2015 sees the picturesque 2000trees Festival move in a slightly different direction. Upping the ante on previous years, the calibre of bands has increased significantly; welcoming Main Stage headliners Deaf Havana and Alkaline Trio on the Friday and Saturday respectively. The folk focus that has previously dominated proceedings has merged further with alternative rock, while maintaining the festival’s ethos for new and underground music. Having hosted headliners such as The Guillemots and Frightened Rabbit at prior events, 2015 is altogether heavier.
How this subtle shift will affect the festival’s characteristically relaxed atmosphere remains to be seen. Whether the heavier headliners attract a different clientele, or whether the festival’s strong reputation and dedicated fan base retain the vibe, 2000trees organisers are undoubtedly hell-bent on continuing the festival’s substantial acclaim.
Supported by their home-grown spirit, the festival is as ever about more than just music. With local and independent beverages, some of (if not the) best food on the festival circuit, and a relaxed attitude to some of the usual festival restrictions (no distinction between arena and campsite anyone?), 2000trees has all the components to be the best festival of the year; not least because of the music.
This year’s event sees a whole host of Punktastic favourites take to the field in Gloucestershire. In amongst a wealth of additional acts, We Are The Ocean, Arcane Roots and Turbowolf join early bird headliners The Subways on Thursday, as well as a substantial collection of singer-songwriters at The Croft stage. On the first day proper, punters can enjoy Ghouls, Future Of The Left, Young Guns and Deaf Havana on the Main Stage, with The Cave hosting a consistent alternative friendly bill including Creeper and Feed The Rhino.
Elsewhere, 2000trees celebrates appearances by Alkaline Trio, Allusondrugs, Nai Harvest, festival regulars Solemn Sun, The Lion & The Wolf, Rob Lynch, The Xcerts, Defeater, Boston Manor, Milk Teeth, Great Cynics, ROAM and many, many more. The exciting list truly does goes on.
With so many to choose from, and such a variety on offer – plus getting distracted by the food and drink, and finding shade under the landmark tree – here are five acts that have on occasion appeared across Punktastic but that might not yet be on punters’ must-see lists.
Tellison
Ready to release their third full-length album in September via Alcopop! Records, the East London quartet will be bringing their off-kilter indie-rock to Upcote Farm. With their latest single, ‘Boy’, showing a reinvigorated attitude, 2000trees will provide a possible showcase of new material from ‘Hope Fading Nightly’. Tellison have worked their way to high regard on the live circuit since forming ten years ago, and their return should make for an excellent accompaniment to the sunshine.
Jonah Matranga
Initially best known for his position as vocalist and guitarist for emo pioneers Far, Jonah Matranga has made a significant name for himself on the solo circuit. His emotive delivery has also seen him perform under the onelinedrawing and Gratitude monikers, before reducing to his personal endeavour. Mantranga’s links within the alternative scene spread to Kevin Seconds, Texas Is The Reason, Thursday and Deftones, the latter two for which he provided guest vocals. His material places beauty against the emotionally charged, and should sound particularly special within the festival’s intimate atmosphere.
To The Wall
Featuring members and ex-members of underground cult outfits Shapes, &U&I and Blakfish, it’s no surprise that Birmingham’s To The Wall have chosen 2000trees as the venue for their debut festival appearance. The other projects have become regulars at Upcote Farm, leading to a particularly memorable &U&I rendition of Seal’s ‘Kiss From A Rose’ in 2014. Having showcased their excellent first single, ‘Stockholm’, very recently, 2000trees could mark the start of something really exciting for To The Wall.
Mclusky*
Despite not featuring the complete original line-up (the reason for the newly added asterisk), 2000trees welcomes the most recent incarnation of the Welsh post-hardcore cult favourites. Now joined by additional members of Mclusky member’s post-break up project Future Of The Left, and The St. Pierre Snake Invasion, both of whom are playing over the festival, Mclusky* are ready to enthrall fans old and new with their punchy and unusual take on the genre.
Black Peaks
Brighton four-piece Black Peaks straddle a multitude of genre boundaries, gliding between outright heavy screams and Jeff Buckley-esque melodies. There’s an intensity in their music that has pushed them to the forefront of the underground scene, and that sees them take to The Cave on the Saturday afternoon. The band have enjoyed a number of festival appearances so far this summer with more to come. Catching this live powerhouse at the start of their career comes highly recommended.
The award-winning 2000trees Festival takes place from the 9th until the 11th July 2015 at Upcote Farm near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. For full details and tickets head to the official festival website.
Day and stage splits are available now, although full stage times will only be available on site.