack the energy they possess on record. Though today might not have been their day, Wallflower are still a band brimming with potential, and their upcoming debut album may well ignite a new fire – watch this space. [GR]

The first of our many ‘Forest Sessions’ is spent with YONAKA, a band we’re wholly familiar with yet of whom we never find ourselves getting bored. As a band that likes to make the most of a large festival stage, it would have been easy for this tiny wooden stand to seem restricting, however front woman, Theresa Jarvis, maintains energy and oozes attitude, despite the small space. It’s a stage they’ve played before – in fact was the very first stage they ever played at a festival a few years ago – and they’ve more than made the most of the opportunity today, with the setting only further highlighting Jarvis’ incredible vocals. It’s a special moment for fans of Yonaka, an increasingly rare opportunity to witness this band in such an intimate setting, and one they’ll be holding on for for years to come. [YB]

A similar experience is in store for fans of Holding Absence too, as they take their turn on the miniature stage in the forest. Appearing in a “Self-love is punk rock” t-shirt, front man Lucas Woodland showcases his immensely powerful and emotive voice. The band’s music is already melancholy, but this emotion is amplified by the tranquil setting of the sheltered forest and the acoustically driven vibe of the set. Fan favourite, ‘Monochrome’ is a particular showstopper for both fans and band, as the crowd’s voices overpower that of Lucas as the chorus kicks in. The performance provokes goosebumps and strengthens the fan-band relationship as it gives Woodland an opportunity to chat to the crowd, something he claims he doesn’t get to do much. During his mini monologues, we learn that while they may “look gnarly”, they are “not a gnarly band”, and in this quiet and respectful environment – such a stark contrast to their usual shows – you almost believe it. [YB]

2000Trees is one of our favourite places to discover new music, and over in the Neu tent, Novacub – who take to the stage, rocking ‘90s inspired outfits and bringing with them a giant bear head which remains a feature of the stage layout for the duration of the performance – are just one of the bands we happily discovered over the weekend. While this band of extremely cool women have only officially released two tracks at this point in their careers (with, we’ve learnt a third on the way soon), they fill their 30-minute set with ease, filling the half-full tent with energy and enthusiasm which more than makes up for the sparsity in the crowd. With a novel offering, there’s no reason as to why Novacub won’t slowly but surely pick up a fierce following as they release continue to release new music. [YB]

Fast becoming one of Punktastic’s favourite bands, Puppy’s afternoon slot on the main stage is an unquestionable highlight of the whole weekend. With metal undertones and metal-like talent, combined with a pop-punk vibe, Puppy are sure to appeal to almost everyone in attendance. The crowd continually grows throughout the performance, reaching a point where – despite it still being early in the evening – it becomes a struggle to get anywhere close to the stage, highlighting the impact the band has made during their two previous Trees performances. There’s an indescribable level of energy rippling through the crowd that is reflected on stage right up until the very last note and our only regret is that it has to end. [YB]

Never a band to be ignored, Loathe entice a huge and rowdy crowd into The Axiom tent for music that isn’t just loud – it’s dirty, exciting, and properly bloody interesting. And when we say interesting, do not under any circumstances read ‘dull’ – their fusion of djent into an industrial, almost oppressively heavy style means they sound unlike anyone else on the circuit, and it’s absolutely crushing inside this tent. Vocalist Kadeem France brings plenty of expressive energy along with it for one hell of a kick start to the heavier side of 2000trees. [GR]

Conjurer are building quite the reputation for themselves this year, and their set at Download just over a month ago was one of the most discussed of the weekend – here at Trees, though, it’s possibly just a little too early and a little too brutal, as the Axiom tent is much quieter than would be expected for this powerhouse of a band. This doesn’t detract from another flawlessly thunderous and atmospheric performance from the Warwickshire four, including a spine-tingling moment when vocalist and guitarist Dan Nightingale steps down onto the barrier and, without a microphone, sends his guttural voice to echo around the space. Conjurer are coming to take over the world – and they won’t be doing it gently. [GR]

In stark contrast to their earlier forest session, Yonaka’s main stage performance brings with it the perfect opportunity to lose your mind. As Theresa Jarvis struts her way across the stage, members of the crowd ignore the sticky humidity and persistently throw their arms in the arm, singing along passionately to each and every song, not least obvious favourites ‘Ignorance’ and ‘Rockstar’. Despite the nature of their stunning early afternoon forest session, the band seem far more comfortable on this much larger stage, playing to an audience 10 times the size of the one played to earlier in the day, and it’s a treat to have been able to witness two such polar opposite performances. As the set draws to a close, we’re hit with a brutal reminder of everything we’ve come to this festival to forget, as Jarvis dedicates ‘Don’t Wait Til Tomorrow’ to anyone “dealing with shit”. While acting as a potentially painful reminder of life outside the confines of the trees, it’s also a reminder that you’re not alone – somehow perfectly encompassing the entire message this festival seems to convey. [YB]

The noisiest thing to ever come out of Harrogate (although to be fair, there’s not much competition), Blood Youth made a shift in sound earlier this year with sophomore album ‘Starve’. The result is a band whose live performance is more powerful and impressive than ever – and, as anyone who’s had the pleasure of seeing the four piece before will know, that’s no mean feat. Grinding, thunderingly melodic, and utterly relentless, the delivery is full of passion and the crowd respond in kind with huge pits taking over the Neu tent. The set pulls primarily from the nu-metal influenced ‘Starve’, with the sublime bass and riffs of ‘Nerve’ being a particular highlight, but earlier tracks from debut ‘Beyond Repair’ still fit in well; ‘I Remember’ receives an especially high energy welcome as crowdsurfers pour over the barrier. By the end of this set, closed with the riff-heavy album title track ‘Starve’, there can be no doubt in anyone’s mind that Blood Youth are one of British metal’s brightest lights, and we look forward to their inevitable headline slots in future. [GR]

If there’s any name that is synonymous with hardcore, Comeback Kid is surely it. The Canadians have been at the top of the game for almost twenty years, and show no signs of slowing down; despite us now nearing the end of a long, hot day, they tear through The Cave with the force of a Category 5 hurricane, taking the (very) willing crowd with them. The tent is almost bursting at the seams as bodies clamber over each other. The spirit of hardcore is well and truly alive as the setlist picks its way through their back catalogue. Comeback Kid are absolute masters of the stage, and it feels all too soon when the set is brought to a close with the hugely popular ‘Wake The Dead’ – long may they continue to dominate. [GR]

For some bands, two sets in one day might feel excessive. For others – it’s still not enough. Holding Absence easily fall into that second category as they take the headlining slot on the Neu stage, and within moments of the haunting opening notes of ‘Perish’, it feels like this is the set we’ve been waiting for all day. For any newcomers to the band, it’s an almost perfect introduction to everything they are, and are capable of – there is truly a feeling of witnessing something special during this set. From the huge singalongs on ‘Monochrome’ and ‘Your Love (Has Ruined My Life)’ to the utterly beautiful, soaring melodies of ‘Wilt’, and the high energy of ‘Like A Shadow’, there is a love that ripples through the air and catches anyone in its path; more than simply a show, this is an experience, and one that leaves plenty of smiles on faces in this packed tent. Holding Absence are still a young band, and with surely even bigger things to come, their future is looking incredibly exciting – we can’t wait to see it. [GR]

At the same time as Frank Turner takes to the main stage, While She Sleeps are playing to a packed out crowd in The Cave. While front man, Lawrence ‘Loz’ Taylor has to pull out due to a last minute emergency, this doesn’t even come close to hindering the band’s performance. It kicks off with a nod to the band’s 2017 album ‘You Are We’, a notion that is fully encompassed as the lead singers of other bands in attendance take to the stage to fill in for Loz. While there is no replacing him, the sentiment is stunning, making it – arguably – even more special. The likes of Holding Absence’s Lucas Woodland and Comeback Kid’s Andrew Neufeld are among the few that took on the challenge, and despite the late notice, no-one stutters or stumbles over the lyrics, highlighting just how well-loved While She Sleeps continue to be. As far as the fans are concerned, it’s as if nothing at all is amiss, as the entire Cave goes berserk regardless of the vitally missing piece, causing absolute mayhem as the various front men join the band. It’s a beautiful and heartwarming end to the night, and one that will never again be replicated. It feels as though we’ve just been a part of something historic. [YB]

Frank Turner and 2000trees go together like… well, Frank Turner and 2000trees. There’s a massive amount of affection for this folk-punk legend here at trees- and if it wasn’t obvious in advance (the campsite named in his honour is a hefty clue), the vast crowd at the main stage for the weekend’s first headliner should clear it up for anyone in doubt. Although the festival covers a wide array of genres, there’s something about Turner’s uplifting folk rock that feels like it goes hand-in-hand with the vibe here; as he pulls out favourite tracks one after another, thousands of voices carry across the field alongside his. There’s even some special celebrations, with one fan marking his fiftieth show and another his hundredth – and as there is, of course, only one appropriate way to mark such an occasion, they are both sent on a crowdsurfing mission into the middle for a high five and a hug. Aww. With tracks like ‘Get Better’, ‘The Way I Tend To Be’, and ‘Recovery’ making an appearance in the eighteen song set, this hour (and a bit) we spent with Turner and The Sleeping Souls is truly cathartic and joyous, full of good humour and community spirit – the perfect way to round off this first day down at the main stage. [GR]

Heart And Lung – ‘Telecaster’

I came across Heart And Lung on a random browse through Facebook. A tiny, but absolutely fantastic, melodic punk rock band from Cleveland, Ohio. Check out ‘You Wanna Know The Truth?’, which is out now.

Can’t Swim – ‘Even In Death’

Can’t Swim are one of the most promising new bands around at the moment. Having smashed their appearances at Slam Dunk, things are looking very good for the New Jersey crew.

Patrons – ‘Saorsa’

Plymouth’s Patrons are rapidly building a rep for consistently releasing banger after banger and ‘Saorsa’ is no exception. Keep an eye out as they hit the road with Haggard Cat very soon.

Comeback Kid – ‘Little Soldier’

The Canadian Hardcore Punks have nailed it, once again. In the middle of dates all over the world, the quintet show no signs of letting up. ‘Little Soldier’ is another rager to add to their already huge back catalogue.

Save Face – ‘Heartache’

Not having heard of Save Face before, this wonderful track landed in my inbox a few days back. It’s melodic and chilled, yet absolutely massive at the same time. New stuff coming on Epitaph Records from the New Jersey based group.

Smother – ‘Disgrace’

Smother released their new single ‘Disgrace’ a couple of weeks back. A huge track that has given the Manchester group a solid footing. Exciting things to come here.

A Wilhelm Scream – ‘The King Is Dead’

The punk rock riff lords hit the UK in a few weeks time. DO NOT MISS THEM! One of the very best punk bands in the world.

Traverse – ‘Asymptotes’

Having shared a bill with these chaps a few weeks back over in France, I was blown away. Flawless harmonies and killer melodies. Check out their new self-titled record which is out now.

Retirement Party – ‘Passion Fruit Tea’

Chicago’s own indie-punks, Retirement Party released their new record ‘Somewhat Literate’ a couple of weeks back through Counter Intuitive Records. It’s awesome! Go listen!

Not Scientists – ‘Perfect World’

Made up of some of France’s finest punk rock musicians, Not Scientists are a European touring machine. Constantly on the road, somehow the band found time to release the fantastic new album ‘Golden Staples’. Out now through Rookie Records / Kidnap Music.

Twin Atlantic, The Skints, Zebrahead, Set Your Goals, Northlane, Comeback Kid, Counterparts, Capdown, Save Ferris, Broadside and Can’t Swim will join the likes of Jimmy Eat World, Taking Back Sunday and more at the festival which takes place in Leeds, Hatfield and Birmingham, from the 26th to the 28th May 2018. More acts will be announced soon.

It should be noted that next year will see the Hatfield site expand to Hatfield Park due to outgrowing its previous home at the University. Tickets are available now and cost either £49 or a £55 option which includes entry into the afterparty. They will be available here.

MAY 2018
26 LEEDS City Centre
27 HATFIELD Hatfield Park
28 BIRMINGHAM NEC

Converge, Comeback Kid, Discharge, Conflict, Doom, Weirdos, Wisdom in Chains, Coffins, Damien Done, Drowning, For the Glory, Get the Shot, Greg Bennick, Headshot, La Jungle, Moskwa, Paura, Process of Cult, Slope, Acidez, Albez Duz, Crossface, Hexis, Jodie Faster, Psycho Enhancer, and Zonastre will play the Belgian festival from the 10th to the 12th August.

More info can be found here.

10 Songs that inspired Giants

https://open.spotify.com/user/punktastic-spotify/playlist/6EThAFIsj9kNQuqTMs89bj

Alexisonfire – ‘Drunks, Lovers Sinners and Saints’

Alexisonfire have always been a massive influence for this band, but I remember seeing them open their set in The Lockup tent at Reading Festival 2006 and it changed my life. The way it just explodes into the most anthemic chorus ever still gives me chills.

Go It Alone – ‘Rapture’

Everything about this band ruled. The guitar tones and lyrical content alone tops any hardcore band of today in my opinion, but it’s the sheer ferocity of the fast punky parts straight into the breakdowns that inspired our writing from an early point right up to writing for our debut album.

Comeback Kid – ‘Final Goodbye’

I don’t think it’s a secret to anyone that we love this band and take a huge influence from them. Touring with them was the greatest honour, they are the best dudes and the sickest live band in the game, almost 20 years into their career. Beast of a band.

Verse – ‘Old Guards, New Methods’

‘Aggression’ was one of the first hardcore records I heard that made me think about pushing the boundaries with songwriting. The melodies achieved in these songs are lush, whilst still being part of a record that sounds aggressive as fuck.”

Bad Religion – ‘Big Bang’

Tony Hawks’ Pro Skater games were the best games of our childhood; the soundtracks introduced me to so many different styles of music. I saw Bad Religion play this year and they killed it. They’re the grandads of hardcore punk and no one does it better.

Rise Against – ‘Collapse (Post Amerika)’

A massive influence on our songwriting and my singing from day one, this band will always be one of my favourite bands. They were one of the first bands I listened to where their lyrics meant something more.

Rancid – ‘Fall Back Down’

Literally the song is about your friends and good people around you having your back and being there for you. No one knows quite what it is like to be in a band, unless you’re in a band. Working hard for nothing, with only your mates and your music to keep you going; that’s how that song speaks to me. That, and c’mon, that bass line, that keys line. It’s a damn good song and that album shaped my perception of what music could be. Blah blah blah it’s only a cliche cause of how damn true it is.

Underoath – ‘Breathing In A New Mentality’

Loads of people prefer this band’s earlier material to their new records, but I always thought they got better with every record. The drums on this album are absolutely insane and were a big influence on our debut album.

Bane – ‘Some Come Running’

When I first heard Bane they had already been a band for 10 years and to hear the passion and message they still had in their music was definitely inspiring. They didn’t care about going from playing their local to a stadium it was all about the music. Geezers.

Incubus – ‘Pardon Me’

The mixture of music style and lyrics, relating to what was being said, opened my eyes to a lot of stuff going on in the world and on a personal level. Incubus influenced a lot of my ideas and style in the way I write lyrics.