This summer, you may recall we went to
2000Trees. One of the best small festivals on the circuit, its brilliance was
only dampened by a literal river of mud cascading down the main path through to
the arena area. Of course, for many this only heightened the experience and it
must be said that the steamy interior of the tent stages wouldn’t have been so
atmospheric without insane (mostly bearded) men surfing over other, equally
muddy punters. The warm up night of 2000Trees
brought two of the three best sets of the weekend back to back from Tellison
and Tall Ships. The duo triumphed with some huge sing-alongs and a heck of a
lot of wet dancing fans.
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| Tellison |
In many ways, tonight is not like this one.
We’re not in a field, it’s not raining and sadly its late Autumn. The wellies
have been left at home and instead of Cheltenham, we’re in a Shoreditch
basement. One thing remains the same though. Tellison, followed by Tall Ships.
First we’re treated to the Norweigan sounds
of Dad Rocks! A singer songwriter by trade, you’re won over by the charm of the
small supporting cast that includes a double bassist and trumpeter. The vocal
harmonies channel a very classic sound, whilst the melody resembles that of one
somewhere between Ben Gibbard and Sparky Deathcap (and that’s a high plaudit).
Tellison come on with some bombasity,
opening with standout single Edith Wharton and barely stopping for breath as
they rattle through indie-rock belter after another. The re-release of their
debut album Contact! Contact! coming up sees tracks such as Gallery greeted
with new invigoration whilst last year’s follow up; The Wages of Fear tracks
like Say Silence and slow single Freud Links the Teeth are greeted with cheers
and chorus sing-alongs. Not a bad response for a support act and so far, 2000Trees
is matched.
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| Tall Ships |
As Tall Ships take to the stage, its still
not raining or muddy indoors but as they set into staple set opener T=0,
sonically it’s the same. The Sussex trio’s live soundscape is a formidable one
and one that whilst hugely energetic, stays true to the sound of their studio
work. Convenient too, as their debut album, Everything Touching is one of our favorites
this year. They play mostly from it an as tracks such as Best Ever, a new tune
to the Tall Ships artillery blend in with more well known tracks like the
re-vamped Ode To Ancestors you understand how the record took so long to make.
The diversity in sound goes from a math-rock element in Chemistry (lead single
from their debut EP) to a more dance oriented sound on nine minute set closer
Murmurations. Its something to admire and whilst those present tonight are
hardly dancing to the point of crowd surfing, you can’t help but feel that Tall
Ships go from strength to strength as they mature.
Braden Fletcher
