Festival Review: Liverpool Sound City Festival 2022
Photo Credit: Amelia Jones
Arguably one of the most underrated events in the musical calendar, Liverpool’s Sound City Festival returned last weekend. With a plethora of established and emerging artists gracing the 8 intimate stages, Liverpool city centre was booming with a tangible sense of excitement in the air.
My Sound City experience began early on Friday night with the PPL Momentum Fund showcase at the famous Jacaranda. Personal highlight Astles delivered a superb set of chill indie and very personal songwriting. Although dealing with melancholy subject matter, his set was uplifting and received a resounding response from the intimate crowd. I definitely got early Keane vibes.
Saturday began with a very special, very intimate interview and set from the Lathums in Phase One. Alex, Scott, Johnny and Ryan came out and discussed everything from their upbringing in Wigan, to rumours of their next album. It’s clear to see they are just ordinary, humble, talented lads who are doing their hometown proud. Afterwards, Alex performed three songs acoustically, including hit ‘Fight On’. He even managed to get the room full of largely music industry people to sing passionately along. In an industry full of nepotism and industry plants, it’s great to see a band simply formed at college smashing it.
Speaking of bands formed at college, next up was Crawlers at the Arts Club Loft. Holly, Amy, Liv and Harry delivered an incredibly powerful and exhilarating set, rattling through their unique brand of alternative rock. Personal favourites included the driving ‘Breathe’, bona-fide hit ‘Come Over (Again), and ferocious set-ender ‘Placebo’. Holly Minto controlled the crowd effortlessly, even managing to bring the audience to the floor during the breakdown of Placebo. Even at a festival such as Sound City, where the crowd is a real mix of ages, Crawlers conquered, proving they are much more than a social media success, they are simply an extremely talented live rock band. Catch them on their UK tour in Autumn or opening for My Chemical Romance this summer.
CRAWLERS - Photo Credit: Amelia Jones
A short walk from the Arts Club, I managed to catch the tail end of Phoebe Green’s set in Jimmy’s. Their brand of danceable indie rock tunes went down incredibly well with the basement crowd. Synthesisers and catchy hooks galore, it felt like a set that deserved a bigger stage. I decided to stay in Jimmy’s to check out tinyumbrellas set. With their delicate vocals, softly plucked ukulele and personal songwriting, they created a beautifully intimate aura on the Jimmy’s stage. Their songs ‘Signal’ and ‘Tough to be a bug’ were highlights for me. Fans of Dodie and Lizzie McAlpine will find comfort in the tinyumbrellas sound, sweet vocals and charming songwriting.
PHOEBE GREEN - Photo Credit: Amy Moran
After a quick bite to eat, I headed over to Zanzibar to check out Matlida Mann. Her set showcased her depth as a singer-songwriter, with a mix of delicate personal moments, to hard hitting alternative rock. Matilda has a lovely lyrical skill in her writing, and her storytelling nature was helped with a little insight into the origin of each song before playing. The Zanzibar crowd responded well, with many shouts for more once the set had finished. Afterwards I caught a little of Rose Gray’s set in The Shipping Forecast. Her unique ethereal dance music was a needed dose of groove, with some exceptional drumming too.
After failing to get into the Arts Club Theatre to see the Lathums (It had apparently been full for hours before), I decided to end the day with Crawlers intimate set in the cavern-like EBGB’s. Upon entering it was clear this was a special moment for the band, as the venue was full to the brim. This was possibly the last chance to see Crawlers in a room this size and felt almost like the band doing a lap of honour before taking on the world.
My Sunday began with a short walk down to the Arts Club Theatre to see Cassia. Their set of tropical infused indie went down extremely well, with front man Rob Ellis singing faultlessly. The Cassia sound seems to draw the line between Vampire Weekend and Paul Simon, and was the perfect summery start to the day.
CASSIA - Photo Credit: Amelia Jones
I stayed in the theatre to check out one of the bands I was most excited to see, Kawala. Kawala’s unique brand of indie meets folk meets afrobeat was honestly one of the best sets I’d seen all weekend. Vocalist Jim Higson and guitarist/vocalist Daniel McCarthy harmonised beautifully atop a soundscape of jangly guitars and acoustic riffs. Jim particularly reminded me of an unproblematic Morrissey, dancing joyfully, expecting him to start swinging some gladioli around. Funny moments included the band explaining how they charted at number 27 between Dolly Parton and Adele, and before the final track ’Ticket To Ride’ shouting “This song is on FIFA!”.
A quick walk up to Phase One on Seel Street, I caught the end of Liverpool singer-songwriter Libby Akerman’s set. Her soothing voice, accompanied ably with a soft piano, was a much-needed moment of serenity. The acoustic setup showcased her personal songwriting and blend of folk and jazz melodies.
KAWALA - Photo Credit: Amelia Jones
Returning to the Arts Club Theatre, Alfie Templeman delivered an uplifting set of his funk meets indie pop tunes. Alfie’s songs seem to have much more power and energy live, showcasing his virtuosic guitar playing, and his talented band. Personal favourites included the anthemic ‘Everybody’s Gonna Love Somebody’ and infectiously groovy ‘Obvious Guy’. A funny moment was special guest, Courting guitarist Sean doing some exceptional guitar solo miming, it felt like a Spinal Tap scene. Alfie’s show was a flashy, exciting example of guitar music done right.
ALFIE TEMPLEMAN - Photo Credit: Amelia Jones
Leaving the Arts Club, my final venue of the festival was the Zanzibar on Seel Street (with its famous tin roof), for the Bella Union showcase. Sophie Jamieson delivered a beautifully intimate set of her visceral and personal songwriting. Speaking about a debut album to come, she is undoubtedly one to watch. The penultimate set of the evening was from Yorkshire born singer-songwriter Laura Groves. The soundscape of ambient textural electronic music, along with her Björk-esque soaring vocals, created a spellbinding set.
The final set of the festival was from ex-Charlatan legend Tim Burgess. With his band sprawling across the tiny Zanzibar stage, and on to the floor with multiple keyboards, guitars and violin, Tim and co delivered an exceptional set of his quirky and alternative solo material. His new songs sounded somewhere between The Zombies and Father John Misty, and was a perfectly upbeat and jubilant end to the festival. He even performed the Charlatans classic ’The Only One I Know’, although with a different arrangement (which I preferred and have a lot of respect for).
Overall, Sound City festival still is one of the best places to hear new emerging music, as well as watch some of your favourite established acts. It’s an excellent showcase of the plethora of independent music venues dotted across the Liverpool city centre and is one of most unique events on the musical calendar. As the first stop in the festival season, it's one you cannot miss.
Words by Euan Blackman
Photography by Amelia Jones and Amy Moran
