photo credit: here & now
It’s hard not to feel excited before a festival. A day of blazing sunshine, great music and excellent company poses few drawbacks, so it’s no wonder thousands of people from Bristol and all over the UK flock to Love Saves The Day every year – and this was no exception. We were there on the Saturday to see what all the fuss was about!
As the clock moved ever closer to 12pm, streams of people filter into the streets all heading in one direction- the festival’s home of Eastville Park. The park was packed out, with the usual set-up of stages accompanied by a selection of weird and wonderful attractions, including drumming workshops, a roller disco and even an inflatable chapel for those taking the name of the festival literally.
One of our first ports of call was Maribou State who have always been excellent producers. During this set though, there was evidence that they are prepared to move away from the more immediate gratification of UK club culture in favour of something altogether more considered, slowly nudging their listeners towards these moments of bliss instead of arriving there fully formed. An added treat was the appearance of vocalist Holly Walker. Dropping their remix of Fatboy Slim’s ‘Praise You’ to close the set made for a great crowd participation opportunity and left smiles faces on wherever you looked.
Next up was the Dance Off Stage where highlights included Manchester’s Bugzy Malone, Artful Dodger and DJ Luck and MC Neat, who played an array of classic, grind and garage anthems throughout regular dance offs which became more outrageous as the day went on.
Closing the day were Hot Chip in what was their first show of the summer.
If only other bands knew how to press buttons with as much conviction as Hot Chip, both literally and metaphorically. Six albums in and they still appear to be stimulated on the strength of their show on Saturday.
Beginning with Huarache Lights, a track from the bands latest album, the night was off. Boasting an impressive light show alongside the infectious pop, songs such as One Life Stand and Love is the Future were instant crowd pleasers. One of the most impressive parts of the bands reportoire is that they play live without backing tracks, unusual for a band of this genre.
Next was Over and Over, a song that after a decade is still one of the bands greatest and most well known hits. This was followed by Shake a Fist, a track that perfectly shows the genius of the band in their ability to mould together a combination of modern pop and vintage electro.
The final few tracks of the set began with Ready for the Floor which sent the crowd into uproar. Their brilliant performance came to a close with their epic seven minute version of the Springsteen classic Dancing in the Dark.
With a hugely varied lineup, and great attention to detail Love Saves the Day is excellent, feeling like a mini Glastonbury or Bestival. We only wish we’d stayed for the Sunday now!
