This Must Be The Place Festival

Any music lovers needing proof that Covid is still out there and impacting our lives and entertainment choices then today provided it. Amongst a crop of really great bands, three that I was particularly looking forward to, were forced to pull out. Bo Ningen were the first to announce they could no longer play. This was quickly followed by the news that Big Joanie had to pull out because of Covid. There was a massive consolation in the fact that Yard Act were announced as replacement for Bo Ningen but turning up at the venue there were printed flyers telling us that these also could no longer play, although this was apparently because of a scooter accident. Disappointing for us but no doubt a massive stress and hassle for the organisers who deserve huge credit for finding some excellent replacements at such short notice. So, definitely not a ‘punk’ festival but being stuck in a rut is not what we’re about and the day brought some absolute gems with plenty of punk attitude.

Kicking off in Headrow House the dark, shadowy voice and sounds from Gordian Stimm. Perfectly straddling experimental industrial noise, dance, electronic post punk full of random samples all underlying lyrics that deal with vulnerability, anger, the toxic environment many find themselves existing in yet with a strength that kicks back in a big, big way. Deeply personal songs hammered home in a superbly unique way.

High up on the must see list Home Counties didn’t disappoint. After a sound check that seemed to take forever they delivered a set that takes them a step or two above the glut of post-punk sounds that so many bands are pumping out at the moment. Discordant, spiky guitars over shifty drums and funky bass riffs, their 8 song set covers most of their back catalogue cynically mocking the world around us with tax havens and popular culture both coming under scrutiny.

Staying in Headrow House for what should have been Yard Act the 2:30 afternoon slot is completely owned by last minute replacement Straight Girl. ‘Grave Rave’ states the Facebook page along with ‘succubus’ (  dictionary – a supernatural entity that appears in dreams to seduce men, usually through sexual activity) Straight Girl belts out some hard hitting dance noise, way beyond anything considered your regular rave sounds whilst at the same time becoming steadily more possessed by the beat and music. So much so that penetrating glares and wild leaping around the stage rapidly transcend into manic rushing around the crowd and rolling around the dance floor. One of the day’s highlights which is saying something considering my usual dislike of ‘dance’ music.

By this point in the day we’d made trips to Belgrave Music Hall, a few minutes up the road and the other venue being used today. And whilst the acts here were pulling bigger crowds, Adult DVD’s charming, synth tinged, dance tinged summery sounds and J Western’s funky vibes hitting the spot with decent numbers of people it was only Bleach Lab who really held our attention with their atmospheric, dreamy vibes and deeply personal songs. 

4:30 in the afternoon and there’s another casualty of circumstances with Jessica Winter no longer able to play but organisers have brought in a worthy replacement in the form of local band Team Picture. Online comparisons to bands such as Cocteau Twins and snippets of Arcade Fire are possibly lazy but also close to the mark. A great late addition to the day.

Staying in Headrow House Nuha Ruby Ra was someone that, no matter what, we weren’t going to miss. If punk can be defined as a state of mind and attitude that fights against the wrongs of the world around us, smashing through the boundaries of convention then Nuha Ruby Ra epitomises the very essence of the word. Darkly hypnotic, confrontational, pulsing rhythms, twin microphones, blinding strobes. A real highlight.

Deciding we’d only catch the last few minutes of Bored At My Grandma’s House if we dashed back to the Belgrave we ditched the idea and waited around for Deep Tan and their perfect blend of minimalistic, brooding sounds. Deep Tan are not ‘in your face’ yet still intimidate with their ‘couldn’t care less’ stares, moody glances, pulsing drum beats, minimal guitar, and hypnotic bass driven songs covering deception, revenge porn and drinking sessions. Stealing Sheep do what they do brilliantly but they’re not this reviewers cup of tea and Deathcrash (another of our ‘must sees’) are yet another victim of Covid. 

Belgrave Music Hall sees Bill Ryder-Jones bring in the first really significant sized crowd of the day. Like the aforementioned Stealing Sheep he does what he does perfectly and clearly has a number of really dedicated fans. Whilst no fan of his music it’s worth staying to hear his quick wit and sharp, to the point without being offensive, put downs of one particular alcohol fueled fan who constantly let’s us all know how much he loves Bill. “I apologise to those of you have have paid to listen to me and not him.”

Over a recorded background of abstract soundscapes, synths and drumbeats that vary from ultra-pop to  completely off kilter, unnerving industrial soundscapes Jerskin Fendrix’s digitally distorted vocals range from deep baritone to PC enhanced high pitched autotune cover break ups, remorse, horror stories and whatever else his mind has mulled over. A modern day Fad Gadget praised by the likes of Black Country New Road and Black Midi (with whom he released a Christmas single). 

With a lot of hype following them around after just one single – the excellent Chaise Longue – Wet Leg end the day in Headrow House proving that their unique brand of dead pan post-punk minimalism deserves the heaps of praise so far received. But one song isn’t a lot to go on and we’re pleased to report that the other seven songs played tonight could indeed cement their place amongst the most important new bands to emerge recently.

And that was it for this reviewer. I’ve no interest in today’s main headliner over in Belgrave Music Hall. Gruff Rhys does what he does and is particularly popular. That’s the nature of festivals such as this – the sheer diversity of musical genres mean most will love some and not care about others. For me today was about those playing in Headrow House and there was no-one that disappointed.

Huge credit must go to the promoters and organisers involved in This Must Be The Place. An initially fantastic line-up that was plagued by last minute drop outs due to Covid, and scooter accidents. Those involved managed to pull together some brilliant replacements and showcase the talent of the young bands gaining well deserved reputations amongst those more interested in staying away from the mainstream.