Its been a while since I last posted on the LOWrise blog, I would say I am sorry but I don’t think many people have missed me. Last Sunday, LOWrise had the pleasure of playing their first ever music festival at the beautiful and scenic Blackthorn Festival.

The festival is in its fourth year now. Beginning as a going away party for a university student, it has grown into an incredible coming together of exceptional musical talent, each year topping itself. Over those 4 years some great acts have graced the grassy field of Etherow country park, Stockport, varying from The Enemy, Reverend and The Makers, Clint Boon, Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club, as well as this years headliners Stereo MCs and Maximo Park.

The festival looks to showcase the exceptional unsigned talent the UK, in particular north-west, has to offer. Over the course of three days, exceptional acts graced four stages, the meadow stage, the paddock stage, the country stage and the main stage. It was the main stage LOWrise strutted their impeccable musical talents (Yes, I am very modest). It was this same stage Maximo Park would entertain an expectant crowd only a few hours later.

Stand out performers at the festival where Kashmere, TYPES, Cabbage and No One Sun.

Kashmere a slick and cool, Stockport four piece, who left the paddock stage stunned due to their exceptional showmanship and stage presence, along with wonderful distorted sounds and upbeat indie. Cabbage provided mayhem and post punk magic for the meadow stage. While No One Sun treated listeners to a masterclass in strong song writing, terrific vocal harmonies and pin point musicianship on the main stage.

My personal highlight was TYPES, a three-piece experimental, indie, punk outfit, that wouldn’t sound out-of-place in the charts right now. Everything about this band screams out success from the unique sounds and upbeat tracks, to the cool and edgy front man and the effortlessly talented, almost disinterested guitarist. Add to that a lack of a bass player and you’ve got yourself a very good drummer. I was left for words as my mind was blown by what is certain to be stars in the making. On a side note, LOWrise has some connection to this band as the guitarist Dean, recorded our single ‘Only Forgot’ at VIBE studios.

Away from all this other talent, LOWrise played what I can only describe as our best performance to date. Opening the Sunday on the main stage, our powerful and diverse songs entertained a very enthusiastic crowd. I don’t know if it was the occasion or the setting but my performance was very energetic and left me with some very noticeable bruises, as I battered myself with my infamous drumsticks. Coming off stage we were greeted by a very friendly crowd all very complementary towards the performance LOWrise had given.

Blackthorn music festival is a credit to the unsigned music scene. It is a festival which showcases new talent, while infusing a touch class in carefully chosen established acts. It emphasis’ the importance of bands supporting bands, something that is not always the case in the unsigned scene. Bigger things await this charming independent festival and if it continues on the same trajectory, will no doubt rival the major summer music showcases. Here’s to next year Blackthorn.