Review By Mark Pitfield Photos By Mathew Pitfield
The build up and the count down before the final tickets were sold was testament to 28 year old festival organiser Jodie Harris. Age is but a number and when I grabbed a chat with her to say well done on an amazing day near the end of the event, I genuinely meant the words I said. Most people like the thought of organising an event but to put your money were your mouth is and to provide an event year after year with rave reviews is very special.
So what makes this event stand out for me – for a start its over 8’s which meant that I witnessed a good 20 children enjoy the event with the parents and the really were all loving the day, ear defenders on and really soaking up the atmosphere and also as all the bands hung out after their sets plenty of photos and autographs were received.
Food was via a catering van in the yard of the venue and there was a steady stream of punters refuelling during the day and night, and the bar itself inside with its cheery bar staff made refreshments easy to obtain.
The venue was air conditioned which on the day was very well appreciated given the heat outside and as ever security and Jodie’s team were amazing, friendly and very well oiled and versed on the day.
Compare Si Genaro who as always humorous and thoughtful in introducing the bands, and a gentleman when tracked down in between bands.
Now what makes the day different for me is that each band starts on the hour being a single stage event. All bands get 45 minutes and then there’s a quick turn around using a provided back line and then the next band starts bang on the hour. I must confess I wondered how it would work and I was presently surprised at just how well it did – all bands picked their hits and let their music do the talking, pleasing their fans and no doubt picking up new ones too.
Every band had the same large crowd numbers and food and drink was usually purchased within the break. Not having clashes really made it great, the bands thrived in their short sets and some had come several hundred of miles to play the event.
Everyone was in high spirts all day and all the bands seen were all on their A game – we will be back as Matthew taking the photos (14), Alexander (8 years old) and myself as well as hundreds more had the most amazing day. Jodie the organiser says they will be back next year with their 6th festival and I am sure bands and festival goers alike will return year on year to support this great event.
Now to the bands:
A’Priori
Making the long drive down from their home town of Blackpool and on eve of the releasing their new 3rd album Voodoo Love the energetic 3 piece start off the day. Like a well oiled machine with a very good crowd on site they hit the stage with amazing swagger and confidence.
Their music is melodic and offers a unique twist on rock music with hard hitting guitar riffs, great choruses, powerful drums and excellent keyboards they are a great start to the day. Catch them on tour in September for their album release.
Black Water Redemption
Local group Black Water Redemption entered the stage as a 4 piece to give us their Southern inspired hard rock, with great musicianship and stage presence with great southern style vocals they delighted the crowd.
The Wicked Jackals
Traveling from Watford the Wicked Jackals a 5 piece delivered there set with great energy and our first band with charismatic fronted by Ollie Tindall, who instead of playing a guitar was sporting a pint in hand as they wowed the crowd with their high energy rock and roll.
Midnite City
London based 80s inspired hair metal band Midnite City bring their show next, and being of that amazing era along with a good portion of crowd, the stage performance of them all, the mid song solos and the stages larger than life presence of Rob Wylde means you are transported back to the 80’s when hair metal was king.
They bring their own style to this era, captivating their audience as a 5 piece which includes a keyboardist too, to really transport you back to those great days. Playing songs from all albums they enjoy what they do and so do the crowd.
Juliets Not Dead (formerly Twister)
A 4 piece from Newcastle deliver their melodic metal set to the audience next. Great musicianship which shows they are not new to the stage, every song and harmony on point with some great crowd conversation thrown in to.
Described as anthemic rock tunes full of killer riffs and hooks – they deliver exactly that. See them on tour in October.
Sam Millar
Next up guitar playing Sam Millar from Manchester, who brings his 5 piece band playing catchy sing along songs to the stage. Again keyboards bring a nice blend and balance to the band and really do compliment the songs as they are played.
Great party vibe from them ahead of an album release on September the 27th with tour to follow.
The Karma Effect
From London, this 5 piece inspired by the Black Crowes and Aerosmith bring there melodic rock to the party. Hat wearing Henry Gottelier on vocals has a great style and finesse in terms of vocals and fashion, which is perfect for the style of rock and roll they play, supported by guitars, drums and keyboards they are a very much delivering on their aspirations.
This performance on the back of a new album and a tour in September!
Scarlet Rebels
Haling from Wales a great sounding 4 piece who have infectious and catchy songs and a Foo Fighters musical and stage presence, playing songs from their off there main release and their upcoming album Where Colours Meet.
Great to see them flourish on stage and being given great respect from the crowd and likewise back. Get their new album in September and enjoy the fun.
South Of Salem
The hard rock band of the moment, with tour and festival appearances galore – South Of Salem have an amazing stage show, presence and ability sees them play far bigger shows (touring the UK and Europe in November) – so this is one to savour.
Lots of merchandise on display from the fans in the crowd and the whole band mingled before and after their show to meet, greet and hang with their fans. I grabbed a moment before their performance with lead singer Joey Draper, who was polite, charming and very charismatic.
From a short distance along the road in Bournemouth and playing as a 5 piece with their 2 dancers which only add to the atmosphere on either side of the stage made for a great balance, and with their coffin back drop and front of stage steps only compliments the well oiled performance really produced and helps everyone connect with the band.
With perfect provision, the bandmates swap positions on the stage using the step to elevate their appearance.
They love what they do and so do the crowd,
The Treatment
And finally our headliners The Treatment hailing from Cambridge and flying the flag of British rock and roll, a 5 piece with swagger and great tunes that really captivate the audience.
Great sound and movement on the stage and a confident performance from all members, given that the band started in 2008 with a few changes along the way, it shows. (vocalist Tom Rampton since 2017) and having released their 6th album this year.
With crowd in great voice and enjoying the party atmosphere the band create, this was a performance headliner worthy. With songs that are catchy and developed, with great vocals and the rest of the band giving their all, having created songs that take influence from bands from years gone by and likened to the Bon Scott era of AC/DC, and what’s wrong with that? Nothing.
Touring the UK and Europe in September through to November with the Dead Daises and CKY and Alien Ant Farm – the are all over the place and with good reason.
So that brings to an end Nozfest 2024, a great single day, one stage festival which really does come at a fast pace, with everyone in good spirts including bands and audience alike.
Festival organiser Jodie has done an amazing job, and after a couple of days off will turn her attention to Nozfest 2025 and year 6. What an amazing job – I hope we can come
+ There are no comments
Add yours