TAKEDOWN FESTIVAL 2023 - Live Review

Takedown Festival 2023 – Live Review

as december falls

Even though Takedown Festival may have been on an 8-year hiatus, 2023 was actually my first time attending the one-day event. Initially I'd been intrigued as to how logistically it would pan out at Portsmouth Guildhall, which as it happens was done rather successfully. The headlining acts split between the main auditorium and a welcomed outdoor area, while the smaller rooms hosted everything else.

Meanwhile a select few of us were lucky enough to attend exclusive acoustic sets in a separate VIP area upstairs. Seething Akira being the first to accept the challenge of stripping back their material, which combined with an impressive turn out for their main stage set showed the lads are more than just your average local band.

jamie lenman

seethink akira

Dave McPherson

In terms of the bigger names, Jamie Lenman (ex-Reuben) and Dave McPherson (InMe) both showed much love for each other during their acoustic performances. At one point joining forces as Dave guested on a Jamie number, during a setlist that also included Mrs Lenman providing backing vocals. Likewise, they’re on the same level when it comes to showcasing material in its rawest form. The ability to drive home stripped back renditions with just as much passion, while entertaining the crowd with a stage presence that comes about having been on the scene for a good number of years.

Both performances also included a couple of surprise covers. Jamie Lenman’s take on “Love Song for a Vampire” by Annie Lenox, while Dave went for an emotional classic in “Unchained Melody”.

 The Sun was Shining on Takedown Festival

Luckily the sun was shining and as such the open-air stage beckoned for a lively set from Brighton based CLT DRP. The trio being an energetic mix of opinionated pop-punk with electronic influences. So much so that you could hardly make out if their guitarist was doing much more than triggering samples – but that didn’t matter, they were pretty damn fun.

The same stage later in the day would also host Saint Agnes, who in my humble opinion really stepped it up by comparison. Even if tracks from their latest album “Bloodsuckers” love a repetitive lyric, it just helps elevate the angry shouting of singer Kitty Austin. It’s the right balance between being catchy, with enough angst to justify their storming cover of “Firestarter” by the Prodigy.

Back inside things were heating up too, having caught both Fearless Vampire Killers and Palm Reader on the main stage. The latter already on my “must-see” list for the day, with their 3-pronged guitar attack demonstrating post-hardcore doesn’t have to be all about sacrificing heaviness for melodic tunes. Whereas the Vampires seemed to just come out of nowhere, having not been on my radar or prior festival planning, but they were certainly worth checking out.

 Even though as an ageing rocker I’d decided to watch both these from the balcony, it was soon time for another sit down in the comfy seats of the VIP lounge. Skindred were headlining later on, clashing with Sleep Token, but the chance to see them stripped back wasn’t going to be missed.

skindred - benji webbe

skindred

 It’s a setting that Skindred’s Benji Webbe laps up, often hosting his own Q&A session between songs. However, as well as being everything you want from a showman, a whole set simply with a laid-back Mikey Demus playing guitar had Benji on top form. His voice is just incredible, whether it be the heartfelt singing on “Saying it Now“ or the genre defying ragga-punk of “Nobody”.

 Takedown Festival 2023 - Genuinely a Huge Success.

jamie lenman

 At this point it seemed we were on the home stretch, however there was plenty more on offer. Takedown Festival providing plenty of music across every inch of the venue, one that came with a lovely vibe about the place, in fact it all seemed rather civilised. Even during the DJ’s in the stupidly loud basement bar outside the toilets.

Having seen Jamie Lenman up-close and personal earlier, in full-band mode it was a somewhat static performance, hampered by a slightly temperamental pedal-board.  Yet it was still just as entertaining, complete with a Sepultura backdrop and endless references to the Brazilian legends for no apparent reason.

black water county

In contrast, Black Water County may have had a sparse crowd and a smaller stage, but it was certainly one of the liveliest. After all, when a group turns up at a rock festival armed with mandolins and Irish penny whistles, you know you’re dancing shoes are required. If you’re a fan of the Pogues, Skinny Lister or the Dropkick Murphy’s then be sure to add Black Water County to your playlist.

 When it came to festival headliners Sleep Token, given the 2.5k capacity I’d be surprised if anyone else playing elsewhere at the Guildhall had an audience. The room was rammed by hundreds of excited fans knowing every song from the very first note.

 As far as theatrical acts go, Sleep Token certainly aren’t the first mysterious band to hide their persona behind cloaks and masks. However, the lack-of between song interaction (even when 1 of 3 backing singers passed-out) along with lengthy prog-rock intros, meant for a somewhat disjointed set. Not that anyone else seemed to mind… and while I wasn’t quite sold on the whole performance myself, it was obvious the rest of Takedown Festival were clearly loving it.

Words by Mr Teeth Reviews

Images by Sam Taylor