Feeling Connected
TOM FORDE (of Hastings Radio Podcast) is emotionally fortified by the Colours Festival debut all-women day in De La Warr Pavilion
As the train zooms past beach huts looking out to the murky English Channel, I sit alone with my virtue-signalling tote bag and notebook. Passengers seem prepared for the beach, ignorant of the fact that De La Warr are to host (imho) the most exciting group of bands to play there in recent years. In glum post-everything Bexhill High Street, a retired couple choose between different coloured washing-up bowls.
After the usual zealous security checks, I pass to the main stage, set up on a slight incline with its back to the Modernist gallery and facing the sea. Wide concrete paths potentially separate groups of audience from a truly collective experience, but the ensuing show does much to remedy this slight disconnect.
Seagulls swirl in the blue sky as Australian Emily Barker opens with warm and inviting alt-country. The topics of the lyrics aren’t, however, quite enough to raise the sunglassed crowds from their reclining positions. On the second stage, however (hosted by De La Warr’s resident record store) Bellza step up, silhouetted by the shimmering blue sea in the background. Their engaging, personal, acoustic songs have a strong local following, and young fans in edgy clothes stream up to see them. Then Dana from Porridge Radio strides out for her solo set. I love the band’s most recent album, and the powerful, tender songs were only slightly diminished without the full band backing.
Brighton band CIEL blast the mid-afternoon heat with crunching bass and shuddering drums which at times seem to fight against the underlying vocals. Similarly with following band Hot Wax. I personally prefer when they take their foot off the gas and let the more melodic moments shine,but there is no denying both bands possess a thoroughly engaging punk spirit.
Back on the main stage, Katy J Pearson and her swaggering band strike up. Picnic baskets are kicked aside, ciders are necked, and each successive song is welcomed with louder and louder cheers. Her more knotty second album unfurls beautifully in the open-air surroundings. Then songs from The Big Moon – enjoyable, 80s-prom emotion and bouncy harmonies, but perhaps a little frictionless. They set the stage well however for headliners Weyes Blood, propelled to the leading position by a row of four great albums. Natalie the band leader steps to the mic, and her introductory chat creates an atmosphere of warmth and charm, leading in to the opening song It’s not just me, it’s everybody about loneliness and the search for connection. It hits a real sweet spot. The sun dips behind the faded Victorian terraces, but Natalie’s secular hymns continue to shine through the beautiful Sussex evening.
I ride the train back to Hastings, feeling more connected to people, music, and life than when I set out. What more could I ask?
Colours All Day Festival took place at De La Warr Pavilion on 24 June
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