As Adult DVD set up on the small stage of the cramped, basement bar Dust on the first night of Mutations, I kept myself occupied watching a leaky air conditioning unit drip from the ceiling and land on a man’s bald head. As I counted an astounding 14 droplets which somehow went unnoticed, the set began.
Using retro sounding effects that sound like they come straight from an 80’s arcade machine, Adult DVD manage to spin them into a groove driven electronic rock sound which draws welcome similarities to an electronic club night – combined with an easy-going stage presence and comedic lyrics, these guys put on a very entertaining show. Their blend of garage rock and anthem-like synth grooves got the audience moving and chanting along with front Harry Hanson. Every song seemed to be a hit, my favourite was the infectious ‘Because I Like It’.
The second band I saw on Friday night was the Welsh post-punk trio, Adwaith. Apart from their cool sound characterised by driving, distorted bass lines, impressive drumming and haunting guitar chords, Hollie Singer sang in the Welsh language, which isn’t something you hear very often, and translates beautifully into song. She even took the courtesy to stop and restart a song after getting the lyrics wrong, even though I’m sure most of the crowd were none the wiser. The band had a great stage presence and a diverse sound which I really enjoyed.
The thing is with these multi-venue festivals is that they are crucially dependent on the weather; and there was an absolute downpour on Friday night. After Adwaith ended around 11, and I’d seen a meagre total of two bands, we decided to call it a night – I was wearing a leather jacket and suede trainers after all. Onto the next day…
Saturday at Mutations had an early start as I was desperate to see the hot new London band Ashnymph. I wasn’t the only one, and was confronted with a stationary queue snaking down the staircase. While I stood leaning against the wall wishing I had a drink, the band started playing and sounded incredible from the tantalising snippets I caught with the door opening. One in, one out. While the queue barely moved, a geeky looking guy carrying equipment pushed past us all and managed to get through by telling the woman at the door he was one half of Pan Amsterdam. Recognising the genius, I followed shortly after and claimed to be the other half they were waiting for. I was swiftly shut down when she gave me a brief description of the man.
When I did eventually breach the gig room door, I was astonished to find that the noises I was hearing came from two people. Their sound strikes a balance between dark synth-pop and new wave, with the front man working the deck while playing guitar and singing, both with heavy effects. With the catchy power chord guitar riffs slicing into the foreboding synth intro on songs like ‘Saltspreader’ – which is what caught my attention in the first place – these guys have an electric sound and were one of my favourites of the whole festival.
Next up was the seven-piece Skydaddy at The Green Door Store. With violins, flutes, and recorders accompanying acoustic guitar and keys they were lovely, a very beautiful, whimsical sound. When the wind instruments weren’t needed in a particular song, the musicians struck a seating pose on stage – definitely a power play.
Congratulations were an absolute spectacle to see live. A local four piece who have a sound hovering between electro synth, retro dance, indie and a clear punk influence – a crazy mix which they pull off exceptionally well. Chic and stylish, they kickstarted into their first song with a heavy, resounding guitar riff and a fly kick from guitarist Jamie Chellar, they piqued my interest and held it for the rest of the show. Their charismatic frontwoman Leah Stanhope sang over the chirpy, melodic synths and groovy rhythm section with what ranged from impressive shrieks to beautifully held highs. Every song was high energy, catchy, and unique, and I loved them all, although their heavier track – ‘Easter Island Head’ was probably my favourite.
After the bar was set extremely high for the rest of the night; we made our way to Chalk to see the alternative/grunge band Keo. These guys are taking the late 90’s alternative sound into the modern day and do that extremely well in all its distorted guitar, baggy clothes and heartfelt lyrics glory; it’s an unfaltering recipe for success. Although I really liked their sound, we admittedly didn’t stay very long – there were more interesting bands to see.
Out into the night again to Patterns to see synth pop trio Ebbb (I might not have got their name right if they didn’t keep reminding us it was ‘Ebb with 3 B’s’). Mixing atmospheric synths with pounding drum beats and haunting, treated vocals, the mood varied from chill and melancholic to upbeat and hypnotising with the effects driven voice resulting in a haunting, choir-like sound.
Back to Chalk via a stop off at Revenge to see stoner metal band Pigs Pigs Pigs…,a show which attracted the longest queue of the night. These guys mixed the slow, sluggish, heavily riff-centered sound of Black Sabbath and Electric Wizard with more tempo changes and shorter songs to give it a new kind of energy – all while maintaining that characteristic lethargic, downtempo beat. Dark, old school metal given 2025 twist, they were a treat.
With aching feet but a contented heart, so ended a two day long adventure at Mutations; I saw some incredible bands I might never have discovered otherwise. The festival did a great job of combining both brand new and experienced artists from around the country in a spectacularly tightly packed schedule for us all to navigate. They’ll be seeing me again next year.
@pigsx7
@adultdvd
@adwaithmusic
@_ashnymph
@Skydaddymusic
https://mutationsfestival.com/
The Whistler 