2000 Trees Festival 2018 – Day Two
After a stunning first day at 2000 Trees Festival our photographer/reviewer Neale was ready for a full day on ay two. His highlights include
1. Holding Absence
I’ve caught this up and coming gem of a band a few times before. From the very start lead singer Lucas is getting about all over the stage, getting the crowd riled up and the guitarists are dropping some tasty riffs to the deep and powerful soundscapes.
‘Penance’ and ‘Permanent’ are noticeable tracks from these guys, they’ve evidently put alot of thought and effort into the meaning of their songs; most of which are a mix of Sam Carter esque shouting and You Me At Six refrains.
2. Hellions
I heard of these guys back in 2017 when I interviewed Void of Vision, the lead singer mentioned Hellions as his favourite band. It’s easy to see why.
The lead singer has bucket loads of energy onstage and at one point he kicked an inflatable football straight past my head. He asked the crowd if anyone was hungover to which we were greeted with a loud roar of desparate moans from the crowd, it is definitely Day Two at Trees and the outdoor silent disco has claimed it’s first few victims of the weekend.
Overall, an incredibly decent blend of pop punk melody, rap and hardcore. Genres really are dead these days, everyone is doing everything and doing it well to be fair.
3. h09909
This was the most unique set of the weekend for me. The lead singer came on wearing a UK Police outfit, in a packed out tent awash with blue lights and thick fog. All anyone could really see was two bizzare shadows jumping around with sporadic flood lights going mental throughout.
Loved it.
4. Touche Amore
We have our very first period of rain for 2000 Trees and everyone packs into the tents to stay dry. It pours solidly for an hour or two before residing to a muggy overcast.
Touche Amore sounded like Rise Against to me, shouty lyrics and a prominent metallic snare smashing through the guitars.
‘Green’ is a decent track, love the raw punk nature.
5. Mallory Knox
This is the first time I’ve seen the legendary Mallory Knox since singer Mikey parted ways with the band. I was impressed.
They’ve retained their ability to draw a crowd with the classics such as ‘Lighthouse’ and ‘Beggars’ and even carved out some new fans with the newer material, which is notably more indie than alternative rock.
6. Creeper
One of the most packed out tents I’ve ever seen at a Festival, you know it’s for Creeper.
They’ve been tipped as ones to watch for a while now, especially with the rave reviews of their live shows. Even Andy Copping at Download Festival was impressed with their main stage performance in early June.
Classic rock, with elements of Guns N Roses and darker tones with AFI, the delivery from the band is excellent and Will knows how to control a crowd, it’s in the palm of his hand throughout.
‘Black Rain’ is a beautifully crafted song, sad, deep and powerful songwriting.
7. Conjurer
The heaviest band of the weekend for me. These guys know their way around a quiet refrain only to punch you in the face with crushing guitars, ferocious drumming and demonic shrieking.
Even the more extreme genres of metal are transcending themselves.
Comparisons can be made with Carnifex, with a little The Faceless thrown in, dubbed ‘post-metal’ by Kerrang! and Metal Hammer. If you like it heavy, check out their debut album ‘Mire’, specifically the title track and ‘Retch’, it really is gnarly stuff.
There were pits.
8. Twin Atlantic
This is why I love 2000 Trees, we go from a band who are in their own league of deathcore in Conjurer to Twin Atlantic, the diversity is great to see.
Sporting suits for the night, the Scots got underway with their rocky anthems for everyone to sing along too, think a fuller sounding Biffy Clyro.
‘Make a Beast of Myself’, ‘Free’ and ‘Yes I was Drunk’, all going down with explosive results, the band are experienced in delivering an entertaining show.
The lighting also impressed me for their set, elegant and refined. No curveballs.
After some sleep and no doubt more silent disco Neale’s review will conclude tomorrow on Birmingham Live.
Photographer/Reviewer: Neale Hayes