Itâs a damp and dreary Wednesday night in November, so where else would self-respecting music fans in Norwich be other than the vital Waterfront venue in the heart of the city?
After all, there is a bumper line-up on offer this evening with reformed headliners Kids In Glass Houses bringing with them not one but two of the best young bands on the circuit!
MOUTH CULTURE
The first of those is Leicesterâs Mouth Culture hot on the heels of their latest EP, âWhatever the Weatherâ and an appearance on our own The Full Pelt Music Podcast!
This is a group who really sound like they are coming into their own, and even with a short time on stage tonight, itâs clear that the audience appreciate what theyâve seen. With a throwback groove with a modern energy, the band are undeniably on a pathway to much bigger things.
HIMALAYAS
Our second opening group HIMALAYAS are a band that many have felt are on that same pathway. The band are now dropping new music following the release of their 2023 debut album, âFrom Hell to Hereâ, and itâs recent single, âWhat IfâŚ?â, that stands out most tonight.
The band play hard and fast this evening and certainly seem to have added a little extra edge to their performance over the last few years. Whether that added impetus will keep them on an upwards trajectory or not, only time will tell but for sure they remain a viable proposition when looking for an engaging live act.
KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES
Itâs soon time for our headliners this evening to take to the stage and having returned with a nostalgic run celebrating their superb debut album, âSmart Casualâ, Kids In Glass Houses are now fully embracing their second coming.
How does a band do so without falling fowl of becoming nothing but another nostalgia act? Release new music of course! This tour celebrates their recently released fifth studio album, the flamboyant âPink Flamingoâ.
This record in and of itself if a nod to times gone by with its 80âs aesthetic but also feels like a big step up in ambition from a band who perhaps feel like they have nothing to lose. âTheme from Pink Flamingoâ and âChange Your Mindâ kickstart proceedings this evening and show a band with renewed zip and swagger.
Fan favourites âGive Me What I Wantâ and âDance All Nightâ then ramp things up a notch or two before a couple more new tracks, âRothko Paintingâ and âVulnerableâ again emphasise that this is a Kids In Glass Houses enjoying themselves once more.
That is perhaps the overall takeaway from the evening, that after a decade away this group of five friends are back on stage doing what they were meant to be doing.
The likes of âPeaceâ, âEasy Tigerâ and âSaturdayâ all serve as reminders of the impact the band had first time around, and as âMatters At Allâ concludes a very enjoyable evening fans will be left to hope that âPink Flamingoâ is just the start of round two with Kids In Glass Houses!
To be established means âhaving existed or done something for a long time and therefore recognized and generally acceptedâ. The 2000trees name means something, to fans it means an unrivalled weekend of thrills in a chilled environment, and to musicians itâs a proving ground, a platform for new artists to shine, but also a place to reinvent yourself or test new waters in a safe place. Trees is established as a trusted sanctum for all music lovers, everyone is welcome and good times are guaranteed.
Those who have chosen to arrive at Upcote Farm near Cheltenham early are treated to what is actually becoming the highlight of the event – a special evening in the trees. Yes, Wednesdays belong to the magical Forest stage and this year the line-up is incredible. A mixture of new acts and returning heroes, the bill reflects perfectly what this festival is all about.
WEDNESDAY
With the forest stage alternating with the tiny Word stage today there is plenty of music on offer. At the Word stage alone we are able to catch great sets from KITE THIEF, CARSICK, Enola Gay and Frozemode.
đ¸ Carla Mundy
But truly itâs within the woods that this festival reaches mythical status. To see a band like Exit Child able to enthral the earliest of attendees with their impassioned grunge, and then have the always uplifting PET NEEDS orchestrate an excitable crowd through a joyous tone setting show before Lambrini Girls galvanise the masses into a united movement all in the space of the first couple of hours just emphasises the beauty of 2000trees.
The audience are all in this together, they believe and demonstrate the ethos of kindness and acceptance which is what makes the event so welcoming.
đ¸ Carla Mundy
The first of two outstanding Dead Pony sets this weekend soon leads us into the business end of night one. 2000trees royalty The Xcerts understand the assignment and pull out a memorable run through of their third album, âThere Is Only Youâ to celebrate the records 10th anniversary, which is eaten up by the crowd.
Itâs around this time that the looming shadow of England vs Netherlands in the Euros takes over the festival. Despite initial reluctance to show the match out of respect to the bands, organisers end up screening the game over at The Axiom. Most impacted are Dream State, who lean into the prospect by showing the football on a TV on the stage, donning football shirts and providing fans with a goal and balls to play with as they belt out the likes of âWhite Liesâ and âChin Up Princessâ.
Thankfully Ollie Watkins saves us from the drama of extra time which means that headliners Boston Manor get the full attention of the crowd. Another band performing twice this weekend, they use this set to play early favourites âBurn You Upâ, âLead Feetâ and âLaikaâ in a set which is an early contender for set of the weekend.
đ¸ Jez Pennington
Even when the main entertainment stops however 2000trees is best known for itâs late night activities. A legendary silent disco attracts the majority, but we head next into the camps and one of the busking stages at Camp Turner. There we catch acoustic sets from InMe frontman Dave McPherson and those scamps in PET NEEDS who manage to get mosh pits and crowd surfers in the campsite!
THURSDAY
đ¸ Carla Mundy
Whether in the general campsite, the family area or the VIP section, fans wake up the next morning to the relief of warm weather! Itâs rained persistently in the days leading up to the event, but the ground has held up well. The music is in full flow again from half past ten as relative locals Blank Atlas deliver a great little set on the Neu stage.
The diverse and social conscious line-up at 2000trees builds on the welcoming atmosphere and Thursday morning sees the likes of The Menstrual Cramps, Cherym, Shooting Daggers and The Oozes engaging their passionate crowds.
The structuring of the stages and times means that if youâre that way inclined you can catch non-stop music from early morning until the wee early hours. Us being somewhat inclined to support new music we dash around witnessing more superb performances from Meryl Streek, Dead Pony (again) and Enola Gay (again!).
đ¸ Jez Pennington
We then head back into the Forest where throughout the main days of the festival you can still see a mix of full band shows, acoustic sets and other unique offerings. We are here however for the always enjoyable Sean McGowan who plays a short sharp set of fan favourites.
2000trees is often at its finest on the smaller stages, but the main stage delivers one of the best barometers for the success of acts. Cassyette is next to grace this stage and showcase why she is steadily moving up bills such as this. A thoroughly captivating blitz of energy, youâd imagine Cassyette will be back soon in an even more prominent position.
đ¸ Joe Singh
Itâs over at the Axiom soon thereafter that one of those magical moments is taking place with Spanish Love Songs attracting a crowd funnelling out of the confines of the large tent. Thatâs before Kids In Glass Houses then continue their triumphant return back on the main stage, with both bands eliciting some of those beautiful sing-a-long festival moments.
As do Boston Manor as they again prove themselves to be one of the bands of the weekend and an act ready for superstardom as they pack out the Axiom for their second set of the weekend. Manchester Orchestra deliver a charming performance next on the main stage, but clearly many of the uninitiated in the crowd are left a little underwhelmed.
We then finish day two with The Pale White in the Neu tent and The Gaslight Anthem on the main stage. Both bands allow their music to do the talking as they bring the first full day to a close. The Gaslight Anthem in particular are something of a dream booking for the festival, and they donât disappoint.
đ¸ Joe Singh
FRIDAY
The festival is in full flow now, with the weather slightly cooler come Friday, fans are ready for another busy day. Itâs up to the brilliant BEX to wake the campers up, which she does to great effect with the likes of âFightâ and âsunDaeâ.
đ¸ Gareth Bull
If you want to watch as much music as possible, you need stamina or an easy to navigate site layout, and as we catch great sets from Mouth Culture, Sløtface and Problem Patterns, weâre very grateful for the simple site layout!
VIP ticket holders at 2000trees have their own campsite, bar and viewing platform and we catch The Rumjacks main stage set from said platform next. The band are entertaining, and the platform gives a nice view of the crowd getting into the party spirit!
In fairness though that party spirit is evident throughout each day and each performance. Tropic Gold get their crowd moving in the Axiom before As December Falls solidify their reputation as a live act over on the main stage. Itâs great to see even smaller acts like Other Half in the Neu tent are given the same energy they produce from a crowd not showing any signs of fatigue.
The standard of performance across the weekend is high, with no set standing out as particularly bad. Perhaps thatâs because we chose correctly when looking at those dreaded clashes, but you feel that the bands take 2000trees seriously. They know the rewards of a top tier show and they put in the effort that the crowd demands.
đ¸ Carla Mundy
Two standout performances transpire next however as first unpeople in the Cave tent and then Nova Twins on the main stage put in epically memorable performances. unpeople come from the ashes of Press To MECO and the power of the riff remains at full strength as they get the crowd fully locked in. Equally Nova Twins ooze star power as they take ownership of the main stage crowd. If you had to pencil in a band as a potential future headliner then either of these would be good bets!
đ¸ Carla Mundy
Bears In Trees represent a change in pace as their pop sensibilities feel like a refreshing change of pace next in the Axiom tent. Clearly the audience feel the same and many comment on their way out how impressed they were with another band with a huge upside.
đ¸ Jez Pennington
The undercurrent of 2000trees has always been young British rock acts, but the organisers do sprinkle the line-up with some international flair such as headliners The Gaslight Anthem and The Chats. Up next though is grandson on the main stage who brings an element of star power himself. Many in the audience are here to see what the fuss is about, and grandson delivers a good showing which has generally positive results, albeit with a few unimpressed faces remaining.
đ¸ Joe Singh
The festival gets a rebrand next as Bob Vylan return for consecutive years with a sub-headline spot on the main stage. The duo rename the festival Vylanfest and state that theyâll be back next year to headline. Truth be told, they probably couldâve done so this year as the crowd take their antics to another level.
A mixture of new tracks from recent album, âHumble As The Sunâ and favourites such as âWe Live Hereâ and âPretty Songsâ make up a thoroughly enjoyable time. Bob Vylan are one of the best live acts in the UK at present and weâd certainly put money on them following through on their headline promise!
We finish out our Friday with Hot Milk headlining the Axiom and Empire State Bastard headlining the Cave. Hot Milk have just returned from playing stadiums across the world and make a clear effort to make their headline slot special. Again, youâd be happy seeing their performance close the main stage.
Empire State Bastard on the other hand have no bells and whistles, the group fronted by Biffy Clyroâs Simon Neil and powered from behind the drum kit by Dave Lombardo destroy the Cave, causing a sonic onslaught that can only be described as magnificent. A different way to end our night compared to The Gaslight Anthem and Don Broco who will close the event, but thatâs what makes 2000trees so special.
đ¸ Joe Singh
SATURDAY
Campers awaken on the final day to the pitter patter of rain on their tents, and the threat of the damp stuff maintains throughout a chillier day, however thankfully the heavens never fully open.
Split Chain are our first watch today and the band who are popping up a lot lately showcase a grunge/nu-metal crossover which explains why they are a good option for an opening act. The Meffs then blow off any cobwebs on the main stage with a blistering set of punk rockers, before the poppier angst of snake eyes thrills the Axiom crowd.
đ¸Abbi Draper
We then head into the Forest for one last time this year. Firstly, to catch the newly formed Interlaker featuring David Jakes of Lonely the Brave and Jack Wrench of Arcane Roots. The Forest is full as knowledgeable music fans catch a glimpse of this new project. Although only a short glimpse, what is seen is more than enough to whet the appetite for whatâs to come!
Next Frank Turner takes part in a live podcast Q&A and acoustic set with the Mark and Me Podcast. Moments like this are more proof of what makes 2000trees different from your standard festival.
đ¸ Gareth Bull
Itâs then a bit of a dash to the main stage for a second The Xcerts performance of the weekend, this time more of a standard hits affair including a surprise cameo from Josh Franceschi of You Me At Six â just one of a few special guests on show this weekend.
The Nightmares in the Neu tent and The Mysterines on the main stage then both make the most of their short times on stage before we catch House of Women and Cleopatrick on the same stages although from afar as we gather any remaining stamina for the incredible run of music set to follow.
We close out our weekend with Frank Turner bringing a headline worthy show to the main stage with new album, âUndefeatedâ, standing tall alongside favourites such as âI Still Believeâ and âFour Simple Wordsâ.
đ¸ Gareth Bull
Creeper are then immediately ready to deliver their own headline performance in the Axiom tent. The crowd starting off up to fifteen deep outside of the confines of the tent! What Creeper then proceed to do is simply outstanding. For a band to use their headline set to open with a ten-minute rock opera and to then play almost exclusively all new material is quite incredible. Any other band would be murdered, but not Creeper.
No, the packed tent love every single moment of the set and the time simply flies by with highlights like âSacred Blasphemyâ and âMiseryâ eliciting some of those mass sing-a-long moments. A finale of âCry To Heavenâ is truly awe-inspiring and again, if we are tagging bands for future main stage headline slots, then surely Creeper must be labelled as oven-ready!
đ¸ Jez Pennington
The big finale for us this year is a Don Broco currently out of the limelight writing their next record. Coming out of hibernation for this show, they deliver a tailor made headline performance which is up there with the best the festival will have ever seen. The band bring some of those bells and whistles but itâs their party anthems that do the talking this evening.
Over the three nights weâve seen three completely different headline shows, and upwards of sixty acts giving it everything on stage. Some rest will now be required but with that said, you still donât feel like youâve been in a battle, which big festivals can sometimes become. That again is a testament to the magic of 2000trees.
Much is said of the atmosphere here (including by us in this review!), but the number of bands saying itâs their favourite festival is telling. Thatâs because most fans are here for the music. You can see this with the packed tents before midday and those still seeking live music gone midnight. Itâs as much the people that establish 2000trees as what it is than anything else, and long may it continue to be the best festival in the UK!
Oh, the difference a year makes! Last year the sun shone down on the bumper twentieth anniversary edition of Download Festival. Pretty much every person in attendance last year would say that it was simply too hot. Of course, this year then had to do a complete 180 and instead of a desperate search for water to quench our thirst, this year there is far too much of it â and sadly we arenât talking about new headline sponsor Liquid Death!
No, months of rain in the UK left the festival grounds at Donington Park ill prepared for the downpours that would arrive over the first few days of the festival. The ground conditions quickly becoming treacherous and a weekend of hard slog, delays, cancellations, rejigs and almost every problem imaginable ensues.
There is a real risk that this yearâs edition of Download will be remembered for the mud and for the protests that led to Barclays stepping back as a sponsor of the event. This is unfortunate as really the event should be remembered for a progressive line-up that leads the event into the next generation.
After an overreliance of guaranteed ticket shifters, Bring Me The Horizonâs dominant performance last year appears to have opened the door to new headliners (not that Queens of the Stone Age or Fall Out Boy are actually new!), and fresher overall line-ups.
The balance this year between old favourites (Machine Head, Bowling For Soup, Black Stone Cherry), fresh big hitters (Fall Out Boy, Royal Blood, Queens of the Stone Age) and future contenders (Creeper, Enter Shikari, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes), is spot on. There is something here for rock and metal fans of all ages and that is going to be key to the longevity of the festival.
FRIDAY
So let us walk through some of the best sets of the weekend, starting Friday on the main stage as a more classic rock feel welcomes early attendees. The Blue Stones open the festival with a solid performance before Those Damn Crows show just how far theyâve come with a top-level set.
The clash-gods havenât been kind to us this year and many sacrifices must be made, however we are able to catch the superb Mouth Culture make their mark on the Dogtooth stage next.
Itâs then back to the main stage as The Struts continue to show why over the top sing-along rock n roll will never go out of fashion. Frontman Luke Spiller has the crowd in the palm of his hand and not even the continuing rain can dampen the spirits of a crowd belting out âCould Have Been Meâ.
Black Stone Cherry are regular visitors to Donington Park, but today marks their first appearance in some six years. Clearly the fans have missed them, and the band make sure that they make the most of their time on stage. Fan favourites and a couple from latest album, âScreaming at the Skyâ has the field rocking hard and attendees wonât have to wait long to catch the band again with a headline tour on its way!
Sticking with the main stage, the booking of Royal Blood as sub-headliners is another sign of a more modern focus for the festival. Technical issues however disrupt the momentum of the performance and metaphorically dampen the mood in the already damp crowd. That said when the duo can fully unleash their power, a realisation appears to hit even the staunchest doubters of their Download credentials.
And speaking of Download credentials⌠Busted! Even five years ago the thought of the band playing these hallowed grounds would have sent the old school punters into a frenzy. How dare they bring their deplorable pop rubbish to our prestigious and very serious metal festival!!!!!
Well, thankfully the mentally that saw My Chemical Romance bottled off stage in 2007 is almost gone (just donât look at the Facebook comments on the Busted announcement!). Headlining the Avalanche stage, the crowd is deep outside the tent as fans try to catch a glimpse of the trio. Before we head back to the main stage for our headliners, we get to witness the glorious sight of even the most hardened rockers partying along to the likes of âAir Hostessâ and âMMMBopâ!
There is a different kind of party on the main stage however as Queens of the Stone Age are belatedly given top-billing at the UKâs premier rock festival. Josh Homme is clearly high on the atmosphere (amongst other things), and the band deliver a stunning performance chronicling their incredible career. Naturally itâs âNo One Knowsâ that enters the face for sing-along moment of the weekend, but the likes of âThe Lost Art of Keeping a Secretâ and âI Sat by the Oceanâ are glorious tonight.
On to Saturday now and a fair few in attendance may be nursing hangovers this morning (especially the poor Scots after their Euroâs humbling), but as always Download has the cure. After a slight delay the venue fills again ready for another day of music with a point to prove.
That starts immediately with Bambie Thug who opens the mainstage with another set which probably wouldnât have been greeted as well a decade ago. Bambie Thug however manages to mesmerise and captivate the early crowd with a truly powerful performance of The Cranberries âZombieâ acting as a stance against ongoing atrocities across the world. Whilst the work of others helped to change the position of Barclays, the statement made here by Bambie Thug is something that will last long in the conscience of attendees.
The levels of energy and passion continue throughout sets from WARGASM on the main stage and KNIFE BRIDE and ALT BLK ERA on the Dogtooth stage. Then itâs time to change pace with The Hunna (another fresh booking) taking to the main stage. The group clearly appreciate the opportunity and make a great impression during their relatively short time on stage.
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes are up next and whilst the anger and ferocity of their stage presence may have balanced out, the elevation in showmanship and passion ensures that the group remain one of the best live acts in town. Their main stage set this weekend is sublime and youâd expect Carter and co to help lead this festival into the future.
They say that lightning never strikes the same place twice⌠well, what about torrential downpours? In scenes eerily reminiscent of their main stage slot in 2016, BABYMETAL have their set almost completely destroyed by a biblical shower which also destroys what is left of the arena grounds. During their short time onstage BABYMETAL are fantastic, but unfortunately, they may be seen as cursed when booked on the main stage!
The weather from here on out just canât make its mind up with a mixture of sun and rain, but that eclectic mix is perhaps fitting for Enter Shikari who present their unique smorgasbord of sound next on the main stage. The group have grown up with the festival so itâs nice to finally see them in a prominent slot on this stage. The opportunity is seized with both hands and Shikari prove why they also must be considered amongst the best live acts on the circuit.
Sticking again to the main stage, The Offspring deliver a headline worthy performance next which even includes an encore much to the chagrin of festival etiquette experts. The band however carry themselves as headliners and they of course have bangers for days as they say. After the punishing weather, itâs great to see the audience finally unleash and dance their way through this wonderfully fun set.
A quick sojourn to the Dogtooth stage for a short but sweet Cassyette performance then leads us to the big Saturday headline slot which this year is taken on by Fall Out Boy. Another example of a band perhaps criminally underfeatured at this event in the past due to not having the perceived heaviness required by the gatekeepers of yesteryear.
The band however are ready to make up for lost time as they produce a memorable one-off set akin to the âErasâ show from a certain Taylor Swift. And whilst itâs unlikely the festival will ever welcome the army of swifties; itâs refreshing to see the positive reception received by Fall Out Boy. From somebody that witnessed the My Chemical Romance hostilities, itâs another positive indictment that the future of the festival is looking bright.
Saturday of #LiquidDeath presents Download Festival was stratospheric đ
The Sunday at a major festival like this is always a tough one, with everyone tired and already over-stimulated. It takes something memorable to kickstart proceedings and after lengthy delays in setting up the arena, itâs Code Orange that truly get things going today with a set that ends in the band smashing up the stage after going over time.
You can understand their frustration however with the times of bands changing at short notice due to the supposed actions required to get the arena ready for the fans. It must be said though that when we do finally enter, itâs hairy still without much action being obvious at least!
The changes in times frustrate some, but for us the movements mean that we can catch both Creeper on the main stage and Royal Republic over on the second stage. Two incredible live acts, Creeper are up first and showcase in just thirty minutes what they could look like as future headliners. An all-out show accompanies some fantastic music and indeed, you have to hope that Creeper are given an opportunity further up the bill next time around.
As for Royal Republic, you know what you are getting â a highly enjoyable live act who will always bring the party. Thatâs exactly what they do today as they showcase their superb new album, âLoveCopâ.
Much hype surrounded the mysterious secret set at Download this year, those battling their way into the Dogtooth are treated to a Parkway Drive performance, we however avoid the crush and instead sing-along to some pop-punk favourites as Zebrahead and Bowling For Soup serenade their crowds.
In fact, we are certainly in the sing-along portion of the weekend as the main stage welcomes two iconic bands from the new millennium. Firstly Sum 41, who are embarking on a final tour as they bring the sun down on their career. The band get a big crowd who send them on their way by singing each song right back at them with the final run of âIn Too Deepâ, âWe Will Rock Youâ, âFat Lipâ and âStill Waitingâ particularly loud!
Loud is also a great way to describe Limp Bizkit who are up next. The band are like a fine wine and just keep getting better, with Fred Durst able to orchestrate the crowd as only he can. A double dose of âBreak Stuffâ sums up the vibes of the set, which for many is the perfect way to close out the festival.
For others there is still a choice between Machine Head, The Used, The Black Dahlia Murder or Avenged Sevenfold to be that final performance of another wet but glorious weekend. For us we follow the theme of the weekend and position ourselves at the main stage.
Avenged Sevenfold are headlining the event for the third time, and this time they have a rather polarising new album to play. The weather, the other options and that ambivalence towards âLife Is But a DreamâŚâ, means the crowd is a little on the thin side, but those in attendance make up for those missing.
Some of the new songs do flatten the atmosphere but when the band bang out the likes of âAfterlifeâ, âHail To The Kingâ, âBat Countryâ and âNightmareâ there is no better way to finish the weekend.
As we said at the start, there is a real risk that this weekend will be remembered for different reasons, but for us the takeaway is that the event is finally looking towards the future. Itâs refreshing to see the real-life reactions to some of the online contentious bookings and that helps point that the future of Download is a positive one.
The latest issue of the Full Pelt Magazine is here, and you can download your copy for free below!
Volume 18 is a special edition in which we preview 2024 including highly anticipated albums, the most exciting tours, the hottest festivals and our ones to watch list!
Our News Report is still here also covering the latest from Liam Gallagher & John Squire, Mouth Culture, Nicko McBrain, Frank Turner, PET NEEDS, YONAKA, Normandie, Troy Redfern, The Lemon Twigs, Bring Me The Horizon, Cast, Green Day, Casey, Any Given Day, VENUES, Smash Into Pieces and Alkaline Trio!
Finally, we round up the latest additions to our âDiscoverâ New Music Playlist with Chloe Star, Where Oceans Burn and Grieving!
