THURSDAY
Not first on the agenda but a surprise pop up saw Haggard Cat (ex Heck members) play atop of the Signature Brew bar as crowds gathered to watch a few songs from the duo. A spontaneous moment and one that played off well on our way to catch Palm Reader (8) at The Cave. Last year saw them cover last minute for a drop out and this year sees them rightly open up with a decent crowd size. With recent album release ‘Braille’ doing the band well along with some respectable tour slots their heavy nature and intense stares from screamer Josh sets the serious tone of the festival in motion, which leads us into Vukovi (8) who also seem to gather more friendly faces than last year proclaiming this is the only festival that matters. This year however, the band feel more ‘edgy’, trying to push away that pop-friendly vibe as singer Janine swears her way through the set and having a damn good time whilst she moves across every inch of stage and into the crowd. Vibrant colours and glitter don the crowd as things only get wilder towards the end that see the first stage divers dive off the barrier. We also loved seeing Janine spend some time after the set to greet fans. A little thing this festival feels perfect for is catching your favourite up and coming bands out supporting other bands and greeting fans. Over on The Axiom stage Brutus (6) are another band upping their numbers. Although not as poppy and vibrant as seen previously the band still play to the numbers but when you catch the likes of Turnstile (8) later on it’s amazing the extremes a show can go from just twenty meters apart. The crowds age just on the front row must vary from fifteen to fifty. The tent literally goes ape shit within twenty seconds of the band being on stage as various fans jump off the barrier and others scream their lungs out to singer Brendan who’s blend of breakdancing and moshing is a pure art form. A band who despite being a last minute announcement are also a band many can’t wait to see – Marmozets (8) grace the stage to fans heart hand signs. Sounding tight they give as good as they get. Our first headliner of the day is Black Peaks (10) who close out The Cave stage to a roar of cheers. A moment sees them talk about their time at trees and how four years of them playing here has finally led them to headline – and one well deserved. With only one record sees them promote upcoming album ‘All The Divides’ out later this year and we must say the new tracks are sounding tasty – a record they’re clearly proud of as they end the set on latest single ‘Home’. For the first time 2000trees have opened up the main stage on a Thursday and closing the first night are American rockers At The Drive In (8). Frontman Cedric takes the lead as he manoeuvres around the stage – flailing, falling over, climbing amps and swinging mic stands – where the rest of the band is is quite the mystery. With President Trump touring the UK at the same time it was inevitable that bands would dedicate songs the man himself as Cedric dedicates one song to the kids in cages. The in-between audio feels very Refused but very apt.
FRIDAY
Going for a less intense start than yesterday we catch Fatherson (7) doing a forest session and it’s a enjoyable warm up for the day but doesn’t quite prepare us for our most random band of the weekend – The Dirty Nil (8) on the main stage. Maybe it was something in the rain or the lack of shoes or their eccentric presence but the crowd, although little in numbers, make a massive impact from human pyramids, a rowing pit, singing happy birthday to good old fashioned fun – no rain was going to ruin these fans afternoon. Back over to the forest to catch the legendary Jamie Lenman (9) and boy is it busy. Glimpses of him wandering through the woods behind the stage play out like a scene from a movie. Talking about his times at 2000trees and feeling like he should take a break from the festival the crowd here beg to differ. If the festival had a house band it most certainly should be Jamie Lenman, a man who despite some sad songs always finds a way to lift spirits. Ending on a special song written just for 2000trees people leave talking and singing. And from one extreme to the other as we venture over to The Cave for extreme hip-hop group Ho99o9 (8) who’s cult following seems far more than that right now. Their energy is raw, angsty and drives people to the tent to watch chaos ensue. A brief encounter on the main stage where the Blood Red Shoes (5) duo seem to play to the smaller crowd of day. Guitarist Laura-Mary avoids contact and feels like she’s drifting away whilst drummer Steven plays aggressively. Mallory Knox (7) are set to take the main stage next and for many a first to see them without ex-singer Mikey. Many watch out of curiosity and sees the front row of fans discuss already how much they miss Mikey – it’s a tough one for the band as each take their own vocal parts. Creeper (9), one of those names you can’t escape from in the press and for good reason. The crowd spills outside the tent as they watch these young ones give the older bands a run for their money. Another band who also talk about playing 2000trees four years ago and how the festival gave them their chance. Always great to see many kids and parents in Creeper tees and back patches – even the young girl whose back patch barely fit on her got a song dedicated to her. It feels like in the last couple years Twin Atlantic (8) have grown into this jubilant arena band and finally out from the shadows of Biffy Clyro. As Sam comes out dancing they’ve formed into a fun loving pop-rock band where even Deadpool can crowd surf on a giant beer.
SATURDAY
Frauds (7) kick off our Saturday with some rugged riffs, some off the cuff humour and a lovely song for our ‘strong and stable Prime Minister’. Once again the forest is rammed to see The Xcerts (8) frontman Murray belt out some hits (but not Dinking In LA) and chat about cat-fishing, oddly. And once again Murray makes his way to the center and can do so with a voice as resounding as his. After various hype over the last year and a Kerrang! Award it’s our first time properly watching Dream State (8) and it’s a pleasure to see a decent crowd for these fellow Welshmen and lady. The band feel down to earth despite their recent fame as they talk about camping with the crowd and sees singer Charlotte ride around on a fans shoulders. From young passion to mature rage we catch Queen Kwong (5) braving tech problems and a dwindling crowd as they unfortunately clash with Enter Shikari’s forest session to which half the festival seem to be gathering. Even after for Raging Speedhorn (7) the crowd seems sparse but for these locals that doesn’t intimidate them. A slower more jazzy rendition of ‘Fuck The Voodooman’ isn’t quite what the crowd needed and perhaps the sister festival ArcTanGent might of been better fitting but they play strong and remind you that duo vocalists can still be a valuable thing. Hell Is For Heroes (10), another nostalgia band who make At The Drive In look like amateurs. Justin’s moves reek swagger and his stage dives are breathtakingly perfect. His voice protrudes over the band as he orchestrates the crowd for a radiant set. Time for Enter Shikari (9) and the main stage is packed from your regular gig goers to newcomers. Rou walks on stage smiling ear to ear with a casual glass of wine before the band kick off into ‘The Sights’ like they’ve been injected with speed. It’s been an amazing journey for Enter Shikari – we all remember hearing ‘Sorry You’re Not A Winner’ for the first time, clapping along for a bit of fun but not many could imagine them headlining festivals. The graft they’ve put in and their constant need to push boundaries is admirable – the sound, stage set up and Rou’s dancing play together so well. Start to end sees a constant barrage of crowd surfers especially when they introduce the quick fire round that sees them play four songs merged together in a few minutes. Compared to earlier years Enter Shikari have evolved more into a drum and bass band than metal but despite this they still managed to bring old and new fans together with a varied setlist. Ending on ‘Live Outside’ ends the festival perfectly.
