2000trees is just around the corner and once again we’ll be making the journey to Gloucestershire to see a bunch of our favourites play sets on Upcote Farm. As ever, there’s a whole selection of smaller and new bands to check out over the four days – here are five we’d recommend listening to and checking out if you’re joining us on the farm next month.
Cherym, 11am on the Main Stage, Thursday 11 July
It’s pronounced Chair-Um. A queer three-piece from Derry, Cherym started out as a kickback against their local music scene’s boys’ club and have since gone on to inspire a devoted fanbase who love not only their addictive Bikini Kill and Pixies-inspired indie-rock sound but their ethos and attitude – they don’t shy away from wanting to be the biggest band in the world. The breezy and Bend It Like Beckham-referencing ‘Taking Up Sports’ is a tale of lust – ‘Baby when I see you in those shorts, you have got my head doing all sorts’ – and a most welcome burst of ‘ole, ole, ole’. Perfect for the weekend’s Main Stage opening set.
Awakebutstillinbed, 2.30pm on the NEU Stage, Thursday 11 July
We first covered Awakebutstillinbed in 2018 so ‘new’ might be stretching it a little but after the past few years, this may be many in the UK’s first chance to see the Bay Area emo upstarts in a live setting. They’ll be playing songs from last year’s phenomenal (and brilliantly titled) album ‘Chaos Takes the Wheel and I am a Passenger’ and we expect a compelling and chaotic blend of beautiful riffs and timely observations.
Buds, 10.30am on the NEU Stage, Friday 12 July
We’re huge fans of Buds’ ‘Slides’ – an angry, energetic and inspired piece with the seminal line ‘I don’t wanna feel anything that reminds me of this life’ – and are looking forward to catching more of their grunge-meets-emo revival-inspired melodies to kickstart our Friday morning. Their latest releases have been via our pals at Beth Shalom Records and we’d recommend them to fans of Pup, Drug Church and Into It. Over It.
BEX, 11am on the Main Stage, Saturday 13 July
Already a favorite with Kerrang!, BBC Radio 1’s Future Alternative show and Apple Music, BEX will be following up a slot at Download with an opening set on the Main Stage of the last day of this year’s festival. She’s already played shows with Saint Agnes, WARGASM and Witch Fever and has a no-nonsense punk rock attitude – plus hooks you’ll be humming for days – that are sure to be a hit with the Trees audience.
Snake Eyes, 11.30am on the Axiom Stage, Saturday 13 July
We recently caught Snake Eyes opening for October Drift and their scuzzy punk sound and relatable lyrics about the state of the world and the challenges we’re all facing – ‘Crybaby’s ‘You want a problem? Cos we’ve got plenty. Take your pick’ being particularly apt – won’t fail to grab you. They’ll be loud, brash and brilliant.
Who are your recommendations for 2000trees 2024?
2000trees Festival 2024 takes place from Wednesday 10 to Saturday 13 July at Upcote Farm, Gloucestershire. More information and tickets are available at 2000trees.co.uk.