Top 5 bands at Burn It Down Festival 2019

I was asked back to photograph the second instalment of Burn It Down Festival in Torquay. Last years event Was brilliant. I got the chance to photograph bands like Mallory Knox, Dream State and Arcane Roots.

The line-up this year had some fantastic bands like Basement, Loathe, Haggard Cat, Black Peaks, Dream State loads of which I’ve had the pleasure of photographing before and a few new bands for me to photograph.

The event had three stages across three venues. The Signature Stage which was at The Apple & Parrot. The The main stage was the Jägermeister Stage which was at The Foundry.

I photographed over 15 bands over the day, varying from rock to hardcore to emo.

My top 5 favourite bands at Burn It Down are -

  • Black Peaks

  • Dream State

  • Mother Vulture

  • Haggard Cat

  • RXPTRS

After what can only be described as a highly successful second year for the South West festival, I am really looking forward to seeing what this festival had in store for the coming years.

Parrotfest XXIII @ The Apple & Parrot, Torquay 21.04.19

Parrotfest is a reoccurring live music event which takes place at The Apple and Parrot venue, in the quaint seaside town of Torquay. I had the pleasure of photographing their 23rd event (I know right?!?! 23 shows!) The events are organised by Matthew Goodyear who is a South West promoter and he works Torquay quite often with events like Burn It Down Festival, happening later on in the season.
The event started of with a 4 piece math rock band called Hops. They opened the event with a perfectly chill but still highly progressive, loud sound. The vocalist had an ethereal like quality to her voice and the musicians were tight from beginning to end, with the technical guitar catching my attention. Their music can be round here - https://www.facebook.com/hopsbandofficial/

Last Hyena are a fully instrumental math rock band from Bristol. They describe themselves as a “three piece instrumental Post Rock Math band. Bristol boys doing proggy math tunes with a big ol' smile FFO Cleft and if Mogwai cheered up a little.” I’d describe the band as (excuse my language) but technical as fuck. I adored the focus on the bassist and the snappy tone to the drum kit. Just when you think you have the beat down, it would magnificently change into something completely different, which kept you hooked throughout the set. You can check out Last Hyena at - https://www.facebook.com/lasthyena/

Third to take the Parrot stage were Torquay based grunge rock band, Deadfly. To me this band have an earlier rock sound, imagine if you squished Foo Fighters and Metallica together then add Deftones-y vocals...then you get Deadfly. With the impressive front vocals, backed up by brash and raw backing screams coming from the bassist, rhythmic guitar and fast paced drums, Deadfly are all in all a brilliant band for anyone who tends to lean on the rockier side of life. Listen to Deadfly here - https://www.facebook.com/deadflyy/

Emily Magpie is a solo musician, who has a mixture of pre recorded parts to her music combined with live vocals and ukulele. She has a mystical quality to her voice and her backing music has a video game like vibe to it (which is brilliant). Think fantasy adventure soundtrack then you get Emily. The music compliments the exquisitely gentle yet powerful vocal range Emily brings to the stage. Check out her music here - https://www.facebook.com/EmilyMagpie1/

The Experimental were next on the event. I’ve photographed this brilliant indie rock band a small handful of times before and I thoroughly enjoy the energy they bring to the stage wherever they play. The frontman showed intense almost manic emotions from during the set which were brilliantly passionate and captivating to watch. Mix this with the unique bass tone (impressive pedal collection by the way) with the tight drumming and the added drummers vocals which compliment the frontman amazingly well, The Experimental are a solid band through and through. Have a listen here - https://www.facebook.com/theexperimental/

With highly emotive and passionate energy and an absolutely solid frontman, Dead Ground came to the stage. The vocals took me back to an early Muse sound. Mix the vocals with very impressive bass playing and quality sounding drum technique, Dead Ground absolutely killed it. Dream like yet intensely heavy and very technically layered band, brilliant. Go give them a listen here - https://www.facebook.com/deadgroundmu/

Next to the stage was Steve Strong who’s a solo musician, who’s music involves highly technical drumming patterns mixed with looped guitar and bass, basically making him one brilliantly math rock, one man band. As soon as Steve started his performance you’re captivated into watching. Steve shows us you don’t need a full band to put on an awesome show. He is bass, drums and guitar all in one person! Fab right?! Nothing is done pre-recorded and it’s all played live. Steve Strong is a multi talented and most importantly modest, down to earth guy who you should definitely go check out! https://www.facebook.com/SteveStrongUK/

Next at Parrotfest were Pattern Pusher, who are a 3 piece indie disco band from Exeter. I would attempt to describe then but they did it perfectly over on their Facebook page, so go check that out! https://www.facebook.com/patternpusher/ The band created a groovy disco vibe to the event, which went well with how much energy they brought to the stage, especially the bassist who could barely stay on it. My favourite thing about Pattern Pusher is how they act with one another on stage, they’re infectiously  smiley and have a strong family quality to the way they act with each other which is very heartwarming to see.

Main support came from Hypophora who are a Cornwall based grunge, math rock, indie band. Upon starting their set, the band announced that Parrotfest would be one of James last shows (drummer). This makes me very interested to see which direction the band go in now with a change to the lineup. There were a few technical difficulties with the guitar but Karum played professionally throughout them and kept the show going. Vocals as always, were very impressive from front woman Katie, and as per usual Lewis had a technically solid sounding bass part throughout the set. I’m really looking forward to the future of Hypophora and see what they evolve into. Go give them a like - https://www.facebook.com/hypophora/

Anavae headlined Parrotfest with a truly unique performance. They entered the stage in a tribal like way and the whole band were unified as one, with almost ritualistic sounding drum beats. The singer showed an insane vocal range. The lighting complemented the band very well throughout the set, and I can honestly say I’ve never seen drumming quite like Anavaes. Go check them out here - https://www.facebook.com/Anavae/


Wreckage 12 @ Exeter Cavern 18.04.19

It was a pleasure to be asked back to photograph Wreckage 12. Wreckage events are ongoing DIY punk gigs. They are hosted by the Cavern in Exeter and organised by Hena Larkin, a well known face within the local scene. The Wreckage shows are immensely important to the local and the South West punk scene, without people like Hena putting their blood, sweat and tears into organising such events, the scene wouldn’t exist, let alone thrive.
Fluff, a solo artist, with a raw punk vibe, mixing dynamic guitar tones which complement the brash tone of the electronic drums. The set took my by surprise upon opening, as I’ve never seen electronically tracked drums at a punk show before. It was brilliantly unique and a solid opener for the rest of the night. Check out his music here - https://www.facebook.com/FLUFFTHEBAND/ Also Fluff has recently joined On the House and you can see his profile here - https://onthehousemusic.co.uk/fluff/
It’s always a delight to watch Henas lyrically powerful songs and spoken word pieces. He isn’t afraid of talking about crucial topics which need to be talked about, such as mental health and the political climate. My personal favourite song of his is his rendition of Woody Guthrie’s legendary song “ All You Fascists Bound To Lose”. Henas cover has such power to it, he’s able to make the song his own without losing the message behind it. Give his music a listen here - https://www.facebook.com/henasolomusic/
Dead Frames (Plymouth based) are local punk rock at its finest! They contrasted nicely against Henas set, with fast paced, drum heavy tracks. The band have a natural talent for writing lyrics that a complete newcomer to the band could pick up quickly. Utilizing what they have, their drummer Lee has vocal parts during their set, he differs from front man Jim, as they have a heavier shouty quality, but when unified together, my god it’s good! Check out their music here - https://www.facebook.com/DeadFrames/
Kearney’s Jig are a 4 piece punk band from Bristol. The band describe themselves as “50% Vegetarian 25% Cheese Intolerant 100% Intolerable” for fans of NOFX and ABBA. Kearney’s Jig were remarkably individual from beginning to end, with their varied age range from member to member. This band definitely bought the party to the stage, and were a brilliant main support to the chaos later to follow. Check out their music here - https://www.facebook.com/Woodewooo/
Where do I even begin with trying to put Red Terrors set into words. This band are quintessentially punk performers through and through. From the first track I could see how well the band interacted with not only the crowd but with one another. Bouncing off each other (and the floor) for whole set, they showed such drive. The smaller sized stage proved incapable of housing the band as they couldn’t be contained, there was crowd surfing, walls of death and absolute chaos. Utter carnage are the words I’d use to describe this band, seriously go and check them out at - https://www.facebook.com/RedTerrorUK/

Noble Jacks @ The Hub, Plymouth 12.04.19

Having photographed a small handful of gigs at the Hub before, taking into consideration it’s recent closure announcement I immediately jumped at the chance to shoot at the venue again for Noble Jacks, supported by The Retreat and Louis Thorne Music hosted by Creative Edge Events.
As always, I was treated with fantastic hospitality from all the staff at the venue, especially Joseph Weinling (sound engineer) who offered to keep my camera bag happy and safe whilst I got stuck into the crowd as I was shooting this show solo.
I don’t usually review sound at shows, as personally I don’t feel like I know enough about it, however the sound at the show felt right and was done very well to suit the bands performing.
Throughout the concert, the lighting technician made my job as a photographer easy, as there wasn’t any strobing (photographers pet hate). Across the night the slower and subtle changes to the colours used helped create an atmosphere to compliment the tone of the bands.
So, the night started of with solo acoustic musician Louis Thorne. He came to the stage with catchy songs which got the mood of the crowd started, charming them with his innocently shy nature, which contradicted the confident nature of his lyrics. He skilfully created a beautiful summer evening atmosphere with a mellow and easy on the ears set.
Next up The Retreat as main support, throughout the set. Richard showed impressive guitar technique focusing around fast paced strumming patterns. There was a feeling of timelessness during the set, creating a heart warming feel listening to him perform. Richard bought a certain level of charm and sospisicatipon which resonated with the crowd.
With the crowd warmed up and ready, headliners Noble Jacks took to the stage with a passionate performance. From immense energetic drums combined with angelic violin tone made their set totally jig worthy. The band bought high energy, keeping their fans moving and dancing throughout the night. I could really see why the band were in a strong position to headlining this venue.
I really appreciated the opportunity to capture true folk at such an legendary independent venue, which will be greatly missed by all.