We’ve already looked back at memorable performances from previous years at 2000trees and highlighted some of the smaller bands to catch this year on Upcote Farm. Now, in our last preview piece before it all kicks off next week we’re going to look at some of the big hitters you daren’t miss…
Bob Vylan – Main Stage, Thursday
Storming stages across the country (last year we couldn’t even get close to the tent they were playing in!) for the past couple of years, Bob Vylan have quickly established themselves as one of the UK’s most important bands. Melding sounds from across the musical spectrum together in exhilarating fashion, the duo’s powerful lyrics cover today’s most cultural and political issues.
Militarie Gun – The Axiom, Friday
Fresh off the release of their highly acclaimed second album ‘Life Under the Gun’, Los Angeles-based Militarie Gun’s set looks set to be one of the breakthroughs of the weekend. Flitting between a sound that combines the harsher edges of Black Flag and Fuzagi with the melodic sensibilities of The Hold Steady, we’re expecting potent hooks and sing-along moments aplenty.
Rival Schools – The Axiom, Friday
If you’re as old as us, you may remember the Reading Festivals of the early 2000s when the dress code of choice (alongside the nu-metal chains and baggy jeans…) was either Strokes tees with skinny ties or a gorgeous green shirt featuring the artwork of Rival Schools’ seminal debut album ‘United by Fate’. This record – and its follow-up ‘Pedals’ – sound just as vital today and we think ‘Used for Glue’ might just be one of THE moments of the weekend.
Empire State Bastard – The Axiom, Friday
You know in the Batman scene (recently referenced in The Flash film) when Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne asks, nay, demands: ‘You wanna get nuts? C’mon… Let’s get nuts?’ Well, we think that’s the only way to sum up what to expect from the frenzied, heavy and downright filthy new hardcore project from Mike Vennart (Oceansize, Vennart) and Simon Neil (Biffy Clyro). The two singles released so far – ‘Stutter’ and ‘Harvest’ – are brash, brutal and brilliant. As if that wasn’t enough, the live band features actual Dave Lombardo of Slayer fame on drums.
American Football – The Axiom, Saturday
After an intense and hectic weekend of watching bands in the sun, we can’t think of a better way to draw the main stages to a close than with American Football – purveyors of the perfect twinkly emo-meets-math rock sound. The band can’t quite believe how many people show up to their shows nowadays after very humble beginnings and they’re improving with every record. We’re expecting a few tears to be shed in the Axiom as they close 2000trees 2023.
