We’re on day 3 at 2000trees and it’s safe to say that we’re two shakes away from fading away in this heat. We’ve lost count how many times artists have climbed onto the stage, exclaiming at some point, ‘It’s pretty hot, ain’t it?”

We kicked things off with Truck over at the Forest Stage. A band who should be in their infancy but are already touring up and down the country and filling up festival slots. They played songs spanning several genres, making their sound just as fresh as their attitude to being on stage - a group of lads clearly very grateful to be where they are.

Next up we have Grandma’s house, the four piece from Bristol dressed in all black bringing gorgeous gravel-y vocals and beefy bass lines which serve as quite a tonic in this stifling heat. It seems bands with the name ‘Grandma’ in them provide nothing short of layered and genre-bending songs; we couldn’t resist seeing all of their set and leaning into the brooding atmosphere. Despite the serious tones to both their stage presence and songs, another band that’s very appreciative of the space they’re filling on the stage, looping in the audience for some participation, “When I say Album, you say PREORDER”. Their Debut album ‘Baby You’re A Winner’ comes out 21st August, followed by a UK/Europe Tour in September through to the end of November; I’ll certainly be seeing them at SOUP in Manchester.

We then headed to Hotgirl over at the Forest stage who delivered a subtle self assurance, sampling the likes of Black Eyed Peas,and using their own loops and samples; including love and life centred songs. Trees is seriously bringing Irish representation this year in particular, with Hotgirl and Sprints hailing from Dublin and The Scratch over at the Main Stage furthering the theory that this is Ireland’s game this year. ALISHA, another Irish band, this time over at the Marshall Stage, brought the harder edge that Trees often brings. Debuting here for their first UK festival, the vocalist sings sweetly, but provides sick growls (or should I say… meows), with one song specifically from the perspective of her needy cat. They also played their new upcoming single, ‘Batshit Crazy’, which drops next week.

Call me Amour’s singer was all too aware of the heat and the tiredness creeping in for us all, and came with the ultimate solution - getting in the thick of it and into the crowd. These guys had brilliant stage presence, again, with Frontman getting onto the accessible platform too to sing right into everyone’s faces.

Free Throw love this festival, playing it last in 2019, and were on over at the Axiom as the evening steadily; furthering the theory that so many bands here have an affinity to this space and love playing Trees. With this being the first time either of us have been at Trees; it’s clear being here why people love this place. Later, we see the incomparable Arcane Roots, yielding their loyal fanbase at Axiom, with people spilling out the tent just to catch a glimpse and a vibe.

We then, of course, went to catch a bit of Welsh legends Funeral for a Friend; providing a blend of music old and new; fan favourites that had people frolicking and frothing up to a mosh pit.

Last, but certainly not least - we dashed to the Forest to see dynamic duo sisters Alt Blk Era. It’s hard to pin down the sound on these guys, but when we tell you, you just had to be there - it’s true. Both of us got caught in the pits and chaos, while synths and punchy sonics and lights were cast across the trees. They played their emotional and transparent song called ‘Tissues’ from their EP ‘Our World’, and played us out with ‘Run Rabbit’ which peaked the energy to such a high, it was hard to tear yourself away even as they walked off stage. Look out for our upcoming Interview with them, and be sure to catch them when they next have a tour in store.

2000Trees Daily Recap: Friday

Feats.

2000Trees Daily Recap: Friday

2000Trees Daily Recap: Saturday

2000Trees Daily Recap: Thursday!

Feats.