Issy Packer
Freelance music editor based in Bristol and Cornwall. If you see me shout as I’ll probably have my headphones on.
Sŵn Festival returns to Cardiff, offering some of the UK’s most talented and exciting new bands across the city
Since its inception in 2007, Sŵn Festival has been one of the most reliable inner-city, multi venue festivals showcasing up and coming talent from across the UK. This year was no different, as the Welsh music festival returned to Cardiff for three days of live music across nine stages.
It was a beautifully sunny day for the final day of the festival; amidst the stag dos and hen parties crowding St Mary Street, if you looked closely, hundreds of people shared the similar respectable footwear, sensible clothes and paper wristbands as they spilled out of venues across the city.
You were spoilt for choice at Cwlb Ifor Bach with Bristol’s own experimental group Waldo’s Gift kicking off the top floor stage while Welsh musician Em Koko offered a different pace with her suitably ethereal and hypnotising vocals and her endearing on stage presence.
For a taste of music coming from up North, Irish singer Kynsy drew a crowd at The Moon; with its low ceilings, limited seating and community feel, it’s the very definition of a local pub. Kynsy fused the line between indie rock and electronic, hitting all the right notes and drawing comparisons to American vocalist Kay Hanley.
Mancunian artist Freak Slug alongside her three piece band were a highlight in a sea of star power at the festival. Her innovative melodies and catchy hooks walk the line of sonic experimentation while her soft vocals encapsulate the very essence of dream-pop.
Leeds collective Honesty proved themselves to be another exciting band from the North. With a transparent sheet covering the stage, the band were just about visible through the mesh while they projected their visuals on to it. It was a trippy experience as they dove straight in with their 2023 hit ‘Nightworld‘.
They were joined on stage by collaborator and rapper Kosi Tides with the band falling from one track into the next, the tracks and visuals blending in together in a heedless rush and before you knew it, their set was over and stepping back into the afternoon sun was completely disorientating.
Mary in the Junkyard provided a change in pace with Clari Freeman-Taylor’s haunting vocals layered over the top of crunchy rock melodies at once a dichotomy and a perfect harmony. Performing in a basement with wet walls and cold air blowing through while people sat in the cafe next door drinking coffee and eating cake, the trio looked right at home and the audience were spellbound.
Founded just over the bridge, Bristol alt-punk band Knives ran amok at Fuel, their set an invigorating and sweaty place to be. Their unrestrained presence and roaring sound was ideal as the sun set and the shadows creeped in.
Next was Antony Szmierek at Tramshed which turned into an all-round party. Joined on stage by English Teacher‘s Lily Fontaine for his cover of Sugababes before an attendee from the crowd was pulled up on stage by the artist after he caught her singing every word of every song. Szmierek proved himself to be a down-to-earth exciting performer and musician and we’re counting down the days until he releases his debut album.
English Teacher wrapped up the day of music with an almighty set. Blitzing through their back catalogue, the indie band were absolutely immaculate in their performance. Performing on stage like aged musicians with 30 years experience under their belt, it’s hard to believe the band put out their first EP only two years ago. It’s with only excitement that we look at where they might be in another two years.
Sŵn Festival was a coming together; for musicians, attendees and venues. There was no North vs. South divide, there was no English vs. Welsh divide.
In the world of Sŵn, there is only music.