Warrington Music Festival 2023
Warrington Music Festival 2023
at Golden Square
Saturday 3rd June 2023
This year sees the welcome return of the Warrington Music Festival. A free event, founded in 2007, this year there is a fresh focus on grassroots and local talent from across the North West. Taking place as usual at Warrington’s Golden Square’s Old Market Place, it’s a convenient and central town location, easily accessible and close to all amenities. Starting at midday and running right through until 11pm, this is a must for any live music fan.
With a 22-act lineup, endorsed by Dave Monks from BBC Radio Merseyside (who regularly plays all acts performing on his show), it’s a stellar lineup. Dave is here today for the event to personally introduce each act. It’s to be a real celebration of local talent, which we have in abundance. The sun is shining; it’s glorious, today really is the gift that keeps on giving. I won’t lie, I’ve been eagerly awaiting this; a lot of the bands I’ve seen many times, others are new to me, so it’s to be a day of finding new sounds as well as revisiting familiar favourites, many of whom I’m honoured to have as friends.
A completely new one to me this band, but I’m instantly in love with this sound: real jangly, The Cure-like guitars, but with a strong and fierce vocal; powerful beats drive, echo and reverb give atmosphere and an utterly soaring bass line. Excellent set and I will most certainly be seeing the Lunar Youth again as soon as I can.
(The Internet Cafe_Credit: Jeff Jolly)
I’ve seen the Internet Cafe once before and was suitably impressed. A total direction change with this sound – real high vibes, jingly jangly, tropical bursts of guitar, think Bombay Bicycle Club or Vampire Weekend. The sound is very refined and the vocal is clear, fresh and light, real funky sounds made for this sunshine. It’s the sound of a very well-established band, it feels big. Loved the Internet Cafe again.
I just love SYFTA, well known in the North West playing at venues like Parr Hall and 02 Academies, and supporting the likes of the Ks. Explosive, pounding drum beats, a grating vocal that induces goosebumps. So much energy is given. The guys bounce about on this stage that feels like it was made for them…sharp, fast and wild. Think early Arctic Monkeys meets Kasabian but with an original twist. Utterly banging set – Get to see these boys!
Next is a solo acoustic set from local legend, Paul Nixon. The feels change and it’s a perfectly laid-back vibe in the sun-soaked square now. Powerfully strumming his guitar with really strong and distinctive vocals…gravel time at its best, Paul has people stopping in their tracks. A fair crowd of passing shoppers have gathered to take in the sounds. A great slowed-down, a stripped-back pace which went down superbly, ending with a cover of Prince’s ‘Purple Rain’ which had the crowd singing along. Another incredible set from Paul Nixon, who let’s face it, never disappoints.
(Hollows_Credit: Jeff Jolly)
This band are being talked about a lot, I’ve been super keen to see them. It’s an instant WOW! With the first song I get glittering, shimmering early 80s alt, indie feels, but the second song in, the bass lines come in and more WOW, just…wow! Brilliant to begin with but now, my word, this is special! The wilds have been brought, big time, and in front of the stage is now filled with small children bopping away – Hollows have actually created a ‘kiddie mosh pit’ which is so lovely to see. The sound is loud, pounding with a vintage finish. I have found a new favourite, seriously, this band are incredible. Love, love – love them already!
Another local favourite is our very own Jessica Luise. Another acoustic set, joined on stage by Conor Burns on keys, it’s a truly lovely, mellow yet soaring and sunny set; with incredible vocals. It’s safe to say this entire crowd are blown away by the notes this girl can reach. From breathy, hushed tones to far-reaching and voluminous, the vocal talent is honestly a wonder. My favourite part of Jessica’s set has to be when a straw-hat-wearing toddler sits cross-legged directly in front of centre stage, utterly in awe of what he was witnessing. This set had every one of us holding our breath and hanging onto Jessica’s every word. Completely and utterly beautiful.
Another first for me is Hillocks and this is another band I’ll be taking away as stand out from today. Real atmosphere is made here: retro feels, almost a progressive sound, firmly indie but slowly building, more texture added, building and building into an earth-shattering crescendo then back again. This band are completely lost in the sounds and feels they create, so focused and in the zone. Very eerie, melancholy and haunting. The vocal is angst-ridden, sorrowful and full of emotion. It’s truly fascinating. This sound is incredibly addictive, we just want more and more. A whole other world in feels is created when Hillocks play. Excellent set, another new fav for me!
(Olivia Booth_Credit: Jeff Jolly)
Olivia Booth – what can I say? She just has the most stunning and beguiling voice, and with her full band accompanying her today it’s another level. From the off she has the entire square captivated, like a musical siren, mesmerising and enchanting us as we fall completely under this musical spell. It’s hypnotic with a dream-like sound. It’s another directional change and another show-stopping set (not a first for Olivia) I was under her spell from the first time I saw her, acoustically, in Warrington bus station a year ago. I just love her sound.
Another epic genre change, this time it’s a solo performance of 2 parts, the first being up-tempo to backing tracks, then an acoustic guitar section. Both are immaculate! The energy is what first hits us. This guy is great, rapping, with club-like backing beats, dancing about on stage, waving arms and pointing into the crowd. When singing in the acoustic section, there is a delightful nasal tone, but scratchiness to the vocal and a real extreme of tones, like sweet and sour, or bittersweet. A great sound, spoken word then singing in the style of Jamie T, then back to the backing tracks where the feels are much more like the Streets or Ren. Gripping set and a real crowd-pleaser.
Real rock n roll set this one – drum-driven, soaring guitar lines and a very edgy sound. Cool feel and this band’s presence fills our festival-sized stage. The vocal is an angsty style but with a breeziness that comes and goes, then almost a throatiness and texture in the voice. A very striking sound is produced by this band, and a real feeling is conveyed. Another popular with the Mall kids who are yet again bopping in front of the stage. A set that flew by, which is always a good sign. Loved Collusion.
(Passion Flower_Credit: Jeff Jolly)
Pop punk/alt feels next with Passion Flower, so another complete change in style and genre. It’s heavy, it’s loud, it’s hard-hitting sounds coming right at us like a freight train. The vocal is a complete contrast; it’s free and light and very ‘sing song’ like and the contrast works well, creating juxtaposition. People are singing along in the sunshine to this fast-paced set. Another crowd pleaser and a sound that certainly made an impact, quite bewildering and definitely makes its mark.
A genre navigating spectacular now, folks…so many shifts in style, all tightly bound into one epic sound, come with this band. I already love Gondolas; they’re so full of energy, quirkiness and fun that you can’t not love them. Fast-paced, energetically abundant, catchy songs with a real kookiness to them, impossible to be still and impossible not to smile. A bit Zutons, a bit the Coral, with some Ocean Colour Scene thrown in. The harmonies are special, exquisite even, and I could listen to this all day and night long. Another fast, lively set with tons of enthusiasm and personality, with real stage presence. This band are just so likeable as well as sounding fantastic. Crashing beats, cascading harmonies, real sunshine sounds and so dynamic, edgy, cool…what more could we ask for – really full set. Outstanding, one of my fav bands at the moment, well worth checking out
I’m excited; there s no hiding the fact that I just love the Seminals and after seeing them just last night the need for more is intensified. If you go to see them be prepared for wilds in the BEST way, bringing their custom-made ‘Runcorn’s own’ brand of Madchester-inspired indie rock with enough punk thrown in for good measure. This stage is made for this band; they fill it with their immense energies. Bobby, our front man, is all over it, hurling himself about, screaming down the mic, on his knees (you get the picture). Just go see this band, honestly, words don’t do justice, they genuinely need to be seen to be believed. I’m blown away more every time. Hard-hitting, Stone Roses-like beats, careering guitars, undulating bass lines and a vocal that stops you in your tracks…that’s the Seminals’ effect.
(Muddy Elephant_Credit: Jeff Jolly)
I love, love, love Muddy Elephant…a real glam rock, indie-fuelled sound with an oftentimes dance feel – think Block Party-like, explosive drum beats, shimmering and transcendental guitar lines, soaring bass and one hell of a vocal. Sam, our front man, has immense stage presence and the deepest, echoey vocal which is jaw-dropping; haunting, Editors like feels in some tracks, then more spirited and holiday vibe in others. I always get a retro 90s indie feel watching these guys, but they definitely put their own stamp on it. Ending in an utter musical frenzy of drumming fire, screaming guitars and the fast-paced favourite ‘Helter Skelter’, this set has been a rapid-fire, 100 mph force of musical genius! Guys, you smashed it, yet again!
This next band really are taking the local music scene by storm…literally, a musical storm. Two-piece Mademaker blew my mind last night, so to see them today is the stuff of musical dreams. Such a force, powerful musical mayhem. Hard, fast, angsty grunge coming at us …loud and with gusto, completely absorbing to watch, James moshes and head bangs his way through this entire set, matched only by the intensity to which Bhav smashes his drum kit (so powerful in fact that the sound techs have to hold it in place…now that’s what I call drumming). Our duo get completely lost in what they do and we’re right there with them. It’s fantastic, really impactful stuff…be a part of this grunge fuelled storm and go see Mademaker, I just love this band!
The Twenty Two are a head-on collision of exuberance and indie sounds, really charismatic and fill this venue with coolness. Very, very tight musically and a really energetic, quality performance. Up tempo, tunes bursting out, guitar-driven with a hard-hitting edge but melodic with utterly feel-good vibes dripping from every song. The crowd are lapping this up; it’s a bouncing set. Glimmering, shimmering sounds with a really powerful bass line. Bloody brilliant and heart-pounding set from a bloody brilliant band. Amazing stuff…always a good gig with these guys!
(The Raymonds_credit: Jeff Jolly)
Real sunny, hot weather vibes and feel good here – another total shift in style. THE catchiest hooks and an utterly bouncing performance from beginning to end – the Raymonds are just ‘too cool for school.’ Honestly, there just isn’t anything better than watching a band jump around on stage loving what they do and that’s exactly what you get with the Raymonds. Brilliantly jangly guitars, very Cassia-like. The vocal is light and fresh but has a real grate that brings depth; just impossible to stand still while the Raymonds perform. Another must-see band.
It’s a huge genre jump again now – think indie folk, Bob Dylan vibes, Travelling Wilburys type feels. Laid back, easy-going, real sunshine-type music. Multi-faceted, a tapestry of sounds, perfectly woven together, drum-led but soft beats, harmonies that marry perfectly and gentle piano all create the Ambersons’ identity. Atmospheric, an all-encompassing sound which mesmerises. The late 60s, and early 70s easy listening meets 80s eclectic folk, but a style all of their own making. Eerie at times, free feeling at others, a real force beneath the sound with detailed strumming guitars and soaring bass lines atop. Excellent set and an entire feeling created.
The AV Club bring the retro feels like no other. I’ve seen this band many times and the attention to detail is notable – shimmering, hifi tunes, real 80s vibes of electro indie with just a hint of new wave. This could be the soundtrack to any iconic 80s film! The vocal is steady and light, with sweet honey backing vocals from Freya. So much fun to watch on stage and tons of energy put into this. Always a very tight and on-point performance musically with excellent production. The AV Club bring a whole concept to each performance and really transport us away to their retro world.
Standin’ Man are a real wow band, particularly when performing live – psychedelic rock, indie rock with a late 60s spiritual vibe running throughout. Soon to be playing with the Who (and have done previously as Sly Digs), Standin Man are Warrington music royalty. Wrapping these inspirational sounds around us, the warming tones of organ keys, eastern influences, real intricate guitar with epic instrumentals, rapid-fire drumming and a steady, rasping vocal. Real rock n roll at its very best. Outstanding as expected. Standin Man genuinely do deliver every performance, it’s must-see.
(Uno Mas_Credit: Jeff Jolly)
It’s fizzing indie pop next, tunes that make you want to dance; great energies throughout and real fast-paced and toe-tapping stuff. Great crowd interaction and a real buzz in the air. Some retro feels detectable, airy and bright with a real abundance of sound. These guys do go all out with performance, running about, hopping and jumping, swinging guitars, real crowd pleaser stuff. A mellow vocal, with real northern accent in that style that makes it the pure indie we just love! Cracking set, real party vibes.
Headline: WINACHI
Wazza’s own Winachi! Huge in L.A., these guys bring the cool wherever they play. Real funksters with a real vibe. I’ve seen them a few times and just love them. Soulful, but with real dance beats, the atmosphere is brought in abundance with synth and keys and by the magical mister of percussion, Mr Inder Goldfinger. Mesmeric beats, shimmery eastern feels, hypnotic bass lines and funky guitar riffs. The fresh and light, bright and breezy vocal fits perfectly, although contrasting from some of the grittier lyrics and themes, which works well. It’s a cosmic musical web these groove misters weave… a performance to wow and astonish. Liam, our frontman, has an abundance of swagger and really works for the crowd, whipping up a storm. It’s fascinating to watch. New material has a hot and smoggy, Los Angeles feel, whilst the older stuff is hypnotic and soul filled. Another outstanding set from Winachi, bringing the club feels to a warm Warrington weekend…banging, roof-raising stuff. You just gotta love Winachi!
All in all Warrington Music Fest has been a day/night crammed with content and local talent. To me it’s the diversity and variety that stands out, so many differing styles, sounds and genres and every one of the highest standard. A huge shout-out must go to Steven Davidson of Lizard Inc Records for his sterling job manning the decks between sets…all done with vinyl, He brought real vintage, eclectic and nostalgic sounds. What an amazing local music scene we have here! And it’s truly wonderful to have the Warrington Music Festival back again. It has been missed, and I cannot wait for next year’s lineup!
Huge thanks to Golden Square, Warrington Bid, Culture Warrington, HMV Warrington, Steve Oates and to all the musicians and sound techs.
In memory of Millie Bristow
Review by Janet Harding
Photography by Jeff Jolly
To view the entire photo gallery, click the numbers below the last bottom photo on the right or click on an image to see it larger and scroll through.
