Day #3 was sandwiched between another troublesome shift in work and Wrestlemania, so it was slightly less action packed but we still managed to catch a mass of artistic talent, such is full-bodied nature of Threshold Festival. I caught Paddy Clegg, Seattle Yacht Club, The 69 Watts, Michael Bennett, Mark Stedmond,
It must be said too, that for a windy Sunday, the Baltic Triangle really was abuzz, more credit to the pull of this ever-growing event.
Thieves (because they stole the show);
Out of the 5 acts I managed to catch, I've got to say I was roundly impressed with Seattle Yacht Club who, if I heard compère Dave Monks correctly, were playing their first ever show. Top debut performance. Bravo gents.
Coolest Venue;
For the very brief time I spent there, due to me getting totally punked out by the wind, Observatory really did seem like the kinda place I want to spend many a summer day drinking my time away at. As soon as that sun shines, get your ass down there.
This kid @paddyclegg can really go! Top prospect @Dave_Monks @LIMFestival @ThresholdFest @ConstellationsL pic.twitter.com/0uPNJnCCFM
— Yeah Buddy (@YeahBuddyDIY) March 29, 2015
Oof, really testing myself now as I caught only a small amount from each stage. I was absolutely gutted to miss out on what Mellowtone put together at Observatory but a mans gotta provide when work calls.
I would throw this the way of what LIMF put together at Constellations though, I caught the first 2 acts and was roundly impressed. Seattle Yacht Club as I mentioned earlier are an exciting talent to keep an eye on. Paddy Clegg and his 3 piece band also garnered attention with a crisp set of pop hits (not so sure the George Ezra cover is truly necessary though when you're own songs are more than capable of stepping up to the plate). Can see both of these bands building heavily on this early momentum and becoming stalwarts of a vibrant scene.
Although I didn't catch their sets this time round, I am familiar with Sophia Ben-Yousef, Xam Volo & YB! affiliates The Visitors, so with Liverpool scene herald Dave Monks as compère it was clear to see that this was a group of top future prospects for the city music scene. A good few gems were unearthed today.
Boundary Pushers;
Gonna throw this at Observatory & Constellations as I spent a bit more time here today and got a clearer understanding of the massive project that is underway. The Baltic Triangle really is the place to be in Liverpool right now, if it keeps growing will be the place to be in this whole country I swear it.
The man mountain @Bennett__Music marred a few Sunday Dinners in @thebalticsocial earlier, they all loved it really pic.twitter.com/1V17zdOcqR
— Yeah Buddy (@YeahBuddyDIY) March 29, 2015
Gotta throw it the way of a total CAT Michael Bennett. Not that he surprised me, I know he is a boss songwriter, but he certainly worked very hard to turn the heads of a nattering audience in The Baltic Social. 2 songs in and he was the accompanying music, politely ignored in the corner. By song 3 and beyond, everybody had dropped their fruit tea and turned their heads to the stage to witness a fantastic talent at work.
YB! New Darlings;
I really enjoyed what Mark Stedmond brought to the ambience of Unit 51. A set of bluesy, pop-folk swept it's way across a congregation of local ale sipping, bagel chomping yuppies. Mark and his entourage clearly have a knack for writing quirky little numbers and I found it thoroughly enjoyable along with his amusing witticisms in between songs.
All in the Detail;
Another neat little extra to the Threshold package was Hobo's Bazaar, neatly assembled in a room within a room at Unit 51, Threshold merch, eclectic vinyls and neat antiques were all amongst the wares on offer. There really isn't more you could ask of this festival within reason.
Biggest Disappointment;
Well today I was gutted to miss out on Mellowtone at Observatory as it was a solid line up and Mellowtone shows never disappoint. I was also gutted to miss Sheepy but Wrestlemania at Maguires could not be missed, it kept me occupied until 4 in the morning.
Rounding It All Off;
My personal hopes for the festival in future are to get Yeah Buddy! more involved and for the festival to continue its steady, organic growth as it deserves. The festival overloaded my think tank and I have a few cool ideas for next years event (cough cough, hint hint, nudge nudge, wink wink).
One improvement I would suggest is too keep timings as close to schedule as possible. I know better than anybody how tough this can be and how it can throw festival-goers' plans into disarray and I have taken a scalding or two for it in the past. Especially if you have so many stages it is important to keep timings in sync, although I do understand how tough this can be.
Threshold is a true conjurer of the arts and a hub of creativity takes over The Baltic Triangle for 3 days a year. There is so much to enjoy and there is something for every taste...unless you like Bolivian Grindcore. Nevertheless, I would implore anyone with an interest in music and art to keep their eye out for next years fest, it gets better every year and deserves your attention.