Photos: Emma Richardson
So, that’s it. The sun has set over Splendour for another year. After a lot of walking and a whole lot more dancing, followed by walking the perimeter of Wollaton Park in the pitch black to try and find my (still) lost car, Notts musicians came out sounding stronger than ever.
Here’s our review of Splendour 2016, Notts styley (of course).
Kicking the festival off with a bang were FSN champs SUPER FURNITURE. The Main Stage openers played an unforgettable set to thousands of people with their single ‘Vultures’ going down a storm! The lovely lads got us all emotional after seeing their journey, to that stage, starting at Nottingham Music Hub’s ‘Noise From the Next Generation’.
After catching the first half of SF, we made a quick dash over to the Acoustic Rooms Stage to catch the incredible JONNY OLLEY. His quick witted lyrics and insane riffs in his songs ‘Liquid Love’ and ‘Tender Trap‘ brought a juxtaposition to the raw ‘Naked’, a song only written days ago.
A swift walk to the Confetti Stage brought us to see the jaw-dropping EYRE LLEW. Their second appearance at the festival (they played their third ever gig at last year’s Splendour) saw some much needed chilled vibes to the festival with their euphoric Ambient Rock, with the occasional rock out thrown in.
LOWRIE brought a touch of genius to the Acoustic Rooms Stage with his incredible songs. LOWRIE describes his music as “Sad Pop” but the layers of emotion put into each song cannot be described as simply “sad” – only genius.
Back to the Main Stage we go to catch the gorgeous summery sounds of ADY SULEIMAN. Ady is getting a lot of both Radio 1 and 1Xtra lovin’ at the minute for his track ‘Running Away’ that’s even gone and made it onto the R1 playlist! His voice is silky gorgeousness, and his shirt… well, could probs be described the same way too.
THESE YOUR CHILDREN first graced the Splendour stage in 2014 under their previous name NOAH. This year, TYC hit the Confetti Stage and really set the place on fire (Get it, cause Fires… Set a Fire…). Bringing their classic TYC harmonies that could melt any heart of ice, Joe and Rebeka’s chemistry is something to rival any duo’s (even Ant and Dec’s).
Over on the Acoustic Rooms Stage, RAPHAEL BLAKE brought some incredible Spoken Word to Splendour. Taking mellow beats and layering emotive and evocative lyrics over them. With the help of an awesome band, RB made a big impression on the Acoustic Stage.
The incredible BABE PUNCH were a last minute announcement, but that sure as hell did not affect the quality of their set. The Punk Rock five-piece played their effortless (soon to be) classics; ‘Snake Tongue’ and ‘Fixation’, and threw in some newer songs that show a whole new layer to the five-piece.
JOSH WHEATLEY played some of the slower, or as he called them “depressing”, songs first. Josh’s touching lyrics can really hit you in the heart strings with his dark Indie Pop. This was Josh’s Splendour debut and he definitely smashed it.
ELLIE KEEGAN’s set on the Acoustic Stage brought a strong female vocal to the forefront. After warming up the crowd with her slower, emotive tracks, the Mansfield gal brought a whole lot of dancing in the crowd with her upbeat song ‘Words.’
BRU-C played an incredible set, whacking out some awesome tracks with the help of LOWRIE. He even brought his son out on the stage for his last song (so cuuute!). Oh, and after much persuasion by the crowd was joined on stage by an MC that knew every word too!
TOM MCCARTNEY and his band brought a suave, bluesy set to the Acoustic Stage. With a raspy voice that defies his young age, Tom’s mix of Blues and Country and some fancy suit make you feel like you’re living your own 50s western.
And finally, BRAD DEAR rounded the night off for Notts artists as the sun set over the Acoustic Stage. His Rock infused Folk with a touch of Punk thrown in really shows the diversity of genre and talent that Nottingham has to offer.
You did us proud Notts! See you next year Splendour. I’ll probably still be looking for my car…
Yours In Love of New Music,
Katie Beard x
