Easter Sunday might be a time for church or a big roast for most but for the lucky few, it’s day three of Manchester Punk Festival and you’ve guessed it, the line up is stacked. After two days of relentless gigging and, lets be honest, copious boozing, we’re closing out the final day with a bang.
WORDS: BEN ADSETT / IMAGES: DORY VALENTINE
Cheerbleederz
Whilst others are hunting for Easter Eggs. at MPF we are hunting supergroups. The first of the day are Cheerbleederz and are a much gentler start to the day. With three part harmonies and floaty guitars, they create serene atmosphere in a busy room. This is the kind of set that encourages an audience to immerse themselves in the music and at the end, when heads stop floating, it feels like waking up from a lovely dream.
Hell’s Ditch
In a weekend where we have seen some incredible heavy music, Hell’s Ditch were surprisingly tame – based on the name we were expecting another onslaught. Instead, tuneful pop punk/British rock followed and looking around Gorilla, it felt like this is what people needed on a Sunday afternoon. Despite the singers best efforts, the pit never woke up but from the stage there was enough energy for the whole room. Although there was no circle pit, the appreciation from the audience was very clear.
Cherym
Cherym took things up a notch and with a set of politically driven power pop, they created a party atmosphere. Angular guitars and tight vocal harmonies have to be so precise to not compete with each other, this was not a problem at any point for this three-piece, who’s song writing and performance skills are razor sharp as was their stage patter. Overall, this was a lovely set to experience, and was absolutely impossible not to beam around the room at all the other smiling faces.
Binboy
Another supergroup backs Binboy, the solo project of Thom Weeks (formerly of Gnarwolves and Kasa). With an already extensive discography to pick from, this is a set that will be full of surprises and it’s not a surprise that this is one of the best sets of the weekend. Binboy mould together on stage to create a take on slacker pop that leaves no suggestion that what they are doing is easy. Musically, they are highly talented and when clever vocals and lyrics are added in, the live sets are full of charm. The pink room at YES fits this perfectly, and looking around a full room swaying in time feels somewhat therapeutic.
Melonball
As the third (or fourth for the truly dedicated) day starts to take a toll, Melonball are the perfect wake up call. Their fast and often brash skate punk is balanced out with three part harmonies, and a stage presence and energy that is infectious. The crowd go wild throughout and with every escalation, the energy on the stage goes up until the end where the heat from the pit moves like a wave to the back of the room. This is a take on skate punk that not only follows the origins but also pushes them in exciting new directions.
ME REX
The final supergroup brings Fresh and Happy Accidents together in the form of ME REX; a band with more instruments on stage than members. The jaw dropping musical conclusions are created when all these instruments combine to create delicate and well measured walls of noise. With a backing that could be successful without vocals, adding harmonies, incredibly catchy choruses and those vocal cracks that convey endless emotion, it is clear ME REX are a very special band.
Ithaca
In the heavy stakes, Ithaca saved the best for last and, much like Going Off, prove the smallest vocalists create the most intense noise. With two critically acclaimed albums under their belts, it must be hard to select a relatively short setlist but it’s expertly crafted and has the room instantly on side. Riffs and rhythm drive behind the vocals to create an unrivalled intensity which is balanced by the occasional tender moment. The most tender moments come between songs, when messages of representation and solidarity are applauded and, more importantly, listened to by an engaged audience.
Wonk Unit
There have been so many ‘legends’ on this line up that the fiercely independent Wonk Unit may not be the most famous band on the bill, but in this setting, they are heroes. Their DIY ethos is unquestionable and despite being another band who have been struck down with a scratchy voice, this performance is breathtaking, and not just because of the relentless pace the songs are fired at us. There is something almost hypnotic about watching a band who interact with and around each other on stage; it looks certain that someone is going to get hit with a guitar neck or come crashing through the drum kit, but this band are too experienced and too in tune with each other for this. Their scrappy punk offerings are delivered in short bursts and the sheer number of great songs is staggering. As the final songs hit, it is clear the audience are almost as exhausted as the band who have just torn through over an hour of three minute songs.
Tickets for next years Manchester Punk Fest are available here.
