REVIEW: Reverie Fest 2024
With this year's Reverie Fest showcasing some of our personal faves such as Other Half and Lawi Anywar, we couldn't resist the chance to head down to Bristol’s Exchange for the Friday lineup. Featuring an impressive bill of top-tier DIY artists, the evening promised a memorable experience, and thankfully, it delivered just that.
Lawi Anywar
Kicking off the evening with an electrifying display of musical prowess was Lawi Anywar, who captivated the hometown crowd with his signature blend of funky, shoegaze-infused psychedelia. Our first encounter with Anywar's mesmerizing sound was at last year's ArcTanGent, and since then, we've eagerly awaited every new release from this talented artist.
Our anticipation was met with sheer delight as Anywar took to the stage once again. Setting the tone with "The Laughter," a track released late last summer. With each note, Anywar effortlessly guided the audience through a true sonic journey, drawing us into a world where basslines pulsate with infectious energy and synths dance delicately beneath melodies woven like the silkiest threads.
The excitement peaked with the unveiling of Anywar's latest single, "I See You," freshly released on the very same day. Closing the set with an unreleased gem, Anywar left us craving more. After the show, we had the privilege of catching up with Anywar, giving us insights into his creative process and plans for the future. Anywar again leaves us eagerly anticipating what lies ahead, but you'll have to stay tuned for that.
Sans Froid
Sans Froid took the stage as the second act of the night, riding high on the announcement of their debut album, Hello, Boil Brain, set to release in the autumn. The progressive art-rockers delivered a polished performance that showcased their musical prowess.
Aisling Rhiannon's ethereal vocals and keys gracefully intertwined with Charlie Barnes's gritty guitar work and Ben Harris's pulsating bass lines, creating a captivating sonic landscape. Their set flowed seamlessly, with standout moments like the haunting allure of their recent single, "The Still." Drummer Toby Green's powerful beats added depth and intensity to their sound.
With a slot at ArcTanGent this summer on the horizon, anticipation brews for what's next for this promising Bristol outfit.
Exit Child
Since our last encounter with Exit Child at last year's Misery Loves Company festival, the band has undergone a transformation, slimming down to a three-piece lineup for live performances. With Anya and Taly Pulver as the sole full-time members, they're currently on the lookout for a permanent drummer (interested drummers, take note!).
Stepping in behind the kit for Reverie was Finn Fraser-King, who, despite only familiarizing himself with the band's set a few days prior, delivered a flawless performance that belied his short rehearsal time. Exit Child's set unleashed a relentless onslaught of grunge-infused alt-rock, igniting both us and the Reverie crowd into motion with each song.
Anya's prowess as a vocalist and guitarist was evident as she effortlessly tuned her guitar mid-song, while Taly remained a steady force on bass, driving the rhythm forward with precision. If you have the opportunity to witness Exit Child live, don't hesitate to do so.
With their upcoming performance at 2000trees in the summer, we eagerly anticipate experiencing their electrifying presence once again.
Other Half
Headlining Friday night of Reverie, we were thrilled to witness Norwich's premier noise-makers, the formidable Other Half. Despite their last-minute elevation to full-blown headliners just a week prior, the trio handled the spotlight with effortless flair, infusing the venue with their trademark dry wit and angular punk sound.
Their setlist drew from the depths of their first two albums, Big Twenty and Soft Action, with standout tracks like "Like A Dog" resonating particularly strongly. Cal, though still adjusting to the discomfort of earplugs, maintained his trademark chaotic energy, while Sophie commanded the stage with her authoritative bass lines and perfect shouted vocals. Alfie's drumming, a driving force behind the band, showcased both skill and power, solidifying his status as one of the scene's standout drummers.
As the set drew to a close, Other Half treated the crowd to a preview of "Farm Games," a track from their highly anticipated third album, Dark Ageism, slated for release this summer. True to form, the song captivated with its raw intensity and introspective lyrics, offering a glimpse into a deeply personal narrative, with a mantra that we can all relate to: "Regress like you mean it."
Other Half has undoubtedly cemented their status as one of the scene's premier acts, fully justifying their headline billing. If "Farm Games" is any indication of the rest of the album, Dark Ageism promises to be a standout release of the year, marking a significant milestone in the band's already impressive career.
Tickets are already on sale for next year’s festival so save the date for Reverie Fest 2025
