We brought our picnic. We brought out wellies. But the only thing we were knee deep in at the Pop Up was good fucking rock bands, and – after a quick move from its original leafy venue at the last minute – we didn’t need Hyde Park to show us that.
Opening up such a bill is a tough task, yet Dream Wife nail it in an unmistakable flurry, unleashing their bratty-punk daggers with enough charm to shatter hearts. Tracks from their recently released ‘EP01’ sound even more ferocious live, with closer ‘Lets Make Out’ ringing around the packed hall with a sugary pop pulse that seems set to make their crystallised take on 80s glam sound sophistically cool.
Spitting in the face of such a sheen, Brixton’s Shame could well be the most exciting live band in the country right now. Flipping the finger in the face of all who doubt them, their take of melodic punk is lead by captivating frontman Charlie Steen, who stalks the stage like a blend between Shane McGowan and Shaun Ryder. Tracks such as ‘Last Rizla’ live up to the gritty show that follows, with invasions, chucked pints and mounted speakers all of which could easily descend into a shambles at any moment. Either way, it makes Shame completely unmissable.
Trying to maintain some sort of festival mystique, the transition between venues at Tufnell Park means the larger Dome bares witness to a trio of acts ready for the big time. “Hi Hyde Park how’s it going?” opens The Magic Gang, who precede to unleash a set of classic pop sounds on a rapturous crowd who bellow every word. Becoming the band we always knew they’d be, there’s a sense of ownership tonight, and it comes from an EP that’s as infectious as any Top 40 banger of the past few years. ‘Jasmine’, ‘All That I Want Is You’ and ‘Feeling Better’ typify why their anthems-in-waiting are shouted back. As ‘No Fun’ slays any that are left standing, The Magic Gang have well and truly left their spell – and it’s one that wont shake off anytime soon.
Spring King will always have a soft spot in our hearts. But tonight is about business, and smashing yet another stage with their rollicking garage bangers. Tracks from ‘Tell Me If You Like To’ incite a charged audience into a frenzy, yet its the sign of the band that EP cuts such as ‘Mumma’ and ‘Better Man’ are equally as adored. With the record out, there seems to be a level of swagger that oozes charm and power, smacking hit after hit with brutal efficiency to the point where even the air-con starts to splutter and crumble at their feet. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again – Spring King are the real deal.
After such hysteria. The Wytches have a tough job in closing out the evening, but any sense of doubt is punched out with their opening flurry. Where they were once newcomers with a point to prove, now they sit with the presence of a headliner. Tracks from their debut still sound as fresh as ever, whilst a glance into the future promises an even more unfiltered glance into their heavy minds.
Now if only we can find that aftersun we packed earlier, so much heat in one place has its effect y’know.
Photos: Tim Easton.
