Leopallooza
The Wyldes, close to Bude, Cornwall
21st-23rd July 2023 

“By no means thoughts the climate, really feel the atmosphere” must be the retrospective strapline for 2023’s Leopallooza. Within the competition’s remaining 12 months, the weather tried so arduous to steal the limelight, however the music and the nice cheer of the folks prevailed. The self-styled ‘Best Home Social gathering In A Area’ nonetheless felt like the fantastic home occasion it got down to be, although the roof was letting in water and the close by river had just lately overflowed and left its suspended contents on the carpet. 

Leopallooza actually went out with a bang (and a squelch). Crew ‘Palooza have already trailed huge plans for a brand new competition to take its place sooner or later. The best way the infrastructure held up and the organisers stored every part going regardless of the situations means that pondering huge is undoubtedly inside their scope.  

The three nights of Leopallooza culminated in headline units from Orbital, Bloc Social gathering and Aurora. The Hartnoll brothers made Friday evening a dance occasion, whereas there was nonetheless loads of vitality to expend and whereas we had strong floor on which to bounce. Bloc Social gathering confronted a Saturday-night viewers whose stamina had been examined by all-day precipitation and ankle-deep mud. Kele Okereke’s allure gave us the heat we wanted and their songs felt revitalising. Aurora’s set was the proper end-of-weekend, “U OK, hun?” arm around the shoulder. It felt, in the easiest way attainable, like being tucked up snugly in mattress and soothed – full with a projected deep-orange setting solar behind Aurora. Whether or not happenstance or genius foresight, who cares? The programming was spot on. 

Different ‘headliners that weren’t headliners’ arrived on Friday by way of Chappaqua Wrestling, on Saturday by Dutty Moonshine Huge Band and Sprints, and on Sunday within the type of N’Famady Kouyaté, The Scribes and Billy Nomates. Dutty Moonshine Huge Band and The Scribes share the (admittedly fictional) 2023 award for Leopallooza viewers incitement. Dutty Moonshine Huge Band had a gown code that regarded like they may serve you a steak pie at a metropolis centre chain pub, however a vibe that prompt that they’re extra more likely to be the group thrown out of mentioned pub for raucous behaviour. They have been daring and brash. We duly misplaced any self-consciousness and self-control. The Scribes proved why they’re in such competition demand, the viewers responding willingly to their frequent calls for. Regardless of being advised to empty our pockets and put our fingers up at completely different factors, what was arresting was their pinpoint supply and their infectious enjoyable. 

Sprints made reference to their latest A-listing by BBC6 Music as a barely self-deprecating approach of introducing Literary Thoughts, earlier than blazing by it with such vitality that you just couldn’t assist however see why A-list playlist standing was warranted. Except for the sheer assault of their set, befitting their identify, the gang reciprocated how a lot of an excellent time Sprints have been having. Because it was Atlantis/underneath the sea-themed fancy gown Saturday, it gave lead singer Karla Chubb the once-in-a-lifetime alternative to utter the phrase, “Would all of the crustaceans like to hitch us on stage for our remaining music?” Billy Nomates was mesmeric. She gave us a basic instance of how one individual can fill a stage. From the relative stillness of Black Curtains In The Bag to the irresistible danceability of Steadiness Is Gone, increasingly more folks have been drawn in because the set progressed.

N’Famady Kouyaté is having a stellar 2023, having already gained Glastonbury’s Rising Expertise Competitors. He regarded each inch a fundamental stage determine. Backed by a good ensemble, he illuminated an overcast Sunday afternoon with voice, balafon and guitar, in addition to a successful smile. Chappaqua Wrestling additionally regarded like they’re set for greater billing within the years to come back on Friday afternoon, with songs of subtlety, dynamism and gravitas. 

If the primary two phases weren’t sufficient for you, there was a lot extra on provide. The Humorous Aspect supplied comedy (and a roof), turning into The Quiet Riot silent disco after hours. Creatives each young and old might channel their muses and have some conscious moments within the Rogue Wooden and at The Pearl Alternate. The Mono Stage gave us all flavours of rock, the primary ingredient being huge noise. Extra acts acquainted to Leo regulars, Mom Vulture and Moriaty upheld their well-earned reputations for drawing and thrilling a crowd, while Getdown Companies, Snayx and The Nut Sacks did a lot to make us overlook who we have been and what we have been doing.  

The Treeline Stage gave us Durty Disco on day one (whereas we have been nonetheless clear) and The Shapeshifters on day two (when shape-throwing was most crucial for warmth technology and least easy as a result of underfoot situations). Sunday’s Treeline was a whole-day takeover from long-term Leopallooza allies Hong Kong Ping Pong, whose line-up and DJ set proved why they’ve been such pillars of the competition’s success over a few years.

Again out in the primary area, The Scratch made you’re feeling like going to the bar instantly, while not desirous to stroll away from the music for a second, Dolores Eternally, The Thriller Jets and Marthagunn felt grin-wideningly melodious and Connie Constance felt ferocious. John (a band of two blokes referred to as John) proved that they’re extra ‘John squared’ than ‘John occasions two’ by nature of the mass and density of their splendid sound. The Raven’s Fury stage, however, introduced us the mellifluous but enlivening sounds of True Foxes and Ruby Polli.  

No matter comes subsequent after Leopallooza, it’s going to have a strong legacy to comply with. The 15th and final Leopallooza was a mud tub, however one with inflatable sharks and folks dressed as Spongebob and Patrick in it. It had loads of bubbles, literal and metaphorical. Apart from, mud baths are good for you – everybody is aware of that. We got here, we noticed, we slithered. If it was in Reservoir Canine, Leopallooza would have been Mr Brown. And it could possibly’t be denied that Mr Brown was pleasantly understated, cool and had a number of the absolute best strains. 

You possibly can maintain a watch out for Leopallooza’s plans by way of their web site right here. Sustain with them on Instagram, Fb and Twitter.

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All phrases by Jon Kean. Extra writing by Jon on Louder Than Battle might be discovered at his creator’s archive. He tweets as @keanotherapy.

All pictures by Matthew Hawkey.