Live Music Review: Waterfront Festival 2016

Friday 19 August 2016
reading time: min, words
What more could you want from your Saturday than tons of great local music acts on three different stages?
Lucille Waterfront Festival

Lucille. Photo: Tom Morley

The day started at 1pm with Melissa Danial-Ward on the Under The Tree sand the atmosphere was already buzzing. Super Furniture were the first act to grace The Gigantic stage, while Suspect Alibi got the party going upstairs. Suspect Alibi’s eclectic sound of indie rock, pop, and a synth creates a very individual sound that makes these lads stand out from the crowd, making them the perfect band to kick-off the LeftLion stage.

As the day moved along, it became apparent that this year’s line-up was impressive; it was very difficult to know which stage to be at in order to see all the bands and singers you wanted to see. Singers such as Daisy Godfrey and George Holroyd made the outside stage a must if you wanted to watch some great acoustic acts. With Daisy’s soft and pleasant vocals and her relaxed look on stage, compared to George’s powerfully recognisable voice and mesmerising guitar-playing, there was certainly something for everyone outside.

The Madeline Rust Waterfront Festival

The Madeline Rust. Photo: Tom Morley

Under The Tree stage didn’t only consist of acoustic acts, there was all sorts of styles and talents being showcased for the sun-lovers of the event. The modern-folk sound of The Idolins with plenty of acoustic guitar, a cello and some beautiful harmonies looked so happy and at home on the stage. The first band to get everyone up on their feet, wiggling their bums was Lucille, with their retro rock n’ roll stylings, their energetic sense of fun made it impossible for you to sit still while these guys are performing. While Lowrie showcased his recent beats & synth direction, something he has immense talent for after starting his music career as an acoustic singer-songwriter.

You Want Fox Waterfront Festival

You Want Fox. Photo: Tom Morley

The Barnum Meserve brought quite the crowd with them as they took to the LeftLion stage. Frontman Leon Wiley looked completely at home behind his piano, knocking out a huge sound to match his powerful vocals, their unique piano based hard rock sound resonated all the way through the upstairs of the Canal House.

The Gigantic stage was home to an array of various bands throughout the day. Thrasonic was just one of these acts, and their blues-rock style made up with four lads, guitars, a bass, some drums and even a bit of trumpet made them one to be remembered. Eyre Llew are one of the most popular local bands around at the moment, and they proved why with their hypnotic and soaring set set. The three Nottingham lads that make up this band have created a Pink Floyd / Sigur Ros inspired sound that makes them one of the biggest bands to watch out for.

Eyre Llew Waterfront Festival

Eyre Llew. Photo: Tom Morley

Back up stairs, and the likes of We Are Carnivores and indie rockers Tusk brought another great celebration of Notts music to a close.

The Waterfront Festival took place at The Canal House on Saturday 13 August 2016.

Waterfront Festival website

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