THE PLACES: O2 Academy, The Bullingdon, The Library and Truckstore
In a nutshell, essentially Oxford’s Ritual Union Festival is a day jam-packed with incredible music. Some artists you may know, and others you just happen to stumble upon.
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Van Zeller[/caption]
Given the 5 minute radius between the venues, it’s kind of like an organised bar crawl. With a complimentary mini map and itinerary, you’re able to dart in and out of some of Oxford’s most renowed music venues along Cowley Road.
The Library was my personal favourite, mainly because it’s incredibly characteristic with or without music and completely utilises its own space. I liked squeezing into the basement where the line between the band and audience was ambiguous, and arguably not even there. This also accentuated the sound quality which if done half arsed is lost in bigger venues.
If you’re not from Oxford, Ritual Union is a day really worth investing in. If you’re into music it acts like a kind of taster session for what the City has to offer from its edgy East corner.
THE PEOPLE: Low Island, Pinkshinyultrablast and Van Zeller
You know you’re not into a band when you have time to wonder off into a day dream. At Ritual Union I found 3 that completely captivated me.
You can be left quite disheartened after over-hyping yourself for a band and the performace isn’t all that.
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Low Island[/caption]
Low Island completely disproved this theory. Their medlodic sound, trancey vibe and mystical vocals were all on point. As a result, Low Island are now one of my new favourite things.
Pinkshinyultrablast is a toast to modern Russia. A little hint of Alice Glass mixed with a sombre and almost Icelandic quality. They were simpley tantalising.
Van Zellar, on very much the other hand, took me in a sharp change of direction. The Brisol based post-punk band were the most enigmatic performace I’d seen for a while. High energy, astounding vocals and no fucks given, these guys are regenerating the garage rock scene. Hallelujah!
On Saturday I’d basically just been to a festival which allowed me to spy on some of the most upcoming artists of 2017.
See you next time.
