Fascinating Festivities At 2000Trees: Day 2
Published
Boston Manor opened up the second day of raw-rock revelries on the Cave stage, performing to the best of their abilities to win over a pained crowd. Regardless of the bass outweighing the other instruments to an extent, the upbeat and energetic act still left a strong and memorable pop/punk stain on the floors of the Cave, which was a good start to the day.
Up next were the ferocious and surprisingly gracious band known as When We Were Wolves. For a good portion of the show, the audience were unfortunately unresponsive to the heavy metal stimuli. However, even though the motion of ‘cool-guy head bobbing’ did not seem a fitting reaction, the Bridgend-based brawlers still put on an impressive show.
The Axiom tent was our next stop where we waited with high expectation for the exceptional Ex- Oceansize member Mike Vennart. A dash of experimental rock blended with a spontaneous but almost tranquil trance vibe that captured the crowd and caused an infectious swaying motion. His involuntary stage movement while playing made his persona unplanned, adding a touch more traditional ‘rock & roll’ to the show.
The uncommon performance by Mr Vennart left the crowd gunning for more which is exactly what they received making their way up to the Croft stage to enjoy the multitalented Jake Isaac. Possibly the most modest man in 2000 Trees, he asked the crowd to take a seat on the dry grass to enjoy the music so that there would be no disturbances such as barrier barges and so forth. The crowd however, do not take long to find the motivation between songs to rise to their feet in applause.
Playing extracts from his most recent EP entitled ‘Where we belong’ as well as his ever-popular signature track “Long Road”, he left the stage only to be met with a ‘one more song’ chant which brought him back out, leaving everyone with a taste of touching acapella. There is no doubt that this man had left the festival with a considerable new line of followers.
We made our return to the Cave stage, waiting for the support beams to splinter away from the sheer force of Bury Tomorrow. Needless to say it was a tremendous performance. The makings of a great metal show include a constant energy flow hand in hand with monstrous mosh pits, wall of deaths and even a quarter of the crowd joining them on stage for their closing song ‘Lionheart’. Using songs from all three previous albums, the committed fans had nothing to complain about.
A collection of the spectators decided to take in something a little different which went by the name Glass City Vice under the hanging branches of the Forest stage. A small slice of nature with hammocks laid out, Chinese lanterns and mason jars hanging from the trees, a mini bar set up at the back and the acoustic stage constructed in the shape of a brightly lit mini chapel, the atmosphere completely altered itself from the intensity of the main area.
Rows of haystacks give the intimate option of a seated event while the band play gentle but catchy tracks such as ‘Landslide’, making families on blankets applaud for something of a bonding session rather than a gargantuan mass of die-hard fans fighting to crash over the barriers.
As the all too familiar sight of light evaporating into the night sky, the attendees realised it was that time again to fill their pockets with as much alcohol as possible before making their way to the main stage. Somehow overnight the mob of devotees had grown to an impressive throng which practically pulsated life.
As the three musicians took their places, the lights once again burst into life and the punk veterans Alkaline Trio began their set. After a few fairly entertaining songs, the entire area was engulfed in darkness as an unfortunate power cut took everyone by surprise.
While the technicians did everything in their power to fix the problem, the band returned on stage illuminated by the front rows phone torches and began to play a small acoustic set so the crowd would not become disheartened. Unfortunately due to the sheer vastness and uncontrollable nature of their audience, the concept became fruitless.
After a shocking twenty minutes to recover the show, it seemed the elongated loss of power had regrettably drained the supporters of most of their enthusiasm. The band played a heartfelt and entertaining set which would probably have been considered dynamite if not for the slight technical hiccup.
The closing note on this quite literally unforgettable festival, is that if you are looking for a widespread collection of talented musical acts to enjoy, accompanied by a quite frankly unique fan-base, delicious midday meal options and a designated family camping area including Yurts and Bell tents, then you should probably get around to purchasing your ticket for next year (Which are now available).
To read Day 1 of the 2000 Trees Festival reviewclick here For more information on 2000 Trees Festival
click here Words & article pictures by Nathan Roach Main image taken by Jess Jones Photography
