REVIEW: 2000trees Festival, Saturday
Co-written by our Co-Founders, Thom Earle & Kelly Rose
The XCERTS by Carla Mundy
Unforgettable performances mark the last day of 2000trees 2024
Returning to the vibrant heart of 2000trees on the final day, the festival's unique blend of camaraderie and musical magic was palpable. Anticipation for another day of unforgettable performances was electric. Day 3 of 2000trees 2024 wasn't just a finale; it was a triumph of emotion, energy, and everything in between that makes 2000trees so special.
From Michael Cera Palin’s captivating performance, tackling heavy topics with raw, poignant lyrics, to The Nightmares bringing a goth vibe to the NEU stage with their beautifully haunting set, the day unfolded as an unforgettable rollercoaster of emotion and energy. Into It. Over It. made a triumphant return to the UK, blending introspective lyrics with infectious emo-pop melodies, while Kid Bookie’s explosive performance left an indelible mark on all present.
The day left such an impact that we’re still reeling from yet another remarkable chapter in the alternative music scene at 2000trees 2024. Let’s now delve into the standout moments that defined this exhilarating day!
Michael Cera Palin
Since their split and reunion, Michael Cera Palin's EP’s have achieved cult status in the emo community. Tackling heavy topics like self-harm and internal preservation, they create a symbolic sphere of consciousness that intimately embraces the listener. The trio of Elliott Brabant, Jon Williams, and Chad Miller have announced they're working on their debut album, creating buzz on their recent UK tour. If the reaction from the crowd at 2000trees is any indication, their debut album is set to cement their status as one of the most influential bands in the scene.
Photography by Gareth Bull
Press Club
Aussie alt-punks Press Club tore up The Axiom at 2000trees with an electrifying set. Inspired by the raw energy of The Who and Hüsker Dü, this Melbourne-based quartet, consisting of vocalist Natalie Foster, guitarist Greg Rietwyk, bassist Rufio MacRae, and drummer Frank Lees, delivered a powerful performance. Their set list included fan favorites like "Eugene," "Coward Street," and "Separate Houses," culminating in the explosive "Suburbia."
Formed in 2016, Press Club quickly gained a reputation for their loud, brash songs and energetic live shows. Their debut album, Late Teens, and follow-up, Wasted Energy, established them as a force in the punk scene. Despite setbacks due to the pandemic, their third album, released in October 2022, showcases their evolution, combining raw intensity with refined polish. The crowd's reaction at 2000trees suggests that Press Club's influence and popularity are only set to grow.
Photography by Carla Mundy
The XCERTS
The Xcerts delivered an unforgettable set on the Main Stage at 2000trees, featuring a special appearance from Josh Franceschi of You Me at Six. The setlist included hits like "GIMME," "Daydream," and "Shaking in the Water," building up to the powerful "Feels Like Falling in Love," performed with Franceschi.
Formed in Aberdeen by Murray Macleod and Jordan Smith, The Xcerts have become a staple in the alt-rock scene, known for their dynamic performances and heartfelt lyrics. Their latest album, Learning How to Live and Let Go, showcases their evolution, blending anthemic rock with introspective themes. The energy and connection with the crowd at 2000trees affirmed The Xcerts' status as a must-see live act, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what's next for this influential band.
Photography by Carla Mundy
Every Hell
We hadn't experienced Every Hell live before, and their performance at the fully packed Cave was truly eye-opening. Fronted by vocalist and saxophonist Will Gardner and backed by bassist Andrew Gosden (formerly of Brighton's Black Peaks), along with guitarist Toby Stewert, and drummer Mark Roberts, they emerged as one of the festival's most unexpected surprises. Their self-described "Doom Pop" sound captivated the audience, highlighted by Gardner's ability to conjure dark, twisting tones from his saxophone. If you, like us, are headed to ArcTanGent next month, make sure to prioritize catching Every Hell's set—it promises to be an unforgettable addition to your festival experience.
Photography by Gareth Bull
The Nightmares
Festivals are a great way to experience every aspect of your personality, and we all know there are times when we want to dress in black, surround ourselves with candles, and embrace our inner goth. Thankfully, at this year’s 2000trees, Newport’s The Nightmares were there to scratch that itch. For those who haven’t heard The Nightmares before, imagine your favourite elements of goth bands like The Cure, Placebo, and Bauhaus wrapped up in a synthy, jangly, brooding, and creepy package.
Dressed in black, the band took to the NEU stage accompanied by the intimate light of electric candles as they ripped into a beautifully haunting set. The band was visibly taken aback by the crowd that gathered to see them play their top-of-bucket-list festival. Their latest single, “Something In The Dark,” shone brightly, making us very excited to see where the Sci-Fi-tinged blue period takes the band next.
Photography by Jez Pennington
Into It. Over It.
Into It. Over It. made a triumphant return to the UK at 2000trees festival after a nine-year wait, kicking off their set with "Embracing Facts," albeit with a minor setback as drummer Adam Beck broke his drum seconds into the opener. Despite this technical hiccup, the band delivered a barnstorming performance that captivated the crowd. Their setlist, including favorites like "Upstate Blues," "Adult Contempt," and "Fortunate Friends," showcased Evan Weiss' knack for blending introspective lyrics with infectious emo-pop melodies. For those who missed out, catching them on their current UK tour, accompanied by Sweet Pill, promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Photography by Jez Pennington
Angel Du$t
Since their formation in 2013, Angel Du$t have gained a reputation as one of the best live acts, a status unsurprising given their lineup includes members from Turnstile, Trapped Under Ice, and Diamond Youth. Their incorporation of softer indie and pop elements has broadened the scope of what hardcore punk can be. As expected, The Cave was packed for their set, with the hench-mulleted Justice Tripp posing an imposing figure, as all great hardcore frontpeople should. Classics like "Brand New Soul" and "Big Bite" mixed with newer hits like "Space Jam" and "Sippin' Lysol" as the crowd descended into the chaos that only a hardcore pit can create.
Photography by Gareth Bull
Kid Bookie
The sky had been threatening rain all day, and as Kid Bookie hit the stage, it finally opened up. However, the precipitation did little to dampen Bookie’s energy; he went off like a rocket. When we spoke to him earlier in the day, he was calm, with a slightly imposing presence that radiated star power. By his set, he went supernova. Kid Bookie is a superstar—some people just don’t know it yet. Despite some technical issues, his set at 2000trees will live long in the memories of those fortunate enough to be there. Hits like "AI (Save Yourself)" prove that we're all just living in Bookie's world. Roll on September and the release of Songs For The Living // Songs For The Dead—that album's going to be huge.
Photography by Jez Pennington
