Hevy Festival hasn’t been without its problems over the last couple of years with it all culminating in the cancellation of last years event due to unforeseen venue problems. That being said, it’s a festival that when done right is absolutely incredible. If we take a look back at the 2011 event, it’s looked back upon with incredible fondness, the line up boasted the likes of Touche Amore, La Dispute, Living With Lions, Dillinger Escape Plan, Funeral For A Friend, The Ghost of a Thousand and a shed load more. It was considered by many a near perfect line up.
Looking to rekindle that 2011 magic, this years Hevy Fest is taking things back to basics. It’s back at the Port Lympne site which has worked so well in the past, where entry to the animal park is once again including in the ticket price and is very much worth the visit. The line up is a big step back in the right direction too with Finch and The Vandals making their long awaited return to UK shores as Hevy 2014 headliners, as well as the return of Crime In Stereo. The rest of the line up features a lot of up and coming UK acts with the likes of Moose Blood, Apologies I Have None and The Murderburgers gracing the bill, as well as a couple of hidden gems (Texas In July anyone?!)
The festival has never been one to shy away from innovation either, constantly looking at ways to make what they do unique. This year it has been announced that Hevy Festival 2014 is to be a ‘cashless’ site, preferring to use a top up system using festival goers wristbands, much like London’s Oyster card system. It remains to be seen how well this works at Hevy, but it has been used at other festivals to great effect so the outlook is good.
Truth be told, Hevy Festival is one the most honest, transparent and friendly festivals out there at the moment. The dedication to music of those organising the event far outweigh the controversies the festival has encountered in the past and, with all things considered, Hevy Festival 2014 could be a huge return to form. Below is a look at who we’re looking forward to seeing.
Apologies, I Have None
‘London’ was one of our favourite albums last year – it is a work of art. Apologies, I Have None are a band who constantly bring it live – they have amazing energy which means you can see them again and again and never get bored. The new EP is darker and changes the vibe of their performances so much, it’s almost electric and they are going to be brilliant at Hevy. A must see for sure! [Maryam]
Kvelertak
Kvelertak combine some great riffs with searing vocals, and are renowned for their frenetic live performances. It may seem a left-field choice to pick the six-piece metal band for this preview but they’re one of the more distinctive acts to be playing at Hevy. Sure, there are some great punk bands hitting the stage but this is a rare chance to see some metal which adds a lot to a somewhat saturated scene. [Samarth]
Silverstein
Silverstein constantly send us on a nostalgia trip back to the good ol’ days of 2005. That’s not to say their new material isn’t good, because it is, but it’s songs such as ‘Smile In Your Sleep’ and ‘Bleeds No More’ that’ll really bring out the inner mosher in all of us. A real Friday night treat and the perfect prelude to our headliners – Finch. [Chris]
Feed The Rhino
Feed The Rhino are one of our favourite bands to take photos of, that probably doesn’t mean much to all you non – photographers but it’s because their shows are always crazy, fun, unpredictable and their brand of beardy hardcore leaves is feeling like we’ve just been slapped in the face and said thank you. They are a must see at every festival. [Penny]
Finch
I’m starting to get to the age now where I’m getting way too nostalgic, so how could I not be excited to see them. It’s been 2 years since Finch were last in the UK, so if you haven’t heard of them, check them out and make sure you don’t miss them this time around and for those of you that are Finch fans… come on, closing Friday night with ‘What It Is To Burn’… what more could you want from a festival? [Penny]
Deez Nuts
It’s baffling that Deez Nuts have such a large fan-base. This Australian band bring little to the huge table of hardcore punk, with incredibly cheesy lyrics, contrived breakdowns and the like. Yet, taken with a pinch of salt and maybe a lot of alcohol, Deez Nuts might actually prove enjoyable. Furthermore, their faux-gangster lyrics might bring up a laugh or two. Oddly enough, part of us is looking forward to seeing them get on stage and yell, “Cash rules everything around me, C.R.E.A.M. get the money, That’s why you gotta get yours, dummy.” [Samarth]
The Murderburgers
It seems slightly odd that this Scottish pop-punk band are playing with a line-up of veteran ska and metal bands at Hevy. However, their always energetic punk rock is brilliant live, and there’s no doubt that it’ll translate perfectly from small venues to a bigger stage. Think of the unrelenting pace of The Ramones with a distinctively Scottish sense of self-deprecating humour mixed in. The Murderburgers deserve to play with The Vandals as well, who they surely count as one of their influences, along with other bands who are finding a greater audience at Hevy. It’s gonna be one hell of a Rammy (read: party). [Samarth]
Moose Blood
One of the most exciting up and coming bands to come from the UK in a while. Their emo tinged rock resonates with many and you can expect a fair few singalongs to the likes of ‘Bukowski’ and ‘Boston’ and if we’re lucky we may get an airing of some as yet unheard material. Exciting! [Chris]
Reel Big Fish
Reel Big Fish are a bit of an odd choice for Hevy but we are of the firm belief that you can’t not have a good time while listening to ska. We’re excited to see them at Hevy, because frankly, we’ve always been excited to see them. I’ve been seeing them live since I was 16 (which was a while ago now) and they never disappoint. Always the same happy music to dance to and always a fun show – it never gets old, and what’s better at a festival than having a good ol’ dance? [Penny]
Tickets are still available for this year’s Hevy Festival. They are currently priced at £69 for the weekend, including camping and animal park entry. They are set to increase to £79 very soon.
Keep track of all things Hevy over the weekend via our Twitter and Instagram, using #PTHevy. See you in the pit!