Words by Yasmin Brown [YB] and Catie Allwright [CA]. Photos by Penny Bennett.

Cherym

When Cherym (it’s pronounced Chair-um) told people they were playing the Neu Stage at 11:30, they always assumed it was 11:30pm. But what better band to uplift and energize us this morning? Hailing from Derry in Northern Ireland, the trio enter the stage to a remix of Mean Girls… although they’re anything but. For a start, they’re waving the Pride flag and are an openly queer band with two female and one non-binary member so they’re absolutely not a ~girl band~ (very helpful and inclusive to reference their pronouns – others take note, please), but more importantly their earnest faces seem anything but mean. Tracks like ‘Weird Ones’ are for outcasts and people who have been marginalized, a victim just for being different. And for the straight people who always assume they’re in a relationship, ‘We’re Just Friends’ sets the record straight. The set is lively and fun, full to the brim with earworm choruses from guitarist and vocalist Hannah Richardson, a funky bassline from Nyree Porter and rhythm from Alannagh Doherty, although time runs away with them – caught up in the moment of playing to their biggest ever crowds – so the last three minutes are a whizz. They’re shocked that so many people have showed up, but they’d better get used to it fairly quickly. [CA]

Dream Nails

Kicking off the final day are the self-proclaimed “queer, punk, feminist band”, Dream Nails. Colour fills the stage – the effervescent nature of the band’s attire working in stark contrast to the more serious message that they’re sharing today, most notably and timely being the commentary surrounding the overturning of Roe vs Wade in the US. The set is filled with punk bops that will easily make you “lose your shit” as promised at the start of the set. It’s a perfect combination of political statements, sprightly colours, glaring sunshine and – to top it all off – a cover of t.A.T.u’s ‘All the Things She Said’. Dream Nails know how to appeal to existing fans as well as drawing in those who may be otherwise unfamiliar with their music and their ferocious personas, addictive music and integrity will see them go far. [YB]

Lizzy Farrall

In contrast to what you might expect from the bubblegum pop rock nature of Lizzy Farrall, she leaps onto stage this afternoon with a suspiciously edgy undertone. While her shirt and corset remain innocently white, her hair and makeup hint at something else and it won’t be long before we’ll find out whether or not our inkling is correct. In the meantime, we’re given no further time to ponder as Farrall makes her way through a setlist made up of our favourite songs; we bounce around happily to ‘Games’ and ‘Addict’ with the latter finally seeing the crowd come right forward as Farrall throws herself into the sea of arms before her. Shortly afterwards, Farrall announces that there are just two songs left before the intro to ‘Barbados’ kicks in, a notorious set closer due to its fan fave nature. It’s after this, then, that our earlier suspicions are proven warranted as she leaves the stage only to return without the white shirt and corset, leaving only black clothing behind. In addition, though, Farrell has been doused in blood, the innocent and bubblegum nature of her previous persona left far behind as she throws herself sultrily into a much darker, previously unheard song to close off the set. We already love Lizzy Farrall so very much but with this small taste of what’s to come, we’re incredibly excited for the pending rebrand and all that’s set to come in tow. [YB]

Kid Kapichi

Coming on stage to a track recording of Will Smith’s recent Oscars interruption, Kid Kapichi make it immediately clear that they have opinions and they’re not afraid to voice them. While perhaps slightly out of date by now, the track sets their performance up nicely, leading them into an eight song setlist with no doubt as to what this band are about – that is dancey indie rock with political undertones that will, without fail, get you on your feet. The inside of the tent is packed with existing fans who sing along to every word, while on the outskirts you’ll see a number of curious nomads who are keen to see what all the fuss is about. This set is all about the music as vocalist and guitarist Ben Beetham rarely addresses the crowd, although this doesn’t seem to deter the fans at all, particularly those most enthusiastic who continue to shove forwards to get closer to the barrier. The set makes for ideal summer vibe – its catchy, happy sounding nature appeasing those in the tent and those seeking shade and an ice cream in the surrounding areas, leaving a smile on your face however you choose to enjoy it. [YB]

Nova Twins

If there’s anything we love to see, it’s incredible bands rising through the ranks and receiving the platform they truly deserve. Nova Twins are without a doubt one of those bands. Starting their 2000Trees journey back in 2018 when they were still fresh to festivals, the pair now see themselves playing the main stage to a huge crowd of people who all know every word to their incredible songs. Despite being late starting and despite the impossible heat, the enthusiasm from both the stage and the floor remains strong throughout, with only a moment or two taken to acknowledge just how far this band have come. Their live performance breathes new life to already incredible songs with glorious anarchy ensuing whichever way you look. From a throwback to 2016’s ‘Wave’ (dedicated to the OGs) to set closer ‘Undertaker’, every moment is memorable. This is still just the start for Nova Twins and we’ll sure as hell be along to see where they go next. [YB]

Laura Jane Grace

This is the place Laura Jane Grace imagined when she was booked for the festival two years ago, and the shady respite amongst the Forest Sessions trees is the only place to be this afternoon. Everyone might look like they’ve been sleeping in tents for two nights and have been sunbaked, but the lyrics to ‘Two Coffins’ are apt – with our little moon faces shining brightly up at Grace, mesmerized by the raw, soulful performance. “Don’t worry, I’ll do everything. Just sit down and relax”, she says, as we recharge our minds and bodies. We’re treated to songs from both Against Me! and Laura Jane Grace and the Devouring Mothers, opening with the heart-breaking ‘True Trans Soul Rebel’ about the anguish of coming out. And just because Grace wants to shout “Hail Satan” in the woods, there’s a cover of ‘The Best Ever Death Metal Band In Denton’ by The Mountain Goats (the devil balanced with God in ‘Bamboo Bones’ – “What God doesn’t give to you / You’ve got to go and get for yourself”). We’re not saying the set was a religious experience, but we all left feeling reconnected to Grace, and to ourselves. [CA]

Knocked Loose

From Oldham County, Kentucky, Knocked Loose are a long way from home and excited to be here, with lots of new faces that have come to check them out. The energy at the Main Stage is contagious, which lead singer Bryan Garris feeds off of (and feeds the sprawling crowd too). “Let’s take advantage of this and enjoy the moment”, he says. Describing themselves as a “heavy band” is an understatement. This is a sound you’d expect to hear in a city late at night, the darkness obscuring your vision and blurring the faces of the violent crowd around you. But Knocked Loose are just as brutal, despite the green grass underfoot and the summer afternoon sky above them. It’s beautiful to see so many people smiling, laughing and moshing in broad daylight, the more aggressive pits breaking out closer to the stage as Knocked Loose knock us all for six. As the saying goes, “if you can’t be good, be loud” – but these guys are both. How Garris and backing vocalist Isaac Hale’s voices can carry so well across a field, or how Kevin “Pacsun” Kaine has the stamina to pound drums for that long, we’ll never know. But we enjoyed every last chord. [CA]

Blood Command

We might have Queen Elizabeth here in the UK, but Blood Command’s new vocalist Nikki Brumen is the fucking queen (and if we don’t bring it tonight, we’ll “die one by one by her hand”). Fuelled by swigs of neat vodka, Brumen is an absolute powerhouse and has The Cave well and truly under her command – blowing kisses, shaking her ass and getting in front of the barrier to flex her impressive vocal chords right in the face of anyone who isn’t spinning around the circle pit. The power drops out (because they’re just too good, of course), but it doesn’t take the Norwegian death-pop band long to get back into their groove. ‘Praise Armageddonism’, the first album with Brumen and Blood Command’s current line-up, came out just a week ago and dominates the set-list (with the likes of ‘A Villain’s Monologue’, ‘Nuns, Guns & Cowboys’, ‘The End Is Her’). You can’t say they’re not a fun band, finding a sweet spot between death metal and pop punk, making you want to get down and dance – but also pumping you full of rage at the same time. 45 minutes of this is like getting the wind knocked out of you. [CA] 

Twin Atlantic

A full hour before Twin Atlantic are set to take to the Forest for a special acoustic performance (their self-proclaimed “first and last acoustic festival set”), there’s barely room to shuffle on the dusty ground in front of the stage. It’s 6pm and the sun is beating down as brutally as ever, with many taking shelter under the trees simply to escape their ever worsening sunburn. While the shade may have brought some in, however, it’s Twin Atlantic’s humorous nature and charming musicianship that keeps them here for the whole set; when Sam McTrusty and Ross McNae take to the stage, there’s immediate back and forth banter with the crowd, creating an even more intimate feel than the forest environment already helpfully allows for. “We don’t know what the fuck we’re doing”, announces Sam, and from then on it really is the most beautiful kind of chaos. Having previously headlined 2000Trees back in 2018 (their first ever festival headliner), it feels particularly special to experience Twin in this setting, but we feel even more fortunate when McTrusty notes his wife has recently given birth and that it’s only because it’s Trees that they even made the trip down from Scotland. With this in mind, the pair launch into “a song about my wife”, ‘Oceans’, which sees more than a few eyes misting up at the sentiment. After some on-stage conferring as to what to play next (why write a setlist, after all?), the wet cheeks are set to continue as a singalong version of everyone’s favourite ‘Crash Land’ ensues. The response throughout is inspiring and it’s evident that the shade remains a secondary motivation for the size of this early evening crowd. McTrusty is shaking slightly with nerves but a grin remains on both his and McNae’s faces from start to finish as they marvel at the turnout. Dedicating ‘Brothers and Sisters’ to a four-week-old baby, we’re in for another special and emotional moment in among the effortless banter and it’s safe to say that Twin Atlantic are masters of their art. This may be their first acoustic festival set but they handle it like pros, even in the most muddled of moments. 2000Trees is special to Twin Atlantic and their fans for so many reasons, not least being the first festival that allowed them to play out of Scotland in 2008, but today may be their most special Trees moment yet – and we’re delighted to have been along for the ride.  [YB]

You Me At Six

Love them or hate them you can’t deny that You Me At Six are one of the best and tightest live bands in the UK music scene. After 15+ years as a band, they’ve had plenty of time to refine their set and always return to the stage more powerful and polished than ever. It’s no surprise then that their set today is one of the most fun of the weekend – everyone is gently buzzed and still not quite ready to go home and a YMAS festival set always brings the best of the band’s back catalogue. Another band who simply love this festival, front man Josh Franceschi announces that guitarist Chris Miller has been here enjoying himself since Wednesday along with the early entry. Amazingly they all seem fresh and energised, powering through the boisterous set without waning. The crowd are having just as much fun as Jesus himself appears during the anthemic ‘Lived a Lie’ and a plethora of crowd surfers soon follow suit during ‘Room to Breathe’. A shout out is given to “the people in the front row who just got their faces kicked” and it seems it may be time to take a moment of respite. It seems the band agree as Franceschi launches into one of his ever emotional speeches encouraging love and acceptance, the sincerity and earnestness of which always provoke tears among the softer souls in the crowd before launching into ‘Take On the World’ – a song that has, over time, become one that unites Sixers worldwide. We can’t stay sad for too long, however, and the pace picks up with the electric performance of 2021’s ‘SUCKAPUNCH’ which sees rave-like dance scenes unfold in the chorus. Water balloons are thrown from the back of the stage, the drenching that follows welcomed by their targets in the near unbearable heat, and You Me At Six close the set with the classic ‘Underdog’ finale, leaving us all on a high and ready to do it all over again. “It’s 2022 and You Me At Six are still fucking breathing”, shouts Franceschi, and thank God for that. May we never know a world where that’s not the case. [YB]

Press to Meco

It’s nearly 9pm on Sunday. We’re tired, filthy and ready to sleep in our own beds but Press to Meco have other plans keeping us from that glorious hot shower and soft sheets. Not that the Neu stage crowd seems to mind, however. While they may not be everyone’s cup of tea, Press to Meco are popular, that much is easy to see, and what’s more, they clearly deserve it, too. The sound is strong with the vocals of Luke Caley holding up firm against the backdrop that is his bandmates, all playing perfectly in sync with one another. The band easily commands the crowd who clap on cue before jumping wildly of their own accord, needing very little prompting to throw themselves into this 10 song set as if their lives depend on it. The heavier aspects of the band’s music is captured perfectly in this live environment, easily engaging everyone in attendance from front to back, and it’s clear as to why this three-piece are tonight’s Neu headliners. We may be slightly further from our home comforts but Press to Meco have made it more than worth the wait. [YB]

IDLES

Vocalist Joe Talbot isn’t going to ask us how we’re feeling as there are lots of us and it would be weird, but he’ll tell us how he’s feeling: it’s the best fucking feeling in the world. He has a theory that when bands perform, they give us everything and let go every single time, and what they get in return is love and energy. Talbot speculates that this offering and exchange can’t be found anywhere else in the world; it’s the most beautiful gift we could give and they’re so grateful. And he’s right. The co-dependency between artists and fans is what makes live music so special, because you can see it unfold in front of your eyes: musicians stepping into a spotlight to share pieces of themselves, and thousands of people who take those pieces to channel their feelings, soundtrack their memories and shape their lives.

This is an oddly poignant moment in a set that also includes a mash-up of ‘Nothing Compares To U’, ‘You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)’ and ‘All I Want For Christmas’, but the almighty IDLES aren’t a band that takes themselves too seriously. The final headliner is a special moment at any festival – we’ve mostly had too much to drink, not enough sleep and not nearly enough sun cream, but are clinging onto the euphoria you can only find when like-minded people come together in a field for a weekend. As Talbot himself says, it seems like we’re still standing and us scumbags know what to do. [CA]

Opening with rhythmic percussive clinks, clanks and smacks, ‘Transmute’ is audibly a product of hard graft and industry. This first instrumental track then leads into a hattrick of songs that were all released as singles in the build-up to the album’s release; one run-through of ‘Another Day’, ‘Smouldering Sticks’, and ‘A Test Of Our Resolve’ will give first-time listeners a comprehensive overview of what they can expect from the rest of the record. Across the three songs, Press To MECO showcase three-part harmonies, big choruses, and bigger riffs, all of which are trademarks in their oeuvre.

With ‘Baby Steps’, Press To MECO flex their capabilities when exploring a softer and more reserved side. Admittedly, it’s not a dynamic that lasts for too long, before new bassist Jake Crawford ensures we hear the demonstrable value he has added to this outfit since joining. Aside from his distortion-drenched bass parts providing a rock-solid foundation throughout the record, his vocals add a tenacity to Press To MECO’s music that had perhaps been lacking prior to his arrival.

Overall unrelenting in pace, ‘Sabotage’ boasts an outro dominated by a grandiose surge of brass instruments that delivers a triumphant ending to the most ambitious and expansive song on the record. In contrast, ‘Overdue’ is stripped-back and refreshingly clean. In temporarily giving the distortion a rest, Press To MECO leave room for experimentation and diversification. The first post-chorus hits particularly pleasantly with a saccharine old-timey sounding instrumental break. Even sweeter is the “I’m like a newborn baby staring at the sun” refrain that shows how seemingly effortless it is for Press To MECO to flirt with a variety of musical stylings in such a short space of time.

A soft and acoustic prequel to ‘Gold’ (more on that later), ‘Lead’ directly addresses the process from which this record takes its name. To transmute is to change a material into something different, usually a shift in form to something of higher quality and value. The motif of turning lead into gold embodies the overarching message of hope that songwriter-in-chief and drummer/vocalist Lewis Williams delivers throughout the album.

Feeling like a four-minute homage to debut album ‘Good Intent’, Press To MECO embrace the beauty in striking the balance between dissonance and harmony with ‘Rusty Nails’. The main riff is jagged, angular, and harks back to the math-rock sensibilities (or lack thereof) that so clearly inspire this band’s craft. The instrumentation in the verses plods along and is borderline staccato, but the vocals are fluid and meander in and amongst the stabs that are bedded underneath them with ease. It’s territory that few can navigate comfortably, but Press To MECO sound right at home.

The single that really made people sit up and listen was ‘Gold’. Williams’ and Crawford’s synergistically spite-fuelled vocals drag us through a blistering verse that blooms into a chorus big enough to fill any stadium on this planet. Chaos ensues in the breakdown. The dizzying riff that sees guitarist/vocalist Luke Caley cascading down his fretboard is pure cacophonous brilliance. Crawling to a halt in the song’s dying embers, you’ll need a crowbar to lift your jaw off the floor after this one.

Dropping the album’s ‘Interlude’ directly after that gorgeous racket was a sensible decision – a brief blink of respite before the energy is immediately reinjected with the bouncy ‘Way To Know’. Again, it’s a song lavish with the clean three-part harmonies that are so integral to Press To MECO’s appeal, and vocals occupy the spotlight in the album’s closer ‘Hesitation’. A ballad of sorts, Press to MECO are intent on leaving us with a song that summarises ‘Transmute’ as a whole. Signing off with “it’s time to choose what path we take”, this album highlights the importance of preserving hope in turbulent times – and, aside from sounding incredible, it’s the message behind ‘Transmute’ that makes it so worthy of anyone’s attention.

AARON JACKSON

By the time doors open, anyone arriving is greeted by a queue that snakes all the way down the side of London’s Scala, disappearing around the corner – it makes it a little tricky to get in in time for the full set from openers Acres, who start just fifteen minutes after doors, but it’s well worth the early arrival to catch the south coast four piece. Their brooding, atmospheric post-hardcore has a driving heaviness underneath soaring vocal melodies, held tightly together throughout the set; singles ‘Lonely World’ and ‘Talking In Your Sleep’ show the band at their best, with a captivating intensity that sets Acres out as a band to watch closely in the future.

Second to take to the stage, Press To MECO are the kind of band capable of playing just about any venue, anywhere, and making it their own. Sure enough, for half an hour, Scala is in the palm of their hands, and they promptly fill it with glorious harmonies and joy by the bucketload – nobody sounds quite like Press To MECO, as the trio fuse all the best parts of pop with technical and pulsing rock, and nobody could ever come close to imitating it. There’s simply nothing to fault in this all too brief set, with the likes of ‘If All Your Parts Don’t Make A Whole’ and ‘Easy Life’ reaching every corner of the room, and more than warming things up for the remainder of the evening.

‘Excitement’ doesn’t quite seem to be the right word to describe the mood in this 800 capacity venue in the lead up to tonight’s headline set. Holding Absence only released their debut self-titled album in March this year, but after a few years of steadily building up a dedicated fanbase, tonight feels like the climax of this band’s incredible first chapter. For newer fans, it’s also an opportunity to hear some of these songs for the first time – and for older fans, it may be the last chance to hear more than a few of them, at least for a little while.

Opening with the collection of songs that started their journey and the all-enveloping atmosphere of ‘Permanent’, it’s instantly clear just how special this night is going to be. A brief technical hiccup at the start is swiftly forgotten as Scala is overtaken by singing voices and raised arms, and just a hint of chaos – but the best kind of chaos. It’s a room full of people instantly lost in music they love, and it only gets better as the night goes on; ‘Saint Cecilia’ earns one of the biggest singalongs towards the end of this first part of the set, rounded off by the cinematic ‘Everything’, before the stage is plunged into brief darkness.

By the time the first notes of album opener ‘Perish’ ring out, it already feels like the evening is going too quickly, but with some of the biggest singalong moments in ‘Your Love (Has Ruined My Life)’ and ‘Like A Shadow’ following soon after, there’s no time to ruminate on it. These moments, where the voices of the crowd elevate far above the sound from the stage, are goosebump-inducingly glorious, while the heartrending power of tracks like ‘You Are Everything’ sweep away the cold of the outside world.

The atmosphere in the room is one of pure happiness and love that continues to build, as fans clamber on each other’s shoulders and sing together (and, of course, crowdsurf like there’s no tomorrow), and it’s reflected on the faces of the four musicians on stage too. Holding Absence have an energy and passion that is plain to see, and it’s one of the reasons they have become so beloved – their live shows become more of a life-affirming experience than ‘just a gig’, sharing the joy of life and living with the crowd. It isn’t passion alone that makes this show the spectacle it is, though; the musicianship is truly stunning, a quality demonstration of how to make music come alive.

From the stripped-back ‘Marigold’ to the anthemic ‘Monochrome’ and dark cries of ‘Last Of The Evening Light’, Lucas Woodland’s vocals hold a light all of their own and it is shining brightly tonight, with an almost unreal strength and purity in every note across this varied night. While some chronological album playthroughs can feel a bit disjointed – the most popular tracks sitting uncomfortably early in the set – it’s evident here just how cohesive and well-structured Holding Absence’s debut is, as it flows naturally through the night without ever growing stale and builds to a beautiful, echoing finale in ‘Wilt’. It’s hard not to cling to every moment of these last six minutes, to stay lost in this vast, rich soundscape for just a little while longer – but all things must end, and this is truly the best way to draw the curtain.

If anyone held any doubt that Holding Absence are one of the UK’s best and brightest young bands, this is a night that proves them wrong. There is a fire and a passion not just in these four musicians, but in all those who hear and love this music, that makes them truly special, and the long road that led them to tonight’s show has shaped them into a band that cannot be ignored. This is Holding Absence – and this is only the beginning.

GEM ROGERS

Fortunately, there can be few bands as warming to witness as London’s Chapter And Verse, who’ve taken up the role of main support on this lengthy cross-country run. Their stage presence is electric and engaging throughout as they open with their irrepressible, anthemic latest single ‘Bad Blood’, before continuing to drive through a lively set that brings in older favourites like ‘The New Breed’ to sit alongside as yet unreleased ‘Beauty Sleep’ and ‘Miracle Drugs’. It’s exciting to see a band so capable and this performance is nigh on impossible to fault, with huge harmonies, earworm melodies and energetic riffs blasting nonstop through the room. On top of this, Chapter And Verse foster an atmosphere of inclusivity and joy through the community they are building around the band that is extended to all in attendance tonight. There is no doubt that we are watching one of the UK’s best and brightest new bands, and the future looks even brighter.

Tonight’s crowd may not be the most energetic, but by the time headliners Press To MECO take the stage, there are at least enough bodies huddled in the small room to finally bring the temperature up a little as we prepare for a set from a band who still feel like somewhat of a closely guarded and beloved secret in the alt rock community. Bringing a fresh, poppy appeal, they’ve become a staple name on the live circuit, and you’d be hard pressed to find anyone with a bad word to say about this three-piece – for good reason.

Kicking things off with 2018’s ‘Familiar Ground’, we’re instantly treated to their livewire energy and sparkling, irresistible harmonies, with an undercurrent of bass-driven heaviness. The gorgeous ‘If All Your Parts Don’t Make A Whole’ follows swiftly, and there’s no disputing the mesmerising quality of Press To MECO’s music; everything about this set feels comfortingly natural and uplifting, pulsing life through the air.

Tonight’s setlist focuses largely on sophomore album ‘Here’s To The Fatigue’, with thunderous new track ‘Easy Life’ making its debut on this tour and sounding massive as it echoes around the rafters. The balance of delicate harmonies with powerful technicality is just part of what makes Press To MECO so special, and they execute every moment with not only precision, but a considerable dose of heart. Despite the relative quietness of this Friday night audience – though on closer inspection there is plenty of singing along, head nodding and foot tapping – the three give as much to this performance as they would to the biggest of festival crowds. Rounding off with the fun-drenched riff fest of ‘Here’s To The Fatigue’, there’s one thing that’s definitely not lacking in The Parish tonight, and it’s gigantic, beaming smiles – truly no better way to sum up the mood of the evening.

It may be cold as ice as we leave back into the night, but on the inside we feel nothing but warmth. Press To MECO may be a bit of a secret for now, but the word is spreading, and the glimpse we’ve had of new music shows that they have no intention of slowing down yet. Tonight has been a joyous illustration of just how much hope there is for the future of UK alternative music, and the next tour can’t come soon enough.

GEM ROGERS

While priding themselves as the ‘Anti-Major Festival’ festival, they’ve been shortlisted for awards multiple times. It might not be as well known as say, Download or ArcTanGent, but one thing is for certain – it’s a festival to embrace new and old. It’s a festival for music fans, pure and simple.

With that in mind, here are some of our top recommendations for the weekend.

THURSDAY

Indoor Pets

Market Stage 6.30pm

Feel good alt rock at it’s finest. Indoor Pets have been a staple of the touring scene in the last few years, helping to nurture upcoming talent despite being relatively young themselves. Releasing their debut album ‘Be Content’ last year, they’ve honed their sound – offering a laid back sound that encourages singalong interactions from the crowds. Hits like ‘Hi’ and ‘Teriyaki’ prove their ability to meld pop sensibilities with a creamier rock sound.

Slaves

Market Stage  7.45pm

Taking the headline slot on the Market Stage for Thursday, Slaves are fresh from tearing up Glastonbury. Known for their energetic live shows that smack you in the teeth, as well as a back catalogue full of bluesy riffs, expect the duo to rip this stage up too. Because that’s the nice thing about Slaves – you know what you’ll get. And what you’ll get is catchy, anthemic tunes, and a performance that’ll stick in the bonce for weeks.

FRIDAY

IDLES

Market Stage 3.30pm

We hear you – Idles playing a mid-afternoon slot after a UK headline tour that sold out in hours? Ludicrous. Just be glad you’ll see them, because many couldn’t get a ticket to their tour. While a thirty minute set is frankly not long enough, it’s bound to be full of thrashing melodies, political messages and energy, and if their Glastonbury set is anything to go by, there’ll be plenty of crowd interaction, huge pits, and scream-alongs. Get yourself near the front. Oh, and take yourself a paint colour chart and wait for Joe Talbot’s face to go a lovely shade of magenta through his impassioned hollering.

Nothing But Thieves

Truck Stage 8.15pm

Nothing But Thieves only have two albums to their name so far, but are already well on their way to achieving legendary status. Innovative and exciting, they’re also one of the most incredible live bands on the circuit right now – try not to be blown away by Conor Mason’s soaring, crystal clear vocals, and you’ll definitely fail. You’d be wise not to miss this set, just in case they do finally take that break from touring they’ve been talking about – and this will surely be one of the highlights of the weekend.

Wolf Alice

Truck Stage 9.45pm

Headliners Wolf Alice have been on a steady trajectory since the release of their 2013 EP ‘Blush’ – though saying ‘steady trajectory’ doesn’t give them the justice the deserve. In that time, they’ve released two critically acclaimed EPs, supported countless big-named bands, had their tracks featured in various films a TV shows, have been nominated for multiple awards – even winning the Mercury Award for their 2017 album ‘Visions Of A Life’. It’s only right they’re headlining the Truck Stage. Difficult to nail down in a particular genre, they’ll bounce between lo-fi grunge pop to staggeringly emotive, dreamy alt folk. They might not have the catchiest choruses or be the most sing-a-long band but they know how to write a song that’ll move you. And they’ll definitely move you.

SATURDAY

Hot Milk

The Nest 1.15pm

Hot Milk have been absolutely bloody everywhere this year, and you know what? We’re not even a little bit mad about it. In fact, we want more – and luckily, Truck Fest and The Nest stage are here to deliver. The Manchester quartet’s sparky, addictive emopop is full of energy and the perfect mid-weekend pick-me-up; this singalong (and dancealong) session with one of the best young bands in the scene is a must see.

https://youtu.be/3L8v39N_648

Press To Meco

The Nest 3.15pm

Masters of harmony Press to MECO released their sophomore album ‘Here’s To The Fatigue’ last year, following it up a few months ago with the ‘Acoustic’ EP. Now they’re bringing their unique sound to Truck Fest, blending irresistible hooks and technicality with uplifting pop rock that’s guaranteed to get feet tapping and heads bobbing. The Nest stage is packed with gems on Saturday, and Press To MECO are one of the brightest of the lot.

Milk Teeth

The Nest 4.15pm

If distorted, growling guitars and super poppy melodies packaged up in a big punky, grungy ribbon are your bag – and trust us, these things go together like Australians and Vegemite – this set from Milk Teeth is for you. It’s been a while now since the release of only full length ‘Vile Child’ in 2016, with only a few EPs in the meantime, but that hasn’t dulled their live performance. In fact, with guitarist/vocalist Em Foster (Nervus) having now joined full time, the band have been revitalised; expect some new material to make an appearance in this set, and get excited for the future of Milk Teeth.

Puppy

The Nest 6.15pm

There are a few bands on the bill due to explode in the next 12 months, and Puppy are one of those bands. Big favourites within the Punktastic team, their chunky riffs and pounding heaviness set the tone for their live shows. But don’t let that take away from their good humour. With their fanship growing every day, be sure to get there relatively early. The chances are, it’ll be a set to remember.

Don Broco

Truck Stage 6.45pm

Have Don Broco actually sat down on a sofa for longer than thirty seconds in the past year? Nobody really knows, but it seems unlikely. Having toured both the USA and UK about fifty times each since the release of acclaimed third album ‘Technology’ last February, they’re one of the most sought-after bands for any and all festival line-ups – and no wonder. Nobody starts a party like Don Broco, and you’ll never have more fun screaming the word “FUCK” than as part of the deliriously magical ‘Everybody’. Get your dancing shoes on and get down to the Truck stage.

https://youtu.be/W6JZ6IgCKKo

Mallory Knox

The Nest 8.45pm

It’s safe to say the last eighteen months have been quite the ride for Mallory Knox and their fans. After the departure of vocalist Mikey Chapman in February last year, backing vocalist and bassist Sam Douglas instantly took the helm to guide us into a new era for the Cambridge group. Their new singles have still carried the distinctive Mallory Knox sound, with just a dash more aggression that should translate well to the stage. Come down to see them top a stacked Nest Stage bill, and be part of this new beginning for a beloved band.

SUNDAY

Gaffa Tape Sandy

The Nest 3.45pm

By the time Truck Festival comes around, Gaffa Tape Sandy will have released their long awaited second EP. With cleverly written social observations such as ‘Headlights’ and ‘Meathead’, as well as crowd pleasers like ‘Beehive’, they’re sure to get everyone dancing. The Bury St. Edmunds trio have been getting airtime all over radios and playlists, as well as hitting our very own monthly playlist at least twice. It’s their second Truck Fest in as many years and they’re quickly picking up traction, so be sure to catch them here to jump on that proverbial bandwagon.

Martha

The Nest 5.45pm

If there was a band you would expect to rock up to your house asking if they could play a gig in your living room, it would be Martha. County Durham’s finest DIY indie-folk punks wrap devastatingly frank lyrics around uplifting melodies and will bring a rapturous, celebratory live show to The Nest on Sunday evening. Their latest album ‘Love Keeps Kicking’ is already one of our favourite records of 2019, delivering a smirking take on how a gut-wrenching break-up can actually be a good thing. Gather round The Nest and prepare your lungs for a whole lot of sing-a-longs.

You Me At Six

Truck Stage 7.45pm

If there’s a festival You Me At Six aren’t playing this year, we don’t know about it – the four piece are definitely keeping themselves busy this summer. More than ten years have elapsed since debut ‘Take Off Your Colours’, and the five piece are now an integral part of British rock with upbeat, joyous, electric live performances. It doesn’t matter how many festivals they’re playing this year – You Me At Six are worth seeing at every single one of them.

With support coming from the equally talented Chapter And Verse, who recently embarked on their own debut UK headline tour, what better way to spend a cold October evening?

Tickets go on sale at 10am on Wednesday 12 June, and a full list of dates can be found below.

OCTOBER
02 STOKE The Sugarmill
03 YORK Basement
04 HUDDERSFIELD The Parish
05 LEICESTER The Shed
10 BIRMINGHAM Flapper
11 MILTON KEYNES Craufurd Arms
12 TUNBRIDGE WELLS Forum Basement
16 OXFORD o2 Academy 2
17 BOURNEMOUTH Anvil
18 PLYMOUTH Underground
19 CHELTENHAM Frog And Fiddle
22 ST ALBANS The Horn
23 NEWCASTLE Think Tank
24 EDINBURGH Sneaky Petes
25 LIVERPOOL E.B.G.B.S
26 GUILDFORD Boileroom