Friday Highlights at The Great Escape 23
Tom Ellis (TJEphotos/FEATS)
The day kicked off with a slightly more tired energy than the previous day, however Noisy DJ set got us energised and ready for the day.
Even though the day ended up with me seeing less bands than anticipated, it has by far been my favourite day.
Tom Ellis (TJEphotos/FEATS)
Our first visit to Club Revenge was to see Lizzie Esau delivered an electric set to an absolutely packed out room. We then set on our way to see shrimp eyes play at shortts bar and they exceeded expectations. As the band set to start their set the small Brighton venue filled up with fans and anticipators alike. Straight from Shortts we headed to an AWAL mixer at the Brighton dome as Alice Longyu Gao who was looking extra superstar at the event.
Louis Hitchcock (LouisHitchPhotos/FEATS)
As golden hour kicked in VLURE took to the PIAS stage at the Charles St Tap, to deliver yet another magnificent performance.they set the tone for my friday night rave vibe with their trademark KLF inspired punk euphoric beat.
The start of a back to back at club revenge was Jessica Winter. Taking to the stage wearing another one of her iconic Power suits, the set began with her seductive black leather finger clicking. Carrying on the sultry energy throughout the set, the opening track of Limerence “Choreograph” provided a gorgeous ending to another theatrical performance celebrating queer identity.
Next up, Bristolian producer Grove blasted through their third and final set of the weekend. Referencing everything from the French Revolution to calling out immoral landlords and the outdated Monarchy system. Followed by a rare moment of openness Grove introduced accomplished visual and audio artiste EJ Akin as their romantic partner alongside being their stage partner.
Louis Hitchcock (LouisHitchPhotos/FEATS)
We had the chance to catch up with Yonaka, who recently released two new singles teasing their newest EP: Welcome To My House. A band who will bring the energy while making you cry two songs later.
In a true celebration of fangirl culture and wrapping up the second day of this year’s Great Escape, politically charged Deadletter stormed through an exhilarating rousing set that started at 2 AM at Chalk. Deadletter delivered a set that consisted of post punk realness that I had hoped and wished for to end off the night. Making the crowd Romp through the early hours of the night.
Up next for today’s line up are the brilliant rap trio FrozeMode alongside one of the headliners, Arlo Parks and indie band Gengahr.