Musically, ‘Baby, I’m A Runaway’ is very similar to his debut, which is a smart move to make. It’s too early for Lynch to attempt a radical departure from what captured so many hearts in the first place. However, the increased instrumentation is a welcome addition. With a full band behind him now, it adds a new level of depth to Lynch’s arsenal that will no doubt help his live show expand and cater for more full band live shows.

The album is filled with Lynch’s effortless charm, shifting from upbeat summer vibes on the likes of ‘Runaway’ to attention grabbing and simple but beautiful ballads about the highs and lows of growing up like ‘Youth’. ‘Sure Thing’ and ‘Good For Me’ are the standout tracks of the album, where the band sound their tightest, offering accessibility and singalong moments, sharing a Jamie T style vibe to them.

Lynch’s vocal chops aren’t going to impress anyone but his voice does complement his songwriting and British nature perfectly well. The singer’s lyrics are uncomplicated but distinctive. One thing that he has always been one of the best in the country at is his captivating storytelling abilities that are most noticeable on ‘Tectonic Plates’. Every verse leaves you hanging for the next in awe of how much emotion one man and his guitar can evoke.

Yes, there are noticeable comparisons to Frank Turner. His style is similar but so is his working man ideology and punk rock ethos. But that whole schtick has been going on for decades and it still isn’t boring. Lynch does justice to the sensibilities that the likes of Springsteen, Dylan, Bragg, Marling and Fallon would all tip a hat to. There’s no shame in that.

Closing on the atmospheric ‘Kings & Queens’, a track that that will fit in perfectly with the singer’s live set; ‘Baby, I’m A Runaway’ won’t be the album that will make Rob Lynch soar to mainstream success, but it still displays levels of growth, authenticity and honesty that the singer can be more than proud of.

LOUIS KERRY

You’ve returned to 2000 Trees again this year, what’s your favourite thing about the Festival?

I think the atmosphere, it’s so good. I’m not slagging off bigger Festivals, because they’re great, but there is more chance of their being a bit of aggro and animosity at those bigger places and you lose the intimacy that you get here. You can wander around on your own and within two minutes you see someone that you know. I was thinking about it as well, line-up wise, if you took all the bands that you wanted to watch at something like Reading and Leeds and put them on one Festival, split between four stages without clashes, that’s what you get here. If you took the Lock Up stage [from Reading and Leeds] and a little bit of the Festival Republic stage, that’s 2000 Trees with 5,000 people. It’s great.

That’s what I love about it, I have one clash the entire weekend and that is just lovely. Plus you can get anywhere you need to be within five minutes!

That’s it! It’s like they’ve actually thought about like, “this kind of music band might want to watch this band so we won’t put the bands of the same genre on at the same time”

You’re here with so many label mates and buddies, is there anyone in particular you’re excited to see?

I’ve seen a lot of the bands I’m friends with play recently at shows or Festivals, but I am excited to see Basement. I’ve seen them once or twice, but not for a few years so that will be cool. I’m excited for Creeper, always excited to see them. Ash as well, I used to have ‘1977’ on cassette tape when I was ten years-old, so that’s what? Twenty years ago now? I don’t think I’ve ever seen them so I’m kinda excited for that.

I’m not sure if I can fit them into my schedule, but I also kinda want to see them just to see what they’re like now.

Thing is, they’re not even that old! I think Tim was like 16 when they put out ‘1977’, which is only six years older than I was at the time, so he must only be in his mid-thirties. Mad.

Your new album isn’t far away now (available at time of publishing) how are you currently feeling about it?

I just want to get it out there. It’s been a year in the making I guess, from writing to release it’s been a year, so it feels like now it’s time to get it out there.

How did you find writing this one compared to the last?

Relatively easy actually. I’ve chatted a lot of people and they’ve all said “second album is the difficult one, you’ve got your whole life to write your first album but a year to write your second”, but it came together in the space of about three months. I just got myself in a headspace and the songs kept on coming and coming, then I chose ten that I was happy with and that was the album. I didn’t struggle with it, so touch wood it’s the same with the next one.

Were there any particular topics you wanted to approach with the album, or any messages you wanted to convey?

The first album was extremely personal and kinda dealt with grief and moving forward and trying to find positives in dark times, so I felt like I’d kinda done that approach and for this one I wanted it to still feel personal but to not rehash old themes. I went for kinda deconstructing how I’ve kept friendships and relationships alive whilst being on the road for a year and a half, and finally realising dreams I’ve been working towards for years and years and what impact that has on other people. Maybe sometimes I don’t think enough about how that all effects them. It’s still incredibly personal, but just not coming from the same angle as the first one.

What do you think makes the album stand out?

We just went for our take on a sound that isn’t really a thing at the moment. We weren’t like, “let’s jump on that sound because that’s really popular at the moment” or because we love this band or that band who are doing really well. Let’s just write some songs that we like, drawing on influences from music I was listening to growing up, so we kinda looked at a lot of bands from the nineties and took bits from them and used them in a fresh way. Hopefully it sounds like our own record rather than trying to ride off coattails, whether that works or not, who knows?

The album is called ‘Baby, I’m a Runaway’ – but if you could runaway to anywhere in the world, where would you choose?

You know what? I’d go to Cornwall. Every summer as a kid we’d always go to Cornwall, there are these two beaches where we always used to stay. I’ve got really fond memories of family holidays and it’s just perfect. You could travel halfway around the world and literally not find beaches as nice, or views as nice as there. I hadn’t been for years and years, because it was a place we’d go as a family and when my Dad died, we went the year after just to go one last time and then I thought I’d put it to rest. But, we played in Devon recently and we had an off-day so we drove to the beaches I used to go to and it was amazing. It was a beautiful, sunny day and we got to walk around for a couple hours and I was like, this is paradise. I felt at peace for the first time in a long time.

I completely agree with you on that one, it’s nice to feel disconnected for a while in such a beautiful place! Moving on then, if you could play a Festival with any three acts, who would they be?

Bob Marley, Bruce Springsteen and Elliot Smith

That’s a strong three!

Yeah it is! It’d be well good wouldn’t it?

Yeah that’d be a pretty great Festival. Did you see Bruce Springsteen when he came over [to the UK]?

I didn’t! I really wanted to and I slept on getting tickets. I thought someone else was getting me a ticket and I hadn’t seen there message saying, “dude I can’t afford to get your ticket, can you get it?” and I didn’t see it until all the tickets had sold out. I’m hoping he’s going to be back again.

Fingers crossed! Finally then, tell the Punktastic readers why they should pick up your new album?

Because I could really do with the money to pay my rent haha. London rent is expensive and less people are buying music so please, help me.

TAMSYN WILCE

THURSDAY

Kicking off our 2000 Trees weekend was the bandana-wearing Rob Lynch and his army of sidekicks. With new album ‘Baby I’m A Runaway’ only weeks away, ‘Trees was the perfect time to catch the new songs live, including recent single ‘Prove It!’. However it was fan favourite ‘My Friends & I’ which really made an impact, the roaring crowd drowning out Rob’s vocals as he stands back with a massive grin on his face. Brian Fallon and Frank Turner might want to watch their backs, because Lynch is right on their heels and doing exceedingly well. [TW]

Three years ago, I arrived at my first ever 2000 Trees Festival and one of the first bands I watched that weekend was The Xcerts. Now, standing in almost the same spot as I did then, it’s easy to see the growth the band have made in those few years. With a packed out Cave Stage, the Scottish trio power through tracks from the last album and their new found confidence is staggering. ‘Aberdeen 1987’ receives a sing-a-long that could probably be heard from hundreds of miles away and Festival romance filled the air as a couple get engaged during the ever-emotional ‘There Is Only You’, aww. There is a reason that The Xcerts keep getting asked back to 2000 Trees and we’re sure as hell not ready to let them leave yet. [TW]

The Forest is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the Festival, with hammocks and hay bails aplenty to chill out with your pals and soak up the acoustic niceties of the artists who play. Somewhat of a local hero at ‘Trees is Jim Lockey, better known as the frontman of Solemn Sun. Two years ago he stood on this exact same stage and spoke the words that he would never play his old (Jim Lockey & the Solemn Sun) songs again. Alas, you can’t deny the crowd for too long and the turnout for his solo acoustic set was huge. Songs of old are met with huge praise and love from fans & friends alike and with his final tune came the humblest of endings. Standing amongst the crowd, his closest companions gathered around him and sung the words back as loud as they could, and for once it was nice to take a step back and witness the effect music has on personal friendships, a sight that can only leave you with a smile. [TW]

Tonight sees secret headliner Frank Turner take to the stage in the Axiom tent, and judging by the excellent turnout, the ‘secret’ didn’t stay secret for very long. 2000 Trees is exactly the right crowd for Frank Turner: from old Million Dead fans to the devoted followers of his solo career, everyone is delighted to see him play. There are too many singalong moments to mention, but with a setlist that includes tracks like ‘English Curse’ and ‘The Balled Of Me And My Friends’, it’s safe to say everyone present is having a lovely time. [LMW]

Over on the Cave stage, The Bronx are more than ready to let loose. If there’s one band who know how to play a rip roaring live show, it’s ‘The Motherfucking Bronx’. From start to finish, it’s complete and utter chaos, exactly as you would expect from a The Bronx show. Even playing on big stages, they come across just as raw and passionate as they did when they first started out, and that’s a pretty impressive feat for a band who have been going for over a decade. Long live The Bronx. [LMW]

FRIDAY

Alcopop Records’ latest darlings Happy Accidents probably weren’t the most popular kids in school, but they make one hell of a cool indie band. Frontman Rich is all limbs and laughter as they work through tracks from recently released debut ‘You Might Be Right’ and drummer Phoebe proves that chicks can sit behind a kit and slay just as much as if they were up front. The trio deliver their indie-punk melodies with a huge side of fun and it’s easy to see why so many have warmed to the band. The Neu Stage at ‘Trees is about bringing Festival goers the best in emerging talent and Happy Accidents are a band everyone should have on their radar. [TW]

2000 Trees isn’t the only great thing to come out of Cheltenham you know, and the guys in Crooks made it their duty to do their hometown proud with their main stage performance. Though possibly the band would have been better suited to the Cave, as some of vocals and guitars were lost amongst the overpowering bass, Crooks still put on a stellar performance. Vocalist Josh Rogers is as energetic and emotional as ever and the delivery of the tracks from debut ‘Are We All The Same Distance Apart’ is almost faultless. With Solemn Sun’s Chris Capewell joining in the fun for his guest vocal slot on ‘What Might Have Been’ the performance is one they’ll surely remember for years to come. [TW]

Trash Boat are one of those bands who have a lot of hype around them right now, and after watching them play the Cave stage, it’s well and truly justified. The band have a fairly early stage time and they still manage to fill the tent. They have fantastic energy, bouncing around the stage, and teamed with some great songs, they’re a pleasure to watch. [LMW]

WACO are one of those bands who don’t sound anything like anyone else, and it’s their uniqueness (and loud shirts) that make them so interesting to watch. Frontman Jak Hutchcraft and his band are incredibly watchable, so make sure you keep an eye on these guys. There’s a reason why Venn Records signed them. [LMW]

With members from Gallows and Sikth (as well as Radio 1 Rock Show’s Dan P Carter), Krokodil were never going to be anything but relentlessly heavy. When they take to the Cave stage, there’s a huge turnout, and rightfully so. This band have some fantastic chugging riffs and it’s almost impossible not to headbang while they play. Brilliant. [LMW]

Counterfeit only formed last year, but they’ve already achieved a lot: they played a hugely successful first UK headline tour in April, and they’ve been playing European festivals this summer, as well as shows with the mighty Billy Talent. Frontman Jamie Campbell-Bower (also known for being in Twilight, Harry Potter etc) has a wonderfully unique voice and fantastic charisma to match, and the whole band are a pleasure to watch. Songs like their newest single ‘Enough’ are only a small taster of what’s to come from these guys. Definitely ones to watch. [LMW]

In a stroke of perfect timing, the sun comes out just in time for Neck Deep. And if there’s one band in the world who sound good in the sunshine, it’s them. They get a huge turnout, one of the biggest of the whole weekend, and they get an incredible reaction. There are gigantic sing-a-longs and genuinely great pop-punk vibes, and it truly feels like summer while they’re playing. The highlight of the whole set is predictably their ‘Can’t Kick Up The Roots’ finale, but the whole set’s pretty damn great. Bravo. [LMW]

Similarly to The Xcerts, it was at 2000 Trees a couple years ago that I first got to see Lonely the Brave live and I haven’t looked back since. Back then though, the band were still finding their footsteps as a group, with only a handful of songs to their name. Now, they’re two albums deep and they’re tighter than ever as live performers. Vocalist David Jakes has become somewhat known for his timidness on stage, often standing at the rear rather than playing the part of a flamboyant frontman, but this evening we see him take a step forward and really make the most of his time on the stage. The newer songs are just as powerful as those that won us over at the beginning and though they don’t follow any ‘trends’ within music, what they do create is heartfelt and beautiful and they should feel proud of everything they’ve become. [TW]

Next up are Mallory Knox on the main stage, and they are just as wonderful as ever. This band are the absolute best for catchy choruses and huge sing-a-longs, and they sound completely glorious this evening. Playing songs like ‘Getaway’ and ‘Shout At The Moon’ off their most recent album ‘Asymmetry’ throughout the set and then dropping the huge ‘Lighthouse’ as their finale, everyone in the crowd is delighted. [LMW]

It’s safe to say Basement have been pretty popular for a long time, especially since they returned from their hiatus in 2014. Tonight they completely pack out the Cave tent, which is overflowing with gushing fans, and it’s a great night for them. It’s also a good chance for fans to hear material off ‘Promise Everything’, which was released in January, along with some older hits. They sound great tonight, and everyone comes away extremely happy. [LMW]

Over on the Axiom stage, Moose Blood have more than packed out the tent, and it’s a truly special night for everyone involved. Moose Blood are one of those bands people really connect with, and ‘I’ll Keep You In Mind, From Time To Time’ is one of those albums that truly touches people. With the mixture of Moose Blood’s excellent show, the sing-a-longs and the lighting, it makes for an incredible atmosphere. The most special moment of the night is when they play ‘Gum’ and everyone starts an almighty sing-a-long to “Do you wanna come over later…?” There are people sitting on other people’s shoulders with arms in the air singing their little hearts out, and it’s wonderful to see. Bravo Moose Blood. [LMW]

In the weeks running up to 2000 Trees, it seemed like Twin Atlantic’s headline performance could be put in jeopardy after vocalist Sam McTrusty caught a severe viral throat infection, which lead to the cancellation of many shows and other Festival slots. Fortunately, he battled through and they arrived to the main stage ready to give it everything they’d got. ‘Gold Elephant: Cherry Alligator’ kicked everything into gear, big, bright lights emphasising their arrival. All worries of Sam’s abilities were shattered as he threw himself into the song, looking effortlessly cool and ever the rockstar as he bounced around the stage, flaunting the somewhat new direction Twin Atlantic are heading in with the new album.

From then on it is full-throttle, Twin Atlantic at their absolute best. ‘Hold On’, ‘Make a Beast of Myself’ and ‘Yes, I Was Drunk’ are pure crowd pleasers, but it’s ‘I Am An Animal’ that causes havoc, with Twin demanding we drop to the floor and throw ourselves back up to the final, hyperactive chorus. Understandably, ‘Free’ is a must-hear for the thousands that have gathered to see them and it is made oh so sweeter by the additional vocals from Murray Macleod (The Xcerts), you can almost feel the Scottish pride oozing out of all of them.

With their headline performance coming to its end, Twin perform a stunning rendition of ‘Crash Land’, bringing everyone together for a (slightly wobbly) sway before we all have one last hurrah to ‘Brothers & Sisters’ and ‘Heart and Soul’. To some, Twin Atlantic were an unlikely choice to headline 2000 Trees, but they pull it off better than many who have graced the same slot before. With their fourth album on its way, it’s doubtful that this will be their only Festival headlining slot for years to come. [TW]

SATURDAY

UK hardcore has seen a surge of credible acts breaking into the limelight recently and Terrible Love are a band that stand out amongst the ruckus. Debut EP ‘Change Nothing’ blew my head off when it was released and despite feeling slightly broken (it is the third day after all) I was very much ready for more of the same. Opening with the EPs title track, frontman Jonathan Desmond demands us to wake the fuck up, his throaty vocals raw with emotion. The set is short but devilishly sweet and proves that Terrible Love are onto something really great. [TW]

Scotland is well represented at 2000 Trees this year, what with Twin Atlantic headlining and The Xcerts kicking off the Festival on Thursday night, but the one band who well and truly bring the party is pop-rap-rock outfit The LaFontaines. Fusing together huge choruses with Kerr’s unique Scottish rapping (really, it works) this mad bunch have everyone off their feet, even those that were so adamant to remain on their bums. With fellow Scotsmen in the crowd, chants of “FREEDOM!” were bounced back and forth throughout, Kerr impressed with his tennis skills thanks to the fancy dressers in the crowd and overall everyone just had a really good fucking time. Sometimes music can get a little too serious and a lot of drama unfolds, but then there is The LaFontaines and they’re here to remind you to enjoy yourself every once in a while. [TW]

Creeper are another of those bands who have a lot of hype around them right now, and approximately a quarter of the crowd at 2000 Trees seem to be wearing their merchandise. Pretty impressive for a band who haven’t been around all that long, but they deserve it. They don’t sound a million miles away from a love child of Alkaline Trio and AFI, but that’s a hell of a compliment in itself. Today they are raw and energetic while also maintaining a great sound, and there’s no doubt they’re ones to watch. [LMW]

Zoax are one of those bands you can watch over and over again and never get bored of them. Every show is a little different, each one a little more bonkers than the last and frontman Adam Carroll never disappoints. This time he aggravates anyone who’d chosen to sit just outside the Cave stage and enjoy their food, stole a bottle of whisky and coke and also borrowed approximately 7 hats from those gathered around him. All of this while the rest of the band seamlessly deliver the funk-infused hardcore rhythms which make up the band’s debut album. Aside from all the fun and frolics of their live set, Zoax have worked incredibly hard to get to this stage of their career and it’s really great to see them becoming so widely adored within the alternative music scene. [TW]

Over on the Axiom stage are Black Foxxes, who are about to release their debut album ‘I’m Not Well’. There’s a great turnout for them, and their mixture of big riffs and often melancholy lyrics makes for a special performance. They’re undoubtedly a band with a lot of potential, and there’s not long to wait to see what they’ve got under their sleeves with their debut album (spoiler: it’s pretty great). [LMW]

Grumble Bee probably isn’t a name you’d put with a music act, but it’s one you definitely need to pay attention to. Jack Bennett & crew, aka Grumble Bee take to the Neu Stage as if they’d played it a thousand times over. With only one EP, it’s amazing to see so many people singing every song word for word and becoming emotionally involved with the performance. Bennett is an exceptionally talented musician, with a jaw-dropping vocal tone, it’s hard to not just stand there in awe of the man. He’s thankful for everyone who’s shown up today, when really it’s us who are thankful for the music he has written. Big, BIG things are still yet to come for this humble man. [TW]

Tonight While She Sleeps more than bring the fire to the Cave tent. The crowds are overflowing and the suspense before they come on is huge. As they take to the stage, the crowd go absolutely wild, with While She Sleeps flags flying and the fans chanting for them. This is one of the rowdiest crowds of the whole festival, and the band incite a circle pit that’s so massive it goes around the outside of the tent. It’s bloody fantastic to see, and with their setlist including absolute bangers like ‘Four Walls’, ‘Seven Hills’ and ‘This Is The Six’, it couldn’t get much better. Utterly glorious. [LMW]

TAMSYN WILCE & LAIS MARTINS-WARING

The track is taken from Lynch’s forthcoming ‘Baby, I’m A Runaway’ LP, due for release on the 22nd July via Xtra Mile Recordings.

Lynch will be appearing at 2000trees Festival this weekend, before heading into mainland Europe.

To celebrate the announcement, and with his appearance at Slam Dunk’s acoustic stage just around the corner, Lynch has unveiled new track, ‘Sure Thing’.

“It’s a song about being in a bit of a slump and longing for someone to drag you out of it, whether that be through a person themself or through music/literature (there’s a few nods to my favourite writers/artists in there),” he explains. “The joyous nature of the music is supposed to win out over the downbeat lyrics to invoke an overall sense that everything will be alright.”

Continuing his introspective storytelling, the track is one of ten new songs to appear on ‘Baby, I’m A Runaway’. Stream ‘Sure Thing’ below, and check out the tracklisting and live dates after that.

TRACKLISTING
01 Prove It!
02 Runaway
03 Selfish Bones
04 Sure Thing
05 Closer
06 Tectonic Plates
07 Salt Spring
08 Good For Me
09 Youth
10 Kings & Queens

MAY
27 YORK The Black Swan
28 LEEDS Slam Dunk Festival
29 BIRMINGHAM Slam Dunk Festival
30 HATFIELD Slam Dunk Festival

JUNE
02 LONDON The Scala (supporting Fatherson)

JULY
07 CHELTENHAM 2000 Trees Festival
19 WIESBADEN, GERMANY Schlachthof
20 HAMBURG, GERMANY Uebel & Gefährlich Dachgarten
21 BERLIN, GERMANY Sommerloft
22 HALLE, GERMANY Objekt 5
23 HANNOVER, GERMANY Lux
24 COLOGNE, GERMANY Blue Shell

If that wasn’t enough, and there’s still more to be announced, the Friday Night Party line-up has been revealed too. Topped by Rob Lynch playing the brilliant ‘All These Nights In Bars Will Somehow Save My Soul’ in full with a full band, the melodic affair is completed by our pals The Gospel Youth and The Lion & The Wolf.

That’s Rob Lynch, The Gospel Youth and The Lion & The Wolf at the Macbeth on the 11th March. Get your tickets.

Here is how the whole thing is looking, with more details over on Facebook:

Lynch’s stint on the tour will take in five dates across England, with Augustana also playing Dublin, Belfast and Glasgow prior.

JANUARY
31 DUBLIN Academy*

FEBRUARY
01 BELFAST Limelight*
02 GLASGOW Broadcast*
04 NOTTINGHAM Bodega
05 MANCHESTER Deaf Institute
06 BIRMINGHAM O2 Academy 3
07 BRISTOL Louisiana
09 LONDON Dingwalls

*w/o Rob Lynch

The event will take place on the 17th December 2015 at The Monarch in Camden, London.

Full details and tickets are available via The Monarch website.

London based singer songwriter Rob Lynch has released a brand new track ahead of his performance at this years Slam Dunk Festival. “I’m Positive I’m An Optimist” is about picking yourself up and remembering to live life to the full despite the adversities life can throw at you. The video comprises of footage taken at last years Vans Warped Tour.

“Almost a year has passed since I set sail to North America to spend 2 months playing on the Vans Warped Tour. To commemorate that, I have put together a video documenting some of the great experiences I had. ‘I’m Positive, I’m An Optimist’ is a song that I’ve been playing live for a while now, so I’m excited to get the recorded version out there in the universe for all to hear. I think it’s a good fit for a nostalgic look back at last summer. And, yes, that is Coolio.”

Vevo DSCVR have posted an acoustic performance by Rob Lynch. He recently performed ‘My Friends & I’, taken from last year’s ‘All These Nights In Bars Will Somehow Save My Soul’, for the video platform.