PULSE FESTIVAL

You could say that the Metal-graced theme of this festival would have worked against it- but you would be wrong. Pulse festival proved to be extremely dynamic and varied. The open setting- a large field (at one end a stage and at the other a marquee) meant that there was music blaring from all ends of the spectrum to suit any palette.
Even at 9.30am (the time at which i arrived) there were tents set up and band members lurking around, distinguishable by their accompanying instruments carried around like badges of honour.
Organisers in their luminescent green high-vis jackets ran around tying up any loose ends before the festival began.
In truth, it was hard to say at which point the festival actually did begin. Delayed because of the pouring rain, there was a lot of standing around waiting... Had i been a few inches shorter, i would have been able to enjoy the benefits of my lovely accomplice's umbrella. A bag, notepad, pen and phone in hand, i felt a brolly one instrument too many. This is why, when the heavens opened, i got soaked to the bone. People were reluctant to leave the shelter of their tents, however those that did brave the downpour were rewarded by the first band to grace the main stage "Elessar"
Those that were amongst the drenched audience assured me that "these guys are heavy man, totaly mental!" Nevertheless, Elessar did not let the rain dampen the atmosphere.
The repetitive bang of a single drum whilst soundchecking gave an insight into what was to come; The way that one snare could pulsate through my ribcage and make it rattle promised volume and density at least- This band broke 20 noise regulations just by tuning up. We were not let down.
The stage exploded into juddering drum beats and squeeling guitar. The vocals alternated between beast-like grunting of the main vocalist, to the melodic harmonies of the guitarist-a trait that reminded me of "A Day To Remember" but with more blood lust. To sum up, whilst retaining melody, this band were fierce, vicious and frantic. But yanno, in that good way that makes you want to kiss someone and them punch them straight afterwards.
You know music has energy when people in the crowd communicate by sign because their eardrums have been blown in...

 

( i think the rain is so heavy here it's actually visable...)

That was the main stage, but at the other end of the large field stood two ajoined marquee tents harboring music equipment and gatherings of people. This is where i uncovered "The Unknown" -a young group of band mates Courtney, Dave, Josh and Dylan.
Managing to grab a few moment of front woman Courtney's time revealed to us that past the converse heels and rockstar strut, hid a modest and sweet young girl. She told us that she was a little apprehensive about singing covers by men, and hoped that she did them justice. And boy, did she deliver! Any worries Courtney had about living up to the covers were unfounded-from this petite girl sprung a voice that completely knocked me back. Her strong, and perfectly in tune voice belted out and her feminine touch breathed a softness into classics such as Stone Sour's "Looking at you through the glass"
The Unknown chose well-known covers such as Green Day and Guns and Roses. Whilst the animation of the crowd proved this to be a huge advantage, when Paramore appeared in their set, the comparison was naturally drawn with Hayley Williams- a voice that professionals would have difficulty immitating. Any small mistake was instantly picked up because the songs were so well-known, but Courtney gave it her all and i commend her immensley for that.
Lead did what lead is meant to do- deliver note-perfect solos, piercing and awe-inspiring. This is what punk-pop-rock is all about. As the set went on, the band became more relaxed and the nerves that were so visable at the begining were melting into enjoyment. The drummer really gave it his all whilst the bassist kept perfectly in time. 15 years old is still relativley young- a fact that perhaps manifested in their occasional timing mistakes. However i put this down to inexperience and is something that i'm sure they will work on.
( My advise would be that Courtney in particular should loosen up and believe in the beautiful talent that she has.)

This side of the field was a world away from the long-haired head-bangers of the opposite field. At this hour, the marquee was graced by girls with daisy headbands and flowery chinos. The laid-back air of tranquility was adorned by accoustic 2-piece The K.Cs If Adele and Damien-rice had a love-child, so would spring the K.Cs.
The accoustic guitar was played at  perfect volume so as to add melody and acompaniment to the singer, rather than drown it out (as other bands seemed to be doing today.) Compared to the Main stage, there was a more "gently gently" approach to enthrall and entice the listeners. Both Jake and Gabby's performances were heart-breakingly beautiful, giving the festival a taste of pure talent.
My instant reaction was "WHY aren't these guys world-renowned?!"
then came the proverbial "cherry on top"
"Sometimes i feel like throwing my hands up in the air"
You could physically see the ears prick up at the familiar line sang so perfectly and accuratley whilst retaining a certain personal twist that i can't quite put my finger on. Perhaps it was the breathy velvet voice of Gabby's. Perhaps it was the light guitar that laced the song. Whatever it was, the overall delicate response to this song was amazing and i, for one, preferred it to the origional!
Get famous already.

Before heading back over to the main stage, i manged to grab a few words with Gerogia Stanway, a blue-eyed blonde-haired boho babe who owns up to being a KT Tunstall fan, and describes her music as "pop-accoustic." Although i had unfortunately missed her set, it is always interesting to talk to a fellow music lover, especially someone as genuinley lovely as this. Her wide-eyed expression and toothy smile made her totaly approachable, and her responses suggested that this girl had as much brain as beauty. "I think women tend to lean towards accoustic music because it requires a softer touch, wheras rock music can tend to be quite angry and masculine. Perhaps that is why it is dominated by male figures." 
"Music has always been a big part of my life, and I wanted to be able to give something back."
She holds her guitar with such confidence and ease that it seems to be a part of her, like her indie influenced fashion or her well-spoken dialect.
And it seems that Georgina has had some well-deserved attention and has been signed by "Assorted records" record label, but it hasn't stopped her keeping her feet on the ground;  "Anybody wanting to get into live music should just go for it. Put yourself out there."
She is currently recording her E.P, which is out  next month.





The rain had subsided enough to allow me to wander the trecharously muddy field back to the main stage.
As I had already introduced myself as the Festival reviewer earlier today, the guys from Killing the Tyrant felt they were on "telling-us-off-for-leaving-earlier" basis with my friend Louise and I. The Northeners also spared a second tell off the "C****s" for using "their footall" -this all whilst on stage. These guys were real characters-having a cheeky laugh with the crowd inbetween songs, and the guitarist falling to his back mid-solo. Light-hearted antics merged to serious passion- The singer menacingly perching his foot on the monitor, as though threatening to leap from the stage and maul the closest being to him. However, this should come as a given. KTT are no strangers to crowds- Showmanship being the main symptom contracted from a U.K tour. (In fact, they had travelled through the night to be here, as last night they were playing in Lowestoft!)
Today played host to a band that is tight. Fierce. Energetic. (Brootal, even, as a bloke in front of me commented.) Also, they were genuine decent and cool lads that were easy to talk to and a laugh to hang out with. All the best to Killing The Tyrant on their tour. And for God's sake get some sleep. (,:

All this and these are just the highlights. I would have loved to stay for the Saturday and Sunday, but i was on holiday for the weekend, or else i'd have totally camped out.
HUGE thanks to Chloe Avon and DreamStreet Management for organising the whole thing-fabulous job guys :) Look forward to working with you all soon!

Louise and I in the pub at Pulse.