Supported by Bath-based band Decade, the room was thick with moisture long before YMAS took to the stage, a great indication of what we were in for over the next couple of hours.

Masters of performance, You Me At Six built up the anticipation as one by one they took to the stage, playing an extended intro of their 2014 ‘Cavalier Youth’ hit, ‘Room to Breathe’. The audience was already mesmerised as Matt, Max, Chris and Dan kicked off the night with the instrumental, but the screams that ensued once front man Josh Franceschi stepped onto stage conveyed a whole new level of excitement. At this moment, with sweat already coating our skin, it became clear that everyone in the room was determined to make this a night to remember.

They called it a ‘warm up show’, but these five Surrey men appear to have reached a point in their 13 year career where their relationship as both friends and musicians runs so deep that performing together comes entirely naturally. As Matt, Max and Josh jumped around the stage, they narrowly avoided collision on more than one occasion, completely intuitive to each others’ movements, working together animatedly to put on the tightest and most entertaining show of their careers so far.

They followed ‘Room to Breathe’ with what is arguably the most popular track on ‘Cavalier Youth’, ‘Fresh Start Fever’, and it took no time at all for the thin sheen of sweat to turn into that ‘just showered’ look as bodies desperately pushed towards the stage, leaving no room for air. You Me At Six are a band that command loyalty, something that was evident by the sheer determination with which the crowd screamed back the lyrics; arms raised, feet off the floor. This kind of adoration has never gone unnoticed by the band, and with the announcement of their sixth studio album ‘VI’ (to be released under their own record label, Underdog Records), the band declared that this album is for us. With that in mind, we were treated to the live debut of their new track, ‘Fast Forward’, and while the lyrics were not yet etched into our souls as with their other tracks, the energy didn’t waver for a second as fans embraced this newly developed sound that will lead us into the new album cycle.

The following performance of the upbeat ‘Swear’ ended abruptly as Josh checked on an audience member to ensure they’d retrieved their lost glasses. Once confirmed, the first on-stage banter of the night ensued, as Josh noted with relief, “Now you can finally see!” only to have Matt retort with, “you can see that jacket a mile away”, referring to Josh’s flamboyant floral jacket that he had stubbornly yet to remove, despite the uncomfortable heat.

While it wasn’t enough time for us to come even close to cooling off, the band’s performance of ‘Give’ allowed for a reprieve from the hectic dancing and colliding bodies before they immediately launched into ‘Stay With Me’. This was the perfect opportunity for a fan singalong and one that saw hands reach into the air as high as they could go, in what can only be described as being akin to some kind of spiritual praising of a higher power – appropriate considering earlier in the night we had been desperately chanting “we are believers” during ‘Lived a Lie’, signifying both our dedication to the band and to living an authentic life.

Prefaced with a disclaimer that they’re not the people they used to be, the band took us back to 2008 with ‘Save It For the Bedroom’, the fourth single off their first album ‘Take Off Your Colours’. The pre-performance speech shows how You Me At Six have grown as people, and partially explains how they have maintained such a strong fanbase – with those who have been around since the start having grown with them, and newer fans relating to the more mature material and mindset of more recent years. The energy built up during this throwback was maintained during 2011’s ‘Reckless’, as fans needed no prompting to remove their shirts and swing them above their heads, as has been tradition since the band first started performing the song.

‘Spell It Out’ has become one of YMAS’ most iconic performances, with the crowd anticipation building slowly with the music – an otherworldly experience that reaches a climax which acts as cathartic release for everyone in the room, helping us leave behind anything that may have been weighing on our minds along with the remnants of sweat and beer. 

The band left the stage, and rather than the desperate calls to bring the band back that you might expect, the crowd waited expectantly and with entitlement for You Me At Six to return. Disappointed, Josh returned alone to ask, “Do you want more music? Cause you didn’t ask for it!” Finally, he was met with yells of, “One more song!”, happily feeding his ego and encouraging the rest of the band to join him on stage for the final three songs.

‘No One Does It Better’ was introduced with a speech that touched on the loss of Josh’s grandmother and how this loss led to a particularly dark time for him wherein even getting out of bed was impossible. It was memories of nights like this one, however, that kept him going and as such, this performance was for us. Aptly, this emotional four minutes was followed by ‘Underdog’, another track that resonates with most YMAS fans – even after eight years – and in that moment came the realisation that not only does the band help us through our toughest times, but we can help them, too. ‘Underdog’ caused the mood to flip instantly, as the crowd started to jump up and down in unison, screaming lines that have become iconic within the fandom.

If this set proved anything, it’s that You Me At Six have longevity. Their music remains relatable, despite how much time has passed since its release, and no other track highlights this better than ‘Bite My Tongue’. Despite a departure from their heavier days, ‘Bite My Tongue’ never fails to incite the craziest of dancing, and the most heartfelt sing (or scream) alongs. YMAS know how to curate a setlist, and they unquestionably left everyone wanting more – a perfect way to end a set knowing that a UK tour is to be officially announced the next morning.

Each song was met with as much enthusiasm from the crowd as the last, and it became highly apparent that it’s pretty damn difficult to be just a casual fan of You Me At Six. They encourage devotion – a devotion that is reciprocated by the band – and every moment of the 16 song setlist was lapped up and met with total appreciation.

Speaking about the song, the band says: “Human Being is a song about the human condition and the basic traits we all have in common, as well as all the things that set us apart.” 
“The video was filmed by our good friend Tom Brooker during our time in Europe in the autumn and winter of last year. As well as capturing the spirit of our live show, Tom also caught some more intimate moments of us being ourselves and acting stupid – just a few examples of the sort of laughs we like to have here,” they add about the video.

Decade have also announced they will be playing a headline show at Borderline in London on May 30^th. Tickets available here.

It will be released on the 16th March 2018 via Search & Destroy Records. Pre-orders are available here and you can view a teaser trailer for the new album below.

band will also be playing the following UK shows with Deaf Havana and Decade.

NOVEMBER
09 BRIGHTON Concorde 2
10 SOUTHAMPTON Engine Rooms
12 CAMBRIDGE Junction
13 BATH Komedia
14 COVENTRY Kasbah
15 LEEDS Beckett University
17 NOTTINGHAM Rock City
18 LIVERPOOL Academy
20 ABERDEEN Garage
21 EDINBURGH Queens Hall
22 NEWCASTLE Northumbria University
24 CARDIFF Y Plas
25 EXETER Lemon Grove

It features footage from their shows earlier this year. Last month they reissued their fourth album ‘All These Countless Nights’ via SO Recordings. Originally released earlier this year, this reissue contains the original version with bonus tracks and a bonus record featuring a reworked copy of the record.

The band will also be playing the following UK shows with Black Foxxes and Decade.

NOVEMBER
09 BRIGHTON Concorde 2
10 SOUTHAMPTON Engine Rooms
12 CAMBRIDGE Junction
13 BATH Komedia
14 COVENTRY Kasbah
15 LEEDS Beckett University
17 NOTTINGHAM Rock City
18 LIVERPOOL Academy
20 ABERDEEN Garage
21 EDINBURGH Queens Hall
22 NEWCASTLE Northumbria University
24 CARDIFF Y Plas
25 EXETER Lemon Grove

It is taken from their upcoming deluxe two disc version of their fourth album ‘All These Countless Nights’, whic was originally released earlier this year, the release will feature the original version with bonus tracks and a bonus featuring a reworked copy of the record. It will be released on the 27th October via SO Recordings. Pre-orders are available here.

The band will also be playing the following UK shows with Black Foxxes and Decade.

NOVEMBER
09 BRIGHTON Concorde 2
10 SOUTHAMPTON Engine Rooms
12 CAMBRIDGE Junction
13 BATH Komedia
14 COVENTRY Kasbah
15 LEEDS Beckett University
17 NOTTINGHAM Rock City
18 LIVERPOOL Academy
20 ABERDEEN Garage
21 EDINBURGH Queens Hall
22 NEWCASTLE Northumbria University
24 CARDIFF Y Plas
25 EXETER Lemon Grove

Originally released earlier this year, the release will feature the original version with bonus tracks and a bonus featuring a reworked copy of the record. It will be released on the 27th October via SO Recordings. Pre-orders are available here and you can listen to reworked versions of the songs ‘Happiness’ and ‘Sing’ below.

The band will also be playing the following UK shows with Black Foxxes and Decade.

NOVEMBER
09 BRIGHTON Concorde 2
10 SOUTHAMPTON Engine Rooms
12 CAMBRIDGE Junction
13 BATH Komedia
14 COVENTRY Kasbah
15 LEEDS Beckett University
17 NOTTINGHAM Rock City
18 LIVERPOOL Academy
20 ABERDEEN Garage
21 EDINBURGH Queens Hall
22 NEWCASTLE Northumbria University
24 CARDIFF Y Plas
25 EXETER Lemon Grove

Words: Mark Johnson, Becky Mount / Photos: Olly Hanks

Ducking Punches ease us into our first full day when they open the main stage on Friday, pulling an impressive crowd when there are a lot of hangovers being nursed. And for every singalong, there’s a serious message the band want to get across. Their songs have a candor approach to subjects like suicide and whilst they can be hard to swallow, breaking down stigmas seems to go hand in hand with their punk songs, and they respectfully and wholeheartedly navigate the two. [BM]

They may be one of the smaller bands on the bill, but wars proved why we had them as one of our bands to watch at this year’s festival. Their debut album “We Are Islands, After All” combines heavy riffs and screams with melodic breaks, amidst a compelling concept, and live, the band’s passion and energy adds a dynamic layer that brings their sound alive. Guitarist Sam Barnard’s clean vocals are note perfect and aggressive vocalist Rob Vicars does a fantastic job rousing the crowd from their midday hangovers. With the tent packed out, wars will leave 2000 Trees with a deserved new batch of fans. [MJ]

Decade help us to bask in the sunshine as they bring their particularly pop-riddled punk to the main stage; it’s all catchy hooks and the hits like ‘Daisy May’. And it really feels like they’re Decade are getting into their own stride – their second album Pleasantries seems to have done wonders for the five piece. Not that they needed it, mind, but this new lease of life plays out really very well. [BM]

There probably aren’t enough cliches to get across just how incredible Brutus are. Haunting, ferocious, spellbinding and utterly compelling. Their heavy as hell set on a Friday afternoon was nothing short of stunning, their brutal sound punctuated by drummer and vocalist Stefanie Mannaert stopping just about everyone in their tracks. The Belgian three piece are potentially one of the only bands in a long time that deserve to be referred to as game changers; there’s simply no one out there quite like them. Still shell shocked from such a beautifully brutal performance, we’re totally smitten with Brutus. [BM]

As ever, Black Peaks produce an enormous performance fuelled by pristine musicianship and Will Garner’s powerful vocals. Tracks from the band’s incredible debut album ‘Statues’ are sure to please any crowd but with a couple of years of festivals behind them with the same material, we’re overdue an influx of new songs. The band do trial a couple of new ones that are every bit as frantic and engaging as their well-known material and with Garner telling us “this might be last time you hear these songs for a while”, it seems they’re just as aware as the rest of us. Black Peaks will now head into the studio to write a new record, so it shouldn’t be too long before we get what we crave. [MJ]

Whilst gender shouldn’t necessarily play a part in a festival review, it’s almost impossible to ignore when 2000 Trees has a lineup featuring more female musicians than most. And frankly, when you’ve got the likes of Employed To Serve showing the boys how it’s done, we don’t want to ignore it. Justine Jones is a front woman like no other, and the five piece absolutely slay the crowd with their perfectly frantic, feral sound. It’s exhausting and utterly exquisite. [BM]

It speaks volumes that the tent for Greywind is fit to burst. Actually, no, it’s past that – it’s overflowing. The Irish brother and sister duo are proving once again that despite being in their infancy, they’re a force to be reckoned with. Their heartfelt, passionate sound resonates perfectly with the festival and it’s easy to see just how dedicated they are to perfecting their craft. [BM]

Jamie Lenman is always, always going to go down a treat at 2000 Trees. That said, his main stage set Friday surpasses the expectations of even the most hardened Reuben fans. Because Lenman’s acceptance of his musical past is one to be applauded as he flits seamlessly – and noisily – between his sludgey solo efforts and the likes of ‘Parties Break Hearts’ and ‘Blamethrower’. The whole set veers from melodic to unrelenting, and even features a gender neutral Queen cover of ‘Fat Bottomed Girls’ – spectacular Mercury jacket to boot – and showcases just how bloody talented Lenman is. New tracks ‘Mississippi’ and ‘Waterloo Teeth’ warrant an impressive crowd reaction and make us realise just how much the UK music scene has missed Lenman…let’s hope it’s not too long before we get a second solo effort. [BM]

Deaf Havana allowed their Facebook fans to pick their set, resulting in several old favourites making the cut. Rather than play tired old versions though, the band mix things up, ‘Friends Like These’ being a particular stand-out. ‘Nicotine and Alcohol Saved My Life’ was mistakenly requested as ‘Cigarettes and Alcohol’ on Facebook, but to honour the mistake, the band treat us to a cover of the Oasis classic, which goes down a treat. The set isn’t without its technical gremlins but front man James Veck-Gilodi does an admirable job of laughing them off and plowing through, reminding us all that Deaf Havana have been around the block and their experience shows very well. Though the band leave the stage with the closing lines of Mildred echoing “seems like we lost a friend, it feels like the end”, it feels more like a revival this weekend. It’s a joy to have Deaf Havana back to their best. [MJ]

Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes followed suit and proved what irrefutably one of the most exciting live bands the UK has to offer. Because it doesn’t matter the size of the crowd or the scale of the stage, Carter is frontman through and through and there aren’t many others capable of coordinating circle pits on such a huge scale. No seriously, ask the nearby traders who found their stands in the midst of it. But for all the chaos and venom, there’s an overwhelming sincerity to them. Actively supporting their female fans and keeping the crowds for everyone involved, they end up playing one of the most inclusive, welcoming sets of the weekend. Who would have thought it? [BM]

It takes all of thirty seconds before the crowd are left wondering why The Wonder Years haven’t played 2000 Trees before. Every fist pump, every gang vocal, it all feels like some kind of homecoming. We are treated to a setlist that boasts the likes of ‘Local Man Ruins Everything’ as an opener (seriously) and ‘Coffee Eyes’, alongside a wealth of material from latest effort ‘No Closer To Heaven’. There seems to have been a shift with the six piece, a maturity that still manages to honour those pop punk roots. It is a passionate affair, devastating in places, but even the most introverted fan is sure to be having a Really Fun Time. Because through all the heartbreak and awkward life affirming lyrics, they put on an astonishing, energised show that genuinely feels good for the soul. Bring on album number six. [BM]

Beach Slang’s foot-tapping pop rock make them a strange choice for an hour’s slot high up the bill and the semi-deserted Axiom stage seems to indicate the crowd feel the same way. However, as the band storm through their set of infectious, feel-good tracks, more and more passers-by filter into the tent and the quality of the performance keeps them there for the duration. Front-man James Alex is highly engaging, endearing the crowd with a dose of self- deprecation that will always go down well with a British crowd and with such great tunes and a warming personality, Beach Slang deserve their place at the festival. [MJ]