Reviews / Love Saves the Day
Review: Love Saves the Day (Sunday) – ‘An all killer, no filler lineup’
Battered and bruised, the Ashton Court site bore the marks of Saturday’s overnight deluge. Unrecognisable from just 24 hours prior, the once luscious landscapes had deteriorated into a brown, puddle-laden swamp.
So walking through the festival’s entrance didn’t quite induce that ‘start of the summer’ feeling of the previous day. But when has a bit of rain ever dampened the spirits of the notoriously resilient Bristol crowd?
Clad in raincoats and boots, ravers marched en masse towards the ticket gate, the irresistible allure of distant muffled bass the north star leading them onwards.
is needed now More than ever
Heavy rain had turned Saturday’s lush green site a muddy brown – photo: Giulia Spadafora
Bristol’s biggest music festival Love Saves the Day is a haven for dance music lovers. It consistently delivers star-studded line-ups, and this 12th iteration was no different. An ‘all killer, no filler’ selection of artists graced the event’s eight stages throughout Sunday.
Tough decisions had to be made.
After deep consideration, I decided to begin at the Transmission Stage, waddling there at snail’s pace to avoid taking an early mud bath.
I was greeted by the sounds of Hackney-born DJ IZCO accompanied by ever-energetic MC Reek0. The pair delivered a versatile and unrelenting set spanning UKG, jungle and grime.
Unphased by the rain, the now-invigorated crowd grooved beneath the stage’s beaming radio tower, glimpses of sun between clouds met with raucous reactions.
As the day moved into early evening, the sun finally broke free and the site breathed a collective sigh of relief as summer seemingly returned, if only temporarily.
Up next was London-based KILIMANJARO, gracing the now glowing Brouhaha stage. The DJ/producer is revered for his unique blend of house and Afro-infused rhythms, and his infectiously energetic personality behind the decks.
Having seen his Boiler Room performance in Bristol’s Propyard two years ago, I thought I knew what to expect – but was caught off-guard by a thumping remix of Kelis’ Milkshake that felt incredibly out of place in the best way possible.
With performances like this, it’s no wonder the Zambian-born DJ has already supported the likes of Fred Again, Denis Sulta and Folamour, and has a slew of high-profile festival appearances lined up this summer.
Looking to catch Berlin-based duo DJ Heartstring, it was time to head across to new stage Paradise Lost. Each Love Saves stage boasts its own distinctive atmosphere and feel, and Paradise Lost was no exception.
Though uninspiring from the outside, shimmering disco balls and vibrant ‘80’s feel stage lighting awaited within.
I went into this set with zero expectations: I’ve dabbled with DJ Heartstring’s catalogue and enjoy their signature fast-paced trance and Eurodance sound, but am no afficionado.
By the end of the set, I was staunch in my belief that it was the weekend’s best performance.
It had everything: high-BPMs, dynamic melodies and a sound simultaneously heartfelt and light-hearted. This, combined with a crisp sound system, was a true recipe for success and had the entire crowd bouncing throughout the unabating onslaught of bangers.
DJ Heartstring killed at the Paradise Lost stage, new for 2024 – photo: Josh Templeman
After an extended pitstop for food and a few beers, I settled in at the Love Saves stage for the day’s headliners.
The Streets need little introduction, founded and fronted by the iconic Mike Skinner who is regularly touted as one of the most important contributors to British hip-hop and UK garage. Debut album ‘Original Pirate Material’ is widely acknowledged as a classic.
Emerging alongside his live band, Skinner began the set with a rendition of Turn the Page. Originally released in 2002, the track has been reimagined this year by electronic duo Overmono to winningly combine Skinner’s tight wordplay with an uncompromising bassline.
Now that I’m used to the edit, hearing the track played acoustically felt somewhat underwhelming and sorely missed the Overmono magic.
Moving through The Streets’ glowing discography, the band went on to perform classics Has It Come to This, Don’t Mug Yourself and Fit but You Know It, prompting the rowdiest crowd scenes all weekend.
Skinner’s eccentric character was on full display; he regularly interjected to discuss ‘the apocalypse’ or his plans to perform a track atop the nearby portaloos.
In events that I imagine set off major alarm bells for the health and safety team, Skinner scaled the side of a cubicle before performing On the Edge of a Cliff.
Headliner Mike Skinner’s signature eccentricity was on display – photo: Josh Templeman
For one final bit of chaos in the encore, Skinner jumped in amongst the packed crowd to perform fan-favourite Blinded by the Lights before launching a Poké Ball into the audience – though sadly he didn’t summon a real-life Pikachu or Charmander.
Taking a treacherous crowd-surfing journey back to the stage, Skinner fully immersed himself in the Love Saves Sunday experience by falling to the floor and covering himself in mud, just like the rest of us.
Back on stage he nonchalantly claimed he would be making a visit to the paramedics, asserting that in the event of his death, “at least it’s been a good night” before departing backstage. My fingers are crossed for the guy.
Sunday’s instalment marks yet another success for Team Love. Despite the challenging weather and perilous conditions, it seems love did save the day after all.
Though if anybody fancies reimbursing me for a pair of ruined New Balance shoes, that would be fab.
Main photo: Giulia Spadafora
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