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]

Words by Yasmin Brown [YB], Catie Allwright [CA] and Brad Stratton [BS]. Photos by Penny Bennett

HERIOT

Let’s hope you’ve got a strong stomach, because HERIOT are a lot to take in at 11am. That doesn’t seem to be an issue for the two-steppers who have congregated en masse, already swigging bottles of homemade Long Island iced tea and furiously headbanging. The Cave is aptly named and surprisingly full for such an early slot, but HERIOT are blazing a trail for themselves after releasing their debut EP in just April this year. Later referred to by James and the Cold Gun as “the best new metal band”, HERIOT’s performance is powerful albeit a little serious and stiff – they might have nailed down Debbie Gough’s shudderingly piercing vocals, drummer Julian Gage’s furiously relentless rhythms and guitarists Erhan Alman and Jake Packer’s chaotically intricate riffs, but it’s not clear whether they’ve loosened up into their fame enough to engage with their crowds and show us what a good time they’re having. But it’s still very, very early days for a band with such promise. [CA]

James and the Cold Gun

If James and the Cold Gun can be described in any single word, it’s ‘enthusiastic’. So much so, in fact, that front man extraordinaire, James Joseph, frequently finds his sunglasses slipping further and further down his nose as he throws himself around. It’s fairly dark inside the tent and sunnies certainly aren’t needed but it adds to the band’s edgy yet somehow flamboyant look – all part of their addictive on-stage presence. Joseph himself is the perfect front man, embracing a groovy persona and encouraging “the movers and the shakers” to do the same as they launch into a setlist full of cool rock songs. Flying their Welsh flag with pride, this Cardiff band aren’t afraid to cause a ruckus, particularly during the likes of ‘It’s Mutual’ and ‘She Moves’, and by the end of the set the previously modest and polite crowd join Joseph in the chaotic energy that now fills the tent. With bodies flying clumsily across the crowd by the time ‘Long Way Home’ plays out, it’s clear to say that this has been nothing short of a raging success. [YB]

Chapter & Verse

There’s nothing more impressive than a band that brings instant energy to a festival set. Many less well known acts take a moment to warm up – both themselves and the crowd. Chapter and Verse, thankfully, fit firmly into the former camp. Leaping onto stage in the jazziest of suits, front man Josh Carter demands that we move our heads to the music as they happily embrace their second appearance at 2000Trees. Their electro-rock sound goes a treat, the often poppy nature of their music making the heavier elements even more jarring in stunning juxtaposition. Carter is chatty and wholesome when interacting with the crowd but he’s given a whole new edge when he starts singing. Sounding exactly as he does on record, there are no faults to be found in his performance which shines brightly over the voices of those fans in the first few rows of the crowd. It’s these attendees to whom the band dedicate ‘Ink’ – “the ones who have been with Chapter & Verse since day one” and from the energy they’re throwing back at the band they certainly deserve this dedication, however it’s clear to see that there’ll be plenty of us standing with C&V moving forwards from today. Next time, this dedication will be for us, too. [YB]

Petrol Girls

You can barely squeeze into the Cave tent ahead of Petrol Girls’ afternoon set. Igniting their fierce punk with a tank full of gasoline, this “raging feminist” four-piece are certainly not afraid of ruffling feathers. They come with a message that they express not just through their music but their dramatic on-stage presence, too. Drummer, Zock Astpai, isn’t one to sit down, instead choosing to dance around in full connection with the songs whereas at the helm of the band, Ren Aldridge shows passion and ferocity through headbanging so hard you fear a concussion is on the horizon. At times, it’s so ferocious that it feels overwhelmingly jarring but then again, perhaps that’s the point. And if it is, Petrol Girls are achieving all they set out for and so much more. [YB]

Orchards

With a cute summer dress and a glass of wine in hand on stage, lead singer Lucy Evers is someone we want to be friends with (and take lessons in high-kicks from). She’s the perfect front for Orchards’ perky alt-pop sound, pumped and ready to party. But it’s not all dancing and trivialities as there are some important messages too: fuck the Tories, fuck The Sun, and don’t hold women accountable for fragile male egos. ‘Girlfriend’ is about just that – she could be your girlfriend, but she’s already committed to herself. Taken from their first album ‘Lovecore’, which was released in 2020, Orchards are now relishing the opportunity to play to bouncing live crowds after too long spent in lockdown. They’ve waited three years to be back on this stage, and are radiating energy and enthusiasm (even shedding a wholesome tear when the performance ends). The set is fun, authentic and has given us plenty of fodder for our summer listening. [CA]

ROAM

It’s a strange day for ROAM as while they see themselves on today’s mainstage, performing to a huge crowd of fans who know every word to their nine song setlist, there’s also a heaviness that accompanies such an accomplishment as today marks the band’s last ever festival. It’s a valiant farewell for this Eastbourne five-piece and as they faultlessly perform every note under the brutal afternoon sun, you can’t help but feel this is the perfect and only way for them to play out their swan song. [YB]

Puppy

They’ve forgotten their phone cable so there’s no “cool walkout music”, but realistically Puppy don’t need fanfare. The tent is a little sparse to begin with, but quickly fills as the deliciously catchy ‘Black Hole’ spills out from the Axiom Tent and draws in a crowd of eager moshers. Having first played 2000Trees in 2016, the festival rightfully saw something special in Puppy. And it doesn’t take much to understand why: it’s remarkable that such complexity and finesse comes from just three people. If there are better guitarists out there, we haven’t come across them yet! With a new album (‘Pure Evil’) now under their belt from a few months ago, Puppy have some fresh tracks to share with us including the almost satanic ‘Shining Star’, ‘The Kiss’ and ‘…And Watched It Glow’. But the crescendo is still ‘Forever’, the first song Puppy ever wrote – a high bar to set so early in your musical career (but absolutely not to say that more recent material is anything less). [CA]

HECK

This year’s not-so-secret Secret Set sees The Cave packed out for what has quickly become one of the must-see performances of the festival, as Nottingham noisemakers HECK make their triumphant return to the big stage five years after splitting up. Anyone worried that the quartet’s half decade away may have softened their approach to creating pure chaos in the live environment sees those fears quickly allayed, as co-vocalist and lead guitarist Matt Reynolds can be seen crowd surfing even before raging opener “A Great Idea Bastardised” has finished. What follows is 30 minutes of sublime mayhem, as it becomes near impossible to track where Reynolds and fellow vocalist/guitarist Jonny Hall are at times. The duo keep riffing away whilst passed above the heads of the crowd, perform in a circle pit at the back of the tent and keep screeching away on the mic at eye-popping heights after climbing up the tent’s middle pole. By the end of closer “Dave Lankester”, drummer Tom Marsh and most of his kit join the duo in the crowd, with bassist Paul Shelley the lone member left on stage as their set comes to a thunderous crescendo. That many onlookers left the tent struggling to process the bedlam they’d just witnessed is the sign that one of the UK’s most underrated bands are well and truly back. [BS]

Rolo Tomassi

Rolo Tomassi have made quite a name for themselves in the alternative / hardcore scene, so it only makes sense that today they easily fill the tent long before their set even starts. While the clean female vocals leave something to be desired, the guttural screaming is fierce and both facets of this band work in perfect juxtaposition to create an undeniably impressive performance. The popularity of this band is evident – you simply cannot squeeze into the tent no matter how hard you try, and make no mistake, many do – and it’s clear as to why. Their talent is boundless, their energy goes beyond even that and there couldn’t possibly be a better platform for them to express that than here today at 2000Trees. Long may they return. [YB]

Boston Manor

After an uncharacteristically lethargic start, the dusty main stage crowd quickly picks up following front man Henry Cox’s semi-aggressive encouragement. As the chorus of ‘Algorithm’ kicks in, Boston Manor are suddenly in their element at what is their “favourite festival”, continuing to easily engage the crowd for the remaining duration of their early evening set. It’s hot – like, really hot – but that doesn’t stop fans from losing their minds, obeying Cox’s orders like school children in a PE class as he commands that they successfully open and maintain a circle pit that goes beyond the sound desk for the duration of ‘Funeral Party’, embracing the heat, sweat and dust with glee. New songs ‘Foxglove’ and the live debut of ‘Passenger’ are received with uninhibited excitement, with fans screaming along to every word despite ‘Passenger’ only having been released a day earlier, in conjunction with the announcement of brand new album, ‘Datura’. Crowdsurfers catapult themselves into the air throughout the set but never more so than during ‘Plasticine Dreams’, making the most of the band’s last show for at least five or six months, embracing it with every last bit of energy they have to give. Following nothing other than a makeshift rowing boat in the middle of the dusty pit during the raucous ‘You Me & The Class War’, Boston Manor close off with some of their strongest songs to date. With one last chance to lose their minds, everyone who’s braved today’s heat launching themselves into the air, screaming the lyrics as euphoric adrenaline courses through them with ‘Halo’ playing as the soundtrack to this incredible moment. Boston Manor are everywhere in the UK scene right now – exactly as they should be. The next five to six months may be long without them but we’re certain that whatever comes next will be well worth the wait. [YB]

Turnstile

Turnstile really said “GLOW ON” and the sun said “okay then”. It’s a working theory that the heatwave across the weekend can be attributed to Turnstile being on the lineup, and witnessing their golden hour Main Stage performance was truly something special. Referenced by numerous other acts across the weekend, the crowd was (expectedly) the biggest of the day after the truly monumental reaction to their album released last year. If there wasn’t already enough anticipation, we were kept waiting for another fifteen minutes. But for the precious time we did have with Turnstile, we made it count. It’s hard to pin down exact moments when every track is a straight 10/10, from the glittering ‘MYSTERY’ and ‘BLACKOUT’ to get us hyped, to the frantic ‘HOLIDAY’ and ‘T.L.C (TURNSTILE LOVE CONNECTION)’ that bring the set to a heart-pounding close. Bassist “Freaky” Franz Lyons looks like he’s having the time of his life, with lead vocalist and keyboardist Brendan Yates enthusiastically swinging the mic in and out of the crowd to hear us just that little bit louder. “Until next time, I love you”, says Yates as he exits the stage – and he knows they’ve left us wanting more. [CA]

PUP

What’s up, freaks? Canadian punk quartet PUP didn’t realise there were so many losers at the festival and this self-deprecating rhetoric (a jibe at frontman Stefan Babcock’s grandmother who called being in a band a Pointless Use of Potential, inspiring their name) seems to be working. Their introduction was short and to the point – they’re going to rip through as many songs as possible in the time they have, pick anyone up who falls over in the pit, and just as importantly let’s have a great time. One person might have taken this slightly to the extreme, climbing a pylon and sheepishly shuffling back down when the crowd beneath didn’t seem willing to break their fall, but the rest of the tent is clapping, dancing and singing along to the likes of ‘Anaphylaxis’, ‘Sleep In The Heat’, ‘Morbid Stuff’ and ‘Kids’ – spanning their impressive twelve-year repertoire. This is the last date for PUP in a short but sweet UK tour and in Babcock’s words, festivals are hit and miss, but they were told that 2000Trees would be good and it didn’t disappoint. [CA]

Vukovi

Arriving right on time, Scottish three-piece Vukovi storm onto stage to a cacophony of marching beats and alarms. The clapping starts instantly as the “best up and coming band from the United Kingdom” appear in front of us and chants of “Here we fucking go” all but drown out the music. The anticipation builds up to an explosion as not even one song in people are squeezing into any available space left in the tent. The band exude boundless energy as always and this is something the crowd easily feeds off as, without encouragement, they throw themselves into the air in enthusiastic crowd surfing, screaming along to every word. This energy continues throughout as the band make their way through a setlist made up of endless Vukovi hits, with the likes of C.L.A.U.D.I.A’ and, of course, ‘La Di Da’ receive the strongest reception. Vukovi really are one of the greatest bands in the UK industry now and every opportunity to see them live feels more special than the last. It won’t be long before they make their way up the bill at 2000Trees and beyond and my God do they deserve it. [YB]

Thrice

Flailing limbs for Turnstile have been replaced with a quiet respect for this evening’s main headliner, Thrice. If you’ve been even mildly interested in alternative music in the past 25 years, you’ll at least be familiar with the name and there’s a real feeling of sharing our evening with one of the greats. The field seems divided between the diehard fans who have waited years to see the 2005 album ‘Vheissu’ performed in full, and those who can’t recite a single word but are still hanging off every one that leaves lead vocalist Dustin Kensrue’s mouth. It’s not a lively reception, but it’s the kind of melodic, emotionally heavy music that takes you inside your mind instead of wanting to outwardly throw yourself around. 

The ambience is taken to another level as the sky gradually darkens behind the Main Stage, putting even more of a spotlight on these masterful musicians and a perfect alignment with ‘Vheissu’s closing track ‘Red Sky’. With ten studio albums, the set barely scratches the surface of Thrice’s discography – but we’re treated to some of their other favourites like ‘Scavengers’, ‘Hurricane’ and ‘Deadbolt’ before we retire to our tents (or get stuck into the silent disco). If you get the chance to see Thrice in future, regardless of how familiar you are with their music, don’t miss the opportunity. [CA]