2000 TREES: Bullet For My Valentine Rock The MainStage - Friday at 2000 TREES
Tom Ellis (TJEphotos/Feats.live)
British rock quartet, Mallavora kicked off our Friday back at Cheltenham Forest during 2000Trees. A band that do not shy away from talking about prevalent issues within our wider world and scene, from sexism and the lack of female headliners/representation, to racism and the lack of diversity in the scene.
Tom Ellis (TJEphotos/Feats.live)
Moving away from their indie-rock sound that they had back when they were in university gigging and rehearsing as much as they could, they have evolved into an unapologetically heavier sound, as with every new band, there’s room for improvement within the musicality of Mallavora but they have the drive and most importantly the passion to go hand in hand with their talent. Jessica Douek (Vocalist) speaks out on the importance of disability awareness, living with Fibrogluyamia, a perspective that is not talked about nearly enough within the industry as a whole, before kicking into their song, ‘Disorder’. They bring awareness to these issue, issues that make our community seem exclusionary. They use their platform to spread awareness and build a safe space for everyone to enjoy their shows.
Carpark will bring back the 90’s nostalgia that you’re missing out on, the indie-rock trio, Hattie, Scottie & Loda recreate the music you wished you had growing up.They’re such a fun band live, they create music that is great to dance to, they are definitely on our radar and have been pushing the boundaries, they don’t follow trends, they’ve set out to exactly who they are and make music that’s well worth listening to!
Tom Ellis (TJEphotos/Feats.live)
We headed to the forest with a well needed rest for the atmospheric Beetlebug, Auri (vocalist) joined onstage with their ukulele, performed to a full forest. The trees surrounded the stage creating an enchanted environment with their Lullaby-esque songs, she may be the sweetest person ever! Soothing melodies and the shining sun beaming down at 2000 Trees, Beetlebug encaptured everyone watching seamlessly.
Tom Ellis (TJEphotos/Feats.live)
The Brighton based, The XCERTS return to live shows at 2000 trees, with their recent release BLAME, a quintessential XCERTS track, Their revival was incredible, they packed out the Axiom stage, side to side. They looked like they were loving it, and the crowd were in awe the whole time. ‘Feels like falling in love’ and ‘Ache’ were screamed back at the band, they played ache twice the second rendition had the crowd singing at them, a beautiful moment to frame their return!
Tom Ellis (TJEphotos/Feats.live)
Empire State bastards, Simon Neil’s (of Biffy Clyro) most recent endeavour with Mike Vennart, saw his vocals utilised on ways you would never expect, if you’re a fan of Biffy Clyro then I don’t think this will be your ideal cup of tea. Theatrical and intense brewed insanity within Simon Neil and the crowd, screams echoed through with this new death metal band. Anticipation and expectations buzzed around about Empire State Bastards, with no one expecting death metal and a performance that was almost opposite from one of Biffy Clyro. Simon Neil gas proved time and time again that he can do anything, a musical genius is putting it lightly.
Tom Ellis (TJEphotos/Feats.live)
The stacked day was then Topped by Welsh Rock legends Bullet for my Valentine. As they took to the stage the crowd roared with excitement and anticipation and they did not disappoint. A set decorated by fan favourites such as ‘Your Betrayal’ and ‘Over It’ swell as the brief reprise of Lead singer Matt Tuck’s previous project ‘Axe Wound’ alongside Liam Corimer of Cancer Bats. The set then came to a close with the infamous ‘Tears don’t Fall’ as the entire cotsworld forest chanted their childhood anthem, then followed by ‘Waking the demon’, where the fields became a war zone of circle pits and dust. A perfect ending to the penultimate day.
Sophie Bingham (DisplacedImages/Feats.live)