{"id":65592,"date":"2018-07-09T11:00:11","date_gmt":"2018-07-09T10:00:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/?p=65592"},"modified":"2018-07-09T00:58:02","modified_gmt":"2018-07-08T23:58:02","slug":"festival-preview-2000trees-festival-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/festival-preview-2000trees-festival-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"Festival Preview: 2000trees Festival 2018"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"2000
Photo by Helen Messenger<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Over the past few years, the 2000trees Festival<\/strong> has become a highlight of the UK festival season. Its friendly, communitive environment alongside over 100 acts across three days is one of our favourite weekends of the year. So it’s safe to say we’re a bit excited to be returning to Upcote Farm later this week.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, with so many bands playing alongside late night activities such as the silent disco, karaoke and acoustic sets on the various campsite busking stages, 2000trees<\/strong> has all the makings to be a memorable festival.<\/p>\n

As for the lineup itself, 2000trees always take great price in showcasing the best up-and-coming talent in UK alternative music. Joining headliners At The Drive In, Enter Shikari and Twin Atlantic are names such as Bad Sign, Palm Reader, Asylums, Gender Roles, Cove, Gloo and several others.\u00a0 It’s also set to play host to rising bands like Creeper, Black Peaks, Arcane Roots and Fatherson.<\/p>\n

With a jam-packed lineup of stellar names across three days, We’ve picked out 18 bands must-see bands to catch this weekend.<\/p>\n

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\"\"Enter Shikari<\/h2>\n

This year\u2019s headliners are a band who endlessly strive to destroy genre conventions and re-invent their sound with every LP. Enter Shikari<\/strong> come armed with a back catalogue so musically divergent in sound all lyrically unified with messages of solidarity.<\/p>\n

With the band now having graduated to arena status, it seems fitting for the Shikari boys to shut down Upcote Farm this year. Although the headline slot is set to be raucous, Enter Shikari<\/strong> are also taking to the Forest. Their delicate acoustic pieces will be a standout moment on the Saturday this year. (FRJ)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong> Main Stage and The Forest Sessions Stage – Saturday<\/p>\n

\"\"Black Peaks<\/h2>\n

Having been awarded our \u2018Record of the Year\u2019 in 2016, it\u2019s safe to say we\u2019ve got high hopes for Black Peaks<\/strong>\u2019 followup. Nevertheless, as ‘Home’<\/em> and ‘Can\u2019t Sleep’<\/em> have shown us in recent months, we don\u2019t think we\u2019ll be disappointed. But we\u2019ll have to wait until October to see what \u2018All That Divides\u2019<\/em> has to bring.<\/p>\n

In the meantime, the quartet are set to make it a hat-trick of appearances at 2000trees. With the festival playing a key part of Black Peaks<\/strong>\u2019 growth, it\u2019s only natural they make a visit to Upcote Farm ahead of the release of album number 2. Having enticed and impressed the masses with Will Gardner\u2019s versatile vocals and Joe Gosney\u2019s twisting guitar work, Black Peaks<\/strong> are sure to be as powerful and as riveting as always. And with a whole batch of new songs in their arsenal, they\u2019re more to be missed. (SR)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong> The Cave – Thursday<\/p>\n

\"\"Arcane Roots<\/h2>\n

Arcane Roots<\/strong>\u2019 return to Trees this year comes with a triumphant double instalment as they grace both the main and forest stage.<\/p>\n

Their progressive catalogue possesses the cherished post-hardcore delights from ‘Blood & Chemistry’<\/em> matched with the triumphant hybrid of ‘Melancholia Hymns,’<\/em> making their sets vigorously enthralling. The same can be said ahead on their acoustic performance, in that their ability to elicit an array of emotions with such effectiveness is a testimonial to their diversity.<\/p>\n

Having announced their forthcoming EP, ‘Landslide’<\/em> that\u2019s due to drop in September, their performances will be tasters of what\u2019s to come for one of the most dynamic trios on the scene. (FRJ)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong> Main Stage and The Forest Sessions Stage – Thursday<\/p>\n

\"\"Basement<\/h2>\n

Having played the festival two years ago and in the midst of promoting their\u00a0third album, \u2018Promise Everything,\u2019<\/em> Basement<\/strong>\u2019s return to 2000trees is sure to mark the start of its long overdue follow-up.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, tours with Bring Me The Horizon and Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes have benefitted the quintet, both on stage and by status. And while though we may or may not hear new material, Basement<\/strong> still have plenty of impressionable emotional alt-rock songs in their arsenal. Old favourites such as \u2018Covet,\u2019<\/em> \u2018Crickets Throw Their Voice,\u2019<\/em> and \u2018Aquasun\u2019<\/em> are sure to please the masses watching the main stage on Saturday. (SR)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong> Main Stage – Saturday<\/p>\n

\"\"The Xcerts<\/h2>\n

There are many bands and artists that always feel at home at 2000trees and The Xcerts<\/strong> are certainly one of them. Having become Upcote Farm regulars in recent years, the trio return to Trees as a main stage act. In the 12 months since their last outing, Murray Macleod, Jordan Smith and Tom Heron have appeared on the main stage at Reading & Leeds Festival, and released the addictive anthem-filled \u2018Hold On To Your Heart\u2019<\/em> record along with the usual UK\/European tour runs.<\/p>\n

As Murray told us May<\/a>, The Xcerts<\/strong> are always welcomed at 2000trees and they\u2019re aiming to make sure this year is no different. With bold, catchy new songs such as \u2018Daydream,\u2019<\/em> \u2018First Kiss Feeling,\u2019<\/em> and \u2018Drive Me Wild\u2019<\/em> complimenting old cuts \u2018Kids on Drugs\u2019<\/em> and \u2019Slackerpop,\u2019<\/em> The Xcerts<\/strong> have all the ingredients for another memorable 2000trees outing. (SR)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong> Main Stage – Saturday<\/p>\n

\"\"Touch\u00e9 Amor\u00e9<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s been two years since Los Angeles post-hardcore band, Touch\u00e9 Amor<\/strong>\u00e9, delivered their stunning \u2018Stage Four\u2019<\/em> record. Having, presumably, finished that album cycle, TA<\/strong> have been on the European festival circle in recent weeks playing songs that go stretch far back into their discography. For example, \u2018Uppers\/Downers,\u2019<\/em> \u2018Honest Sleep,<\/em>\u2019 and \u2018Home Away From Here\u2019<\/em> have appeared on setlist. While their latest release, the standalone single \u2018Green,\u2019<\/em> has also been appeared on their set, marking the beginning of Touch\u00e9 Amor\u00e9<\/strong>\u2019s next chapter.<\/p>\n

As part of The Cave stage lineup, expect to see a frantic, emotionally-charged set from TA<\/strong> with driving guitars, Elliot Babin\u2019s superb drum work and Jeremy Bolm\u2019s signature vocals. (SR)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong> The Cave – Friday<\/p>\n

\"\"Turnstile<\/h2>\n

Baltimore, MD\u2019s answer to the 90\u2019s hardcore revival, Turnstile<\/strong> are one of the<\/em> bands to catch at Trees this year. Their blend of hardcore punk and alternative rock makes for an excellent gateway into the world of hardcore, while also providing some pure worship of such bands as Snapcase.<\/p>\n

Offering up an energetic live show, the band will be performing songs from their latest album, \u2018Time & Space\u2019,<\/em> which was released earlier this year. In amongst them will be old favourites like \u2018Death Grip\u2019<\/em> and \u2018Drop\u2019<\/em>. (BM)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong> The Cave –\u00a0 Thursday<\/p>\n

\"\"Brutus<\/h2>\n

Since their almost festival-stealing set 12 months ago, Belgian trio Brutus<\/strong> have only visited to these shores a handful of times. Yet having supported Thrice and Russian Circles in recent months, its clear Brutus brand of explosive hardcore punk has been grabbing the attention of their peers.\u00a0 Even Metallica\u2019s Lars Ulrich and Dillinger Escape Plan frontman Greg Puciato are fans of the three-piece.<\/p>\n

Back by public demand (we\u2019re guessing), Brutus<\/strong> return to 2000trees with plenty of expectation. The combination of Stefanie Mannaerts\u2019 soaring vocals and hard-hitting percussion work, Stijn Vanhoegaerden\u2019s towering riffs and Peter Mulders\u2019 rumbling basslines has proven to be energetic and truly captivating, both live and on record. Last year\u2019s ‘Burst’<\/em> was one of 2017\u2019s hidden gems that people are still discovering now. And rightly so as Brutus<\/strong> are brimming with urgency, intensity and pulverising rawness. (SR)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong> The Axiom – Thursday<\/p>\n

\"\"Ho99o9<\/h2>\n

Gripping, erratic and dominating; merging hardcore and hip-hop is a hybrid that has been explored extensively, however, nobody does it quite like Ho99o9<\/strong>. The LA-based duo consisting of theOGM and Eaddy are internationally known for being unforgiving with their frankly volatile approach to both producing music and performance.<\/p>\n

Originating in New Jersey, the two have generated a ferociously loyal following with their refreshing approach to industrial hip-hop. Their devilish performance in The Cave will be an onslaught of frenzied aggression matched with an equally eruptive crowd. (FRJ)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong> The Cave – Saturday<\/p>\n

\"\"
Photo Credit: Joshua Halling<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Boston Manor<\/h2>\n

Currently one of the UK\u2019s hottest exports, Blackpool\u2019s Boston Manor<\/strong> are renowned for their fantastic live performances, as well as their hard work and commitment to the music they create. With their second album, \u2018Welcome to the Neighbourhood\u2019<\/em> on the horizon, the band are looking to move from strength to strength.<\/p>\n

Expect to hear some new cuts from the second album, as well as several fan favourites from their debut, such as \u2018Laika\u2019<\/em> and \u2018Fossa\u2019<\/em>. Some fans of the band\u2019s pop-punk days may be fortunate enough to see the band re-tread their roots and play some older tracks from their EPs. (BM)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong> The Cave – Thursday<\/p>\n

\"\"Black Foxxes<\/h2>\n

With the release of their second LP, ‘Rei\u00f0i’<\/em> pushing both thematic and creative boundaries, Black Foxxes<\/strong> are an authentic outfit who produce daring and poignant works. Lead, Mark Holley, has become an important vocal figure in the community, having been transparent when discussing mental health and touring with Crohn\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n

Having been applauded on exploring darker messages that resonate, their live shows contain anthemic moments with impassioned delivery. Their ability to move even the largest of crowds will be a spectacle to behold on the main stage. (FRJ)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong> Main Stage – Thursday<\/p>\n

\"\"Press To MECO<\/h2>\n

After being a secret amongst the dozens of \u201cBrit Rock\u201d bands in recent years, Press To MECO<\/strong> are finally getting the praise they deserve.<\/p>\n

This past spring they returned with \u2018Here\u2019s to the Fatigue,\u2019<\/em> a tight, infectious record that took all that was good about the Crawley trio and takes it up a notch. Big hooks, three-part harmonies, riffs and more is what Press To MECO<\/strong> will be serving us as they return to 2000trees.<\/p>\n

Interestingly, they\u2019re also going to be taking an adventure into the Forest for an acoustic session. So that\u2019s double the amount of MECO<\/strong>. We\u2019re not complaining. (SR)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong> The Axiom – Thursday \/ The Forest Sessions Stage – Friday<\/p>\n

\"\"Hellions<\/h2>\n

Hellions<\/strong>\u2019 are a band that has definitely matured since their inception. From their early days of raucous hardcore punk, to their masterpiece of a third album, \u2018Opera Oblivia,\u2019<\/em> and now to the new, confident sound of tracks like \u2018X\u2019<\/em> and \u2018Furrow\u2019<\/em> which take away some of the youthful energy and replace it with some self-awareness and social commentary.<\/p>\n

Effortlessly likeable, infinitely creative, and catchy as all hell, Hellions<\/strong> are a must-see for anyone attending 2000 Trees this year. (BM)<\/p>\n

Where & When: The Cave – Friday<\/p>\n

\"\"The Dirty Nil<\/h2>\n

Back in 2016, we instantly fell for The Dirty Nil<\/strong>\u2019s raucous brand of rock n\u2019 roll. Now as they prepare to release the follow up to ‘Higher Power’<\/em> in September, they\u2019re heading to 2000trees for the second year running.<\/p>\n

Having shared the same stage as The Who and Against Me! since their last visit, The Dirty Nil<\/strong> will hopefully treat us to a preview of what to expect from \u2018Master Volume’<\/em> this September. Recent single, ‘Bathed In Light,\u2019<\/em> is a swaggering, stomping blast of punk-fuelled rock n\u2019roll. Be prepared to be compelled by the Ontario\u2019s trio energetic presence and classic rock-esque strutting. (SR)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong> Main Stage – Friday<\/p>\n

\"\"Nervus<\/h2>\n

Over the course of two albums, Watford-based indie punks Nervus have crafted a set of infectious songs filled with plenty of lyrical substance. At their core is chief songwriter, Em Foster, who has used the band to be open about her issues and thoughts on gender dysphoria, and acceptance (or the lack of) in society.<\/p>\n

As for their 2000trees appearance, they\u2019ll be kicking off the New stage on Friday morning. With jangly and riveting songs such as \u2018Sick Sad World,\u2019<\/em> \u2018It Follows,\u2019<\/em> and \u2018Bones\u2019<\/em> sure to be part of their set, you can\u2019t find a better way to start your day. Also, don\u2019t be surprised if you see Foster popping up at your campsite late at night, playing a few acoustic songs. (SR)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong> The New Stage – Friday<\/p>\n

\"\"Dream State<\/h2>\n

Having impressed at the Download Festival last month, Welsh wonders Dream State<\/strong> continue their charge to become the \u201cnext big thing\u201d. With a handful of festival spots, a brilliant EP in ‘Recovery,’<\/em> and a Best Breakthrough Kerrang! award under their belt, they\u2019re certainly heading in the right direction.<\/p>\n

Fronted by CJ Gilpin, the quintet\u2019s roaring mix of poppy hooks and melodic hardcore backs up any hype Dream State<\/strong> have been on the receiving end. In CJ, they have a versatile vocalist who opens herself lyrically and with conviction. Backed up by a heavier-than-expected sound, Dream State<\/strong> compliment Gilpin with metallic riffs and smashing percussion, creating a set of bangers that are bound to win over the 2000trees crowd. (SR)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong> The Axiom – Saturday<\/p>\n

\"\"Soeur<\/h2>\n

Soeur<\/strong> are furiously building in momentum with their dual-fronted force and pop fuelled grunge. The Bristol-based outfit have supported the likes of Demob Happy whilst raking up the festival slots, where they are being heralded as an outfit that showcases storming live sets that are punchy whilst oozing mathy grit.<\/p>\n

With this being said, Soeur<\/strong> will be taking to the Forest this year, where their colossal sound will be stripped back with a set to be a true treat. (FRJ)<\/p>\n

Where & When:<\/strong> The Forest Sessions Stage – Thursday<\/p>\n

\"\"Swedish Death Candy<\/h2>\n

Snarling riffs laced with fuzzy psych-rock, Swedish Death Candy<\/strong> are an outfit whose sound far outgrows their beginnings with a gloriously established bite. Their self-titled debut album boats 60\u2019s infused rock likening to Sabbath with a contemporary feel. They are an international collective based in London, where their sets are known to evolve from psychedelic escapism to hefty progression.<\/p>\n

Swedish Death Candy<\/strong>\u2019s presence at The Axiom is a welcomed addition to the Trees bill for a taste of something different to the expected sound. (FRJ)<\/p>\n

Where & When: The Axiom – Saturday<\/p>\n

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