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2000trees 2025 Review - Thursday
- Joshua Wilkinson
- Jul 20
- 5 min read
Josh Wilkinson and Jess Robinson
One of the true highlights of the festival season, 2000trees is an event like no other. After thoroughly enjoying our experience at Trees last year we know we had to do it all again, and we're certainly glad we did.
Uncertainty
“Bristol Hardcore Queer-tet” Uncertainty found themselves with the job of opening up The Cave stage for this year’s festival, and they sure rose to the challenge. With punching basslines and quick, short tracks, they rattle through their allotted half an hour leaving no doubt about what the next three days have in store. Taking short breaks between songs to talk about issues that were fresh in everyone’s mind such as the Glastonbury controversy and voices that are being silenced by those in power, Uncertainty (despite their name) make sure no one is uncertain about their stance on these issues.
PAVÉ
Continuing to start off the first full day of the festival as it means to go on, PAVÉ put on an amazing early performance that immediately got things going. Their infectious, upbeat sound quickly drew a crowd, and by the end of their set there were hands in the air, heads banging, and even a few moshers. With upcoming appearances at YNOT and Burn It Down Festival later this summer, there’s still a chance to catch these guys before they inevitably blow up.
SNAYX
Having seen Snayx before during their run supporting Billy Talent last year, I knew their set was one I couldn’t afford to miss. If there’s three things you can expect from Snayx it’s energy, energy, and more energy, and it’s safe to say that this was once again the case here. A 2000trees favourite, this was the punk outfit’s third time at the festival but their first on the main stage, somewhere that they absolutely belong. From start to finish the crowd was jumping, completely ignorant to the heat of the day as they lost themselves in the performance. Lead singer Charlie Herridge is spectacular at getting the audience invested, and you’ll be invested right with them if you’re fortunate enough to catch the group in action.
Grumble Bee
There couldn’t be a more perfect setting to witness Grumble Bee than in the middle of a forest. Jack Bennett’s infectious vocals float through the trees as a large audience soak up the late-afternoon sun peeking through the gaps in the leaves. Opening up the set with new single “PSYCHO”, and treating the audience to some unreleased tracks, Grumble Bee’s upcoming album is not one to be missed. It’s set to be one for those who love beautifully written melodic hooks with large, emotional soundscapes that translate into both recorded and live settings perfectly.
Big Special
Another act I’ve had the pleasure of catching before, the dynamic duo that are Big Special are always worth the watch. Bringing their trademark blend of punk and poetry to the main stage, once the pair start performing, you can’t help but be drawn in. Mixing powerful drumbeats, a lyrical flow that hits just as hard, and a captivating physicality, Big Special’s set very much fit the definition of a performance. With two albums under their belt in just two years, these guys are absolutely ones you should be keeping an eye on. As their name implies, they’re a special one.
Battlesnake
Next to take to the forest stage were a band who, for those in the audience that knew what they were about to witness, created a buzz of giddy energy in the lead up to their set. Those who didn’t know what they were in for certainly got a surprise, as Battlesnake appeared fully costumed up and ready to cause a whole lot of silliness. Hailing all the way from down under, you can be sure Battlesnake did not take a plane over to the UK but in fact rose straight through the centre of the earth, bringing the fiery thunder with them.
Lake Malice
One of the most exciting and innovative bands on the scene right now, Lake Malice have been on an unstoppable run for the last few years with no signs of slowing down. Right at home on 2000trees’ Neu stage, the band put on an electrifying performance as they treated the audience to their unmistakable blend of metal and electronic sounds that never fail to get a reaction. Joined on stage by backing dancers for the first two tracks of their set, “Blossom” and “Magic Square”, immediately got the crowd dancing along with them, adding an extra layer of energy to an already dynamic performance. It won’t be long before Lake Malice return to Trees to headline this stage, mark my words.
PVRIS
The first of Thursday’s two headliners, PVRIS, or more so Lynn Gunn, need no introduction. As soon as she stepped onto the stage the audience erupted into cheers, hands were thrown into the air, and phones were pulled out to capture the opening moments of the show. The excitement didn’t stop for even a second of the 20 track setlist, crescendoing during fan favourites like “Snakes” and "My House”. There couldn’t have been a better time in the day for PVRIS to take to the stage either, as while the heat was certainly still strong, seeing such a fantastic performance as golden hour hit was a truly stunning experience, and one that you’d be hard pressed to find outside of 2000trees. This was my first time catching PVRIS after dipping in and out of listening to them for years, and finally seeing a live performance gave me a new-found appreciation that had me seeking out the tracks I wasn’t familiar with.
Bambie Thug
With the forest stage fully cleared, Bambie Thug, alongside their two dancers left no patch of floor untouched with their energetic and captivating performance. Opening their set with “Hex So Heavy”, Bambie Thug sets the tone for the performance with pure rage set to a track of pummelling beats and aggressive hooks sure to frighten anyone who dares to get in their way. Without missing a beat, Bambie Thug powers through the rest of their set with the same raw aggression, undoubtedly gaining many new fans along the way.
Kneecap
As the sun began to set on the first full-length day of the festival, the crowds descended upon the main stage. With Irish and Palestinian flags held high and draped over the shoulders of countless attendees, my anticipation for this set couldn’t have been higher. After earlier events this summer, I knew that this Kneecap performance in particular would be one that I couldn’t afford to miss, and I was very much proven right. From the off the trio of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí were full of boundless energy, bouncing around the stage to the deafening cheers of the audience.
When you combine Kneecap’s musical style with the visuals and light show that a main stage headline slot provides, you get a full-on assault of a performance that demands your full attention. It was impossible to not get caught up in it all, the smile didn’t leave my face as flare smoke filled the air and the entire crowd pulsed with the beat. Of course the group also used their slot as a platform for their political activism, calling out injustice as thousands cheered in agreement. Kneecap are an undeniable force in the music industry at the minute, and if this set was anything to go by, their momentum isn’t letting up anytime soon.
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