Sunday at Latitude

Strolling to the main site entrance I notice just how happy and alive everyone around me feels, and I include the staff in that too (special mention to Jason from Care Fest who was welcoming everyone warmly and was still there at 11pm asking how my day was) - seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter was an absolute joy. 

So, to the music. First up for me on the BBC Sounds Stage were Big Joanie. The band describe themselves as ‘Black, Feminist, Sista Punk’ The perfect Sunday morning wake up call, these wonderful musicians powered through their set with angst and soul, with groove and meaning. Having recently signed to the Kill Rock Stars label there is a very bright future ahead for them. 
Remaining at the BBC Sounds Stage up next was a true icon. Tim Burgess, who for many has been the saviour of lockdown with his Listening Parties on Twitter, has finally been able to bring his I Love The New Sky album to the stage. With big choruses and  Scott Walker-ish spaciousness, the songs have the crowd dancing along. And with the set closer being an alternative take on The Charlatans classic The Only One I Know, Tim and his band proved that patience truly is a virtue. 

Hopping over to the Sunrise Stage, housed beautifully in the woods, it was time to catch Dundalk based Just Mustard. Endorsed by the one and only Robert Smith, the band made my Shoegaze / Dream pop dreams come true with their blistering noise. With echoes of The Twilight Sad and Cocteau Twins, the five piece band are seriously on the rise. Lead vocalist Katie Ball captivated the audience as the wall of sound crashed around her. 

Moving swiftly onto the Ballroom it was time to catch the online sensation that is Tim’s Twitter Listening Party.  Tim Burgess has been inviting artists to discuss their albums on the Twitter platform whilst fans all around the world listen and discuss with them. This was the first ‘live’ event with special guests Freddie and Arni from The Vaccines discussing the band's second album Come Of Age. Both were really engaging and honest with their answers to fans' questions and comments. More live events please, Tim and co. 

Another band who are truly on the up and up are Bdrmm. Having released their album on Sonic Cathedral records in July 2020 it has been a slow burner of a start for them but their piercing, angular alt rock music is an absolute joy. I found myself closing my eyes and letting it hot me, consume me. These guys are destined for big, big things, the heirs to Mogwai’s throne and one to watch without a shadow of a doubt. 

Back to the BBC Sounds stage after a pitstop of food and drink it was time to see Shame. The South London, Post Punk group tore through tracks from their two albums (the latest being Drunk Tank Pink was released in January this year) The crowd were as vocal as front man Charlie Steen who at one stage went crowd surfing with the masses. Most pits were formed, random hugs were taking place all whilst songs like One Rizla filled the tent and beyond with a driving thunder. 

As the day began to draw to its conclusion I decided to take a stroll to the Obelisk Arena to catch the end of Bastille Re-Orchestrated.  Classically-trained Bastille frontman, Dan Smith wanted to bring fresh approach to his well known hits and I have to say it absolutely worked a treat. Adding a gospel choir to songs such as The Things We Lost In The Fire and especially hit single Pompeii is a genius move and the 30,000+ people there to witness it were truly honoured. 

An incredible day, one that will stick long in the memory, Latitude you are a home from home. See you in 2022.