cowboys, robots, & ninjas skank the day away at 2000trees

The second and final day of 2000trees began to weather which has become an unfortunate custom - rain. A shit load of it. But the strong marched onwards in the latter hours of the morning, and with a line-up of solid music to look forward to throughout the day, it was easy to forget the weather.

But the glum forecast couldn't have been better suited for 'The Caves' first act for the weekend. The Divine Secret performing their last ever show for a heartbreakingly small crowd. However, the few of us who did muster up the college to brave the elements were in for a treat. It was an emotional thirty minutes as Joe Green, Benjamin Newham, and Barny Barnfield poured every last ounce of energy they possessed into the performance. Green (guitar/vocals) did well to hide his emotion behind his always enjoyable showmanship; bringing many laughs to a band many are sad to see the end of. Their set delved into all corners of the band's back catalogue. Opening with the classic 'Big Things' and ending in a giant farewell which included huge party poppers and sweets. It was a heart warming set, and seeing the guys finally move on is a sobering wake up call for when decent local talent is finally put to rest.

After the entertaining yet solemn mood of The Divine Secret's set had lifted, it was thanks to a little band called &U&I which helped lift the heavy air. Rising from the ashes of their previous band Blackfish, &U&I present a welcomed familiar feeling. Vocals were overlaid through the various pedals on the floor as the guys blasted through thirty minutes of no nonsense music. Little talking, no attitude, and little time; the guys just got on with that they had to do. A humble performance from a band with a brilliantly unique angle to music.

But the next band Talons really pushed the envelope. Building with violin intros slowly stirring the crowd into a flurry, Talons worked it brilliantly. Their music descended into chaos as drums, guitars, and bass pummel vibrations into your chest. All the while violins danced daintily over the top, crafting their own unique place in this instrumental cocktail. Allowing all instruments into your head at the same time just felt like moving into another realm entirely. The energy was high. The music was brilliant and the innovation is inspiringly progressive. The last couple of tracks lacked the same punch as the rest of the set, but Talons proved they are now marking out uncharted territory. It was just a pleasure to be along for the discovery.

Over on the now beaming with sun main stage, there couldn't have been a more appropriate mid afternoon pick me up. Imperial Leisure exploded onto the stage, with their many inflatable balls in tow too. Frequent Trees visitors will hold a special place in their hearts for Imperial Leisure, as they unfold onstage like a wound up jack in the box. Their music is pure and simple- its kick off your shoes skanking music, with nothing but good times and good tunes to come. Their infectiously catchy blend of ska rock pop just works effortlessly.

The most animated audience of the day hang on their every word as the crowd become lost in a frenzy of skanking. A young robot girl is welcomed onto the stage to fire champagne across the crowd as the penultimate track kicked off. She then proceeded to do the worst champagne celebration ever, but has fun all the same by joining the band for one last dance.

It's brilliantly happy music. You could just sit and enjoy, or exhaust all of your energy skanking the afternoon away. But with these guys in front of you, you're guaranteed a great time.

Next up on main stage, Three Trapped Tigers sparked into their logic defying, complicated electronic rock. With each member of the three strong band playing more than one instrument, it's easy to become lost and transfixed on the orgy of stage activity. But most find it hard to digest and some of the heavier, more complicated music just became a little lost within the audience. The slower more techno based beats did well to reignite interest, but I couldn't help but feel perhaps a smaller tent environment would have suited Three Trapped Tigers better. A really interesting act, but perhaps would have suited the intimacy of an enclosed venue.

Back in the cave, penultimate band Devil Sold His Soul had brought the metal home. A refreshingly original take on British new metal, Devil Sold His Soul really slotted in well tonight. Their doom heavy riffage rang out clean with solid drums and guitars. It was the perfect injection of heavy, fast music the early evening needed. Compared to the more chilled main stage action- the cave was kicking off. Front man Ed Gibbs leapt from all corners of the stage and remained a constant focus point.

The Caves' final band brought Amplifier in from the cold night to warm us all up. The tent seemed disappointingly sparse as the four men launched into the mouth wateringly exciting intro of 'The Wave'. Front man Sel Balamir wasted no time encouraging the crowd to "Please step right up, to the end of the world". With the first four songs from their latest album, 'The Octopus' it did seem Amplifier struggled initially to find the groove. The music took a little time to tighten and warm up, but by mid set the guys were firing on all cylinders. Balamir acknowledged "The only crowd surfing robot I've ever seen" as one lucky punter slowly had his clunky cardboard costume torn apart by the mass of hands lofting him above.

By its conclusion, Amplifier had taken us through the best light show of the weekend. With their core shaking heavy riffs and supernatural melodies- it truly became a night to remember. Not the busiest night for the headlining tent, but in terms of sheer audio pedigree - it was completely and utterly airtight.

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