2000trees does everything right; tiny but mighty, when you arrive onsite at Upcote Farm you know you’re in for a good time. Though intimate in scale, this festival’s line-up always blows its larger contenders out of the water. With headline sets from the likes of classic emo legends Jimmy Eat World, glittering punks Turnstile and the alt-rock swagger of You Me At Six, the weekend is boasting some of the very best the rock world has to offer…
But to judge this festival merely on the headliners would be a total disservice. 2000trees is the primordial soup of rich new talent – the undercard is always unbeatable, a non-stop barrage of unbelievably great acts. We thought we’d honour some acts that absolutely mesmerised audiences last weekend. So, strap in – you’re in for a treat.
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Gen and the Degenerates
Gen and the Degenerates are a punch to the gut; raw and gritty, their rumbling brand of alt-punk rock is impossible to resist. Tracks pivot between balls-to-the-wall indie-rock and gruelling, enraged calls to “BURN YOUR PEDESTALS”, every flavour sharp and distinctive. Vocalist Gen Glynn-Reeves’ onstage presence only adds fuel to the fire, swirling round the stage like a vixen as the track unfolds around them, lost in the noise.
Despite performing twice on the Saturday at 2000Trees, the energy only amps up for the evening Forest set – Gen clambering up onto the side of the stage as guitarist Jake Jones bounds into the thick of the crowd. Their sound and energy has crowds eating out of their hands – and it’s well deserved.
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Calva Louise
The adorable energy of the Forest stage is the perfect setting for Calva Louise – mainly because of how misleading it is. Vocalist Jess Allanic, to the untrained eye, is sugar, spice and everything nice – yet, as soon as those fuzzy riffs take command, Allanic becomes an entirely different beast.
Calva Louise’s grunge-infused punk is impossible to predict. Tracks float and soar, before gruelling breakdowns and unhinged shrieks transform the Forest into an all-out rave. Allanic’s Venezuelan roots also result in tracks switching between English and Spanish – heightening the chaotic nature of each track, while also just sounding absolutely fantastic.
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Tokky Horror
Tokky Horror feel like a fever dream. Ridiculously energised from the get-go, their punk-infused hyper-pop throws the Forest into a frenzy. As their glitchy tracks and bristling breakdowns blast out over the crowd, the movement onstage is non-stop – in a matter of moments, boiler suits are being shed, and by the end of the set the two vocalists are stripped down to the bare minimum.
Proudly claiming to “not be making electronic music any better, just making punk music worse”, Tokky Horror are defined by a reluctance to take anything seriously, sights focused solely on having a good time. They’re scrappy, they’re energetic, and the set rouses movement within every member of the crowd. If they’re making punk ‘worse’, then maybe ‘worse’ punk is where it’s at.
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James and the Cold Gun
Hailing from South Wales, James and the Cold Gun bless the 2000trees crowds with a healthy burst of slick guitar-heavy bangers. The group absolutely ooze class; as the drums crash into action, vocalist James Joseph’s voice howling out over the masses, the tent is doused in a wave of sickeningly cool rock energy. ‘She Moves’ blistering riffs are timeless and woozy, while tracks like ‘It’s Mutual’ showcase an edgier flare.
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False Advertising
False Advertising’s bittersweet brand of grunge is delectable; sparkling indie-rock tendencies shake hands with surf-ready riffs, resulting in a unique cocktail of distinct sound. The trio crack out a mighty set, churning out tracks from their spellbinding debut ‘Brainfeeze’, mixing in a selection of newer sounds.
Vocalist Jen Hingley is charming throughout, baby blue guitar and polkadot skirt contrasting heavily with the devilishly cool breakdowns. The set serves as a perfect taste of the trio’s sound, and definitely leaves the masses eager for another serving.
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Words: Emily Swingle
