Up until this year, I'd been consistently and very unfortunately, missing my chance to see Bring Me The Horizon live. Now I've seen them twice and they just get better and better each time! It's crazy to think that up until three years ago I hated this band. I've not once seen an artist turn around my opinion so fast and with just one album. If you don't already listen to them, see exhibit A and exhibit B - thank me later.

First things first the support. Basement are another band I've loved listening to this year. I recently stumbled upon their new album on Spotify and couldn't get enough, so when I saw them on the bill I was buzzing. On stage they sounded great, and it was amazing to hear the songs I've been listening to so much, live. However, they didn't play like they were playing in an arena. Some bands are made for smaller venues and I get that, but they were put on the tour for a reason and I definitely expected more of a show from them. They have songs that could fill an arena! Especially after seeing them tear it up at Reading Festival earlier this year, I have to say I was a tiny bit disappointed. All in all though, good set - I see big things to come for these guys.

Next up, one of my long time favourites - Don Broco. Well it's no secret that I love this band. Their debut album Priorities even made it to number two on my "Top Albums of 2012" list. However, my interest has dwindled a little bit since their second record came out last year and even after seeing them live here, it's not been able to improve my opinion of the new album. The performance was great, super engaging and really fun, but all in all, the newer material just didn't compare to the older songs and this "newer" show didn't seem to compare to any of the other times I've seen them live. I definitely enjoyed myself as always, but there was something missing for me this time around. I wonder what they'll put out next.

BRING. ME. THE. HORIZON. My oh my - what a band! I have nothing but praise for the performance they put on, the album they've recently put out and the progress they've made over the years. After making their latest album That's The Spirit my number one for "Top Albums of 2015"; again you can assume that I was over the moon to be seeing them live. Opening up with "Happy Song" had the crowd's feet off the ground immediately, heads banging, hair swinging, mouths wide open shouting "S-P-I-R-I-T!" and they just went from song to song taking the audience on an emotional journey. Every person in that arena was having their own individual experience but at the same time we definitely felt together. I came to that show alone and still felt a part of something - that's what a good show does! As well as the set list contributing to the spectacle, the visuals were breathtaking. From beginning to end, the stage set up, lights and visuals had me stumped. This was my first live show since being back in the UK and I wouldn't have it any other way.  This wasn't a show that anyone in attendance would forget anytime soon.

Overall rating - 9/10


Here are some pictures from the show...

I actually initially only bought a ticket to this show because it had been a while since I'd been to a gig and I hadn't seen As It Is headline since they dropped their debut. I wasn't over the moon but I was definitely intrigued.

The first band up was Breakaway from Sydney. I really liked their songs, pretty catchy and the band was definitely talented. The only thing that brough them down sadly was their lead vocalist. As a vocalist he sounded weak, his scream was okay but everything outside of that was below average. His poor vocals particularly shone through during their cover of Kelly Clarkson's "Behind These Hazel Eyes" and also when he bravely stood alone to sing their song "Memories" from their EP. After seeing them live, I think I'll be sticking to their studio tracks.

Next up - Mae Fire. The first thing I thought when they stepped on stage was that they had a great image. After the over the top theatrics in the first couple of songs that they played I must admit that I wasn't very impressed - I just felt like it was a little unoriginal. However, all of a sudden, after they played their current single "Sole Desire", they really came into their own. As well as being a rock band, they had a kind of groove to them - somewhere in between QOTSA and Don Broco. The band were solid musicians, the lead singer was a little bit "take it or leave it" in my opinion, but overall not a bad set.

And finally, the last support act - With Confidence. You know what they say, "save the best 'til last". I felt like they should have been the only support act - they absolutely smashed it. The whole band had awesome and engaging stage presence, jovial but at the same time focused and excited to just be playing. I really enjoyed their cover of "A Thousand Miles" too. Knowledge of this band was definitely my biggest take away from the night. I also just recently found out that they're playing Warped Tour this summer so keep an eye out because I reckon you'll be seeing a lot of them in the coming months.

After seeing As It Is support Save Your Breath here, I thought I had a pretty good idea of how the set would go and how the crowd would react. I actually expected the crowd to be a little less enthusiastic, simply because the boys were playing in  Australia rather than the UK this time but this didn't dim the fan-girls' enthusiasm. The guys came on stage and immediately their confidence shone through as they punched in with "Cheap Shots & Setbacks". As always Patty's energy was inescapably contagious, bringing the whole crowd up with him. Even though I'd heard a few of the tracks from the new album when they supported SYB, it was awesome to hear the tracks live having listened to the record in full - it made me realize just how good a debut it was. Stand-outs for me were "Speak Soft", "Concrete" and of course "Dial Tones". All in all this was just a really fun show, it just felt like a celebration - of what, I don't know - but I left feeling super happy and I know that this was felt unanimously.

Overall Rating - 7/10


Here are some pictures from the night...

After listening back through my list of the top 10 albums of 2015 on Christmas Eve, I honestly just thought "There's no way that these are the best things to have come out in 2015!" So I went back and did my research - listened to heaps more records that I hadn't already heard this year (lots of new discoveries coming your way), went to see a few bands live that released records this year, and re-listened to the list I had settled on before. FINALLY - I think I have my final 10...


10. Hiatus Kaiyote - Choose Your Weapon
I didn't actually expect this album to make the top 10. When I first heard about Hiatus Kaiyote, everyone was raving about them. At least 10 people told me that I should check them out. So when I actually got round to listening to them I was expecting a lot more than what they gave. It wasn't until I saw them live late last year and properly listened to the album that I realised what people had been saying all along. Super funky record and super talented band. Give them a gander.
 
9. Foals - What Went Down 
I've gone back and forth about putting this album on the list. Especially after my review of it here, but the more I think about it, the more I realise that it is a good album, I just wanted more. Again, after seeing it played live late last year, I can see how strong each of the songs are. Although this didn't make it as high up my list as Holy Fire did when it dropped in 2013, Foals continue to produce material that draws me in.

8. Lianne La Havas - Blood
It took me a lot longer than I'd expected to fully get into this album. Lianne's debut will always be one of my all time favourite albums and so I've been anticipating this follow up for the longest time! So when I first listened to the album, I had a few clear standouts ("Midnight" is still my favourite on the album), but nothing really stuck to me the way that I was expecting. It wasn't until maybe the fourth listen that the penny dropped and I realised just how much of a musical masterpiece this album is. I still prefer numero uno but my oh my, Lianne is one hundred percent somebody not to overlook.

7. Disclosure - Caracal
It's normally hard to top a debut of Disclosure's calibre but their sophomore album, Caracal might just have done it. It's pretty hit-laden and featuring the likes of Gregory Porter, Nao, Lion Babe, Kwabs and more, it was practically fool proof from the get-go. We already know that a team up with Sam Smith is a tried and tested winning combo and they've got him on the record again on quite a different type of song, but generating just as big of a reaction. Big album, both live and on record.

6. Neck Deep - Life's Not Out To Get You 
Speaking of second albums topping debuts, Neck Deep have easily cleared the bar that their first album set. Not just song quality-wise but production, lyrics and instruments (just to name a few things) have really knocked it out of the park on this one. If you'd have spoken to me at the beginning of 2015 I would've said without hesitation that I was looking forward to The Story So Far's new record more than Neck Deep's... well, one has made the list and the other hasn't. I enjoyed every song on this album and I can happily say I'm looking forward to album number three.
 
5. Ghostpoet - Shedding Skin 
I actually almost forgot that this came out this year. Since it was released, I've listened to it so much that it feels almost like a classic. Ghostpoet has really mastered being able to connect with the listener through his music on the most ordinary things that you could imagine. Like I said in my track-by-track here, this record just feels like a continuation of everything that he's already put out and as simple as it is, it adds such an essential layer to his body of work. Quality album.

4. Florence + The Machine - How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful
If you read my review of this record earlier this year here, I'm sure you had no doubt that this would make it onto my list somewhere. I definitely didn't expect it to fall out of the top three ranking. However, after seeing them perform live here in Australia, although musically spectacular, I realised that it just doesn't resonate with me as much as their first two records. Still a very enjoyable record with multiple shining moments, but it just got pipped at the post.

3. The Internet - Ego Death 
I wasn't really expecting this album to get so high up the list. I listened through The Internet's Purple Naked Ladies in 2011 and to be honest, I wasn't the slightest bit impressed. So when my friend asked me to have a listen to their single "Girl (feat. KAYTRANADA)" earlier this year, I wasn't expecting much at all - they completely blew me away! Although the average song on this record is about 5 mins long, they were all ingrained in my head after first listen. I can't even count the amount of times that I woke up with one of their songs stuck in my head. Huge transformation, and 100% for the better.

2. Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp A Butterfly 
Now, this record would've been my number one choice had it not been so tough to listen to, beginning to end. After maybe the second listen, I don't think I've listened to it all the way through since. Each track is fantastically crafted, lyrically genius, and I'd listen to them individually, but my oh my is it hard to listen to in one go. It's definitely a concentration piece. I feel like every time I come back to it, I learn something new. Kendrick is a phenomenal story teller, and although considerably different from Good Kid... it tells a completely different chapter in Kendrick's life. Full of big tracks, both provocative and commercial - well deserving of the number 2 spot.

1. Bring Me The Horizon - That's The Spirit
Well, well, well... when I first heard this record, there is no way that you could've got me to believe that it would make it's way to the top of my albums of the year list. I shamefully admit that I was among the skeptics after first listen - not sure whether I was impressed or not. I still think that Sempiternal is a better record in comparison but there isn't one track on this album that I would skip listening through it. Beginning to end, back to front, this is a diverse, layered and just lyrically brilliant album. Oli has truly honed in his talent for song-writing and both live and in studio BMTH excel. They may have taken a risk with this album and no doubt lost some fans in the process but they've smashed it again and I expect nothing less than upwards from here on out.

FINALLY, a list that I am 100% content with. 2015 was a humongous year for music and somehow I think 2016 might just be bigger. Here are some shout outs for honourable mention...

• Tame Impala - Currents
• Drake - If You're Reading This, It's Too Late
• Everything Everything - Get To Heaven
• Justin Bieber - Purpose
• Young Fathers - White Men Are Black Men Too 
• The Maccabees - Marks To Prove It 
• Don Broco - Automatic 
• The Story So Far - The Story So Far 
• Jamie xx - In Colour
  
• mewithoutYou - Pale Horses
• Thee Oh Sees - Mutilator Defeated At Last

Alright, so before we actually officially come to the end of January I thought I'd do a big catch up on all things music news this month. "Big" is a massive understatement - so much has happened that I had to split this post into TWO POSTS. January has got the ball rolling fast and I have a feeling it'll even begin to pick up pace in the months to come. Either way, let's dive in...

DJANGO DJANGO NEW SINGLE "FIRST LIGHT"
I can't tell you how long I've been waiting to hear something new from Django Django for! Their debut self-titled album was spectacular and now they're graced us with this new track from their upcoming sophomore record! Good enough to match the songs on their debut but different enough to have not made the cut. In other words, a pretty darn good follow up single. Have a listen here.


DON BROCO NEW SINGLE "FIRE"
Looking forward to the new Broco record - again another awesome debut. This latest single, although good, has already lost the battle of possible favourite on the new album. Lyrically this is slacking just a little bit and in my opinion "Money, Power, Fame" is a better single. However, these things always sound different listening to the record as a whole so I suppose I'll just have to wait until then. But for now, here's "Fire".


LIGHT YOU UP COVER BRING ME THE HORIZON "DROWN"
Light You Up are impressing me more and more each time I hear anything from them or about them. Tom's voice in this acoustic cover is killer! I know that as a full band they're be a marvel to see live! Have a listen to this cover here. I'm actually glad they covered this song because I loved it when it came out and hearing it stripped back has just made me appreciate it that much more.


ALBUM RELEASES
Even though there was already mounds of albums worth keeping an eye out for this month here, there are still several surprises coming from all angles. Actually speaking of Light You Up, they've released their debut album - All We've Ever Known. Roam have released an EP - Viewpoint. Storm The Sky and Cardinals have also both released new records and Foals, Diamond Youth, Arcane Roots and Deaf Havana are all currently in the studio preparing new albums! Tame Impala, Denai Moore and of course Don Broco each already have albums scheduled for 2015 - SPOILT FOR CHOICE!


TURBOWOLF NEW MUSIC VIDEO "RICH GIFT"
Turbowolf have continued to impress me since their support tour with Royal Blood here last year. Really interesting band. As expected, this track is laden with innovative riffs and catchy basslines (listen to this with earphones on). Check out the new video for this banger here.


ROAM NEW SINGLE "SAFEGUARD"
As well as releasing their EP - Viewpoint - this month, Roam have also released a few new singles here and there - this being one of them! In addition to all this, they've even been on a mini UK tour this month. I often find that the hardworking band is the least likely to disappoint. I suppose we'll see what comes of the future.


NARCS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "RHS"
NARCS - one of my favourite new discoveries of January! I actually found out about them after their record label - Clue Records (home to Allusondrugs and Forever Cult) - posted a free download of "RHS" and "Bridge" here. After hugely overplaying these tracks, this new music video came out here. In my opinion, I don't think the video is great at all but being their first, it's onwards and upwards from here.


FESTIVALS FESTIVALS FESTIVAAAAALS
So many amazing festival announcements!!!! They caught us at the worst possible time - when the post festival depression is fully setting in and you realise that you've still got ages to wait. Some huge line ups to have a look at so far are Field Day, Bonnaroo, The Great Escape, Benicassim, Reading & Leeds, and so much more! Summer 2015 is going to be insanely immense.


AS IT IS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "DIAL TONES"
So since hearing about As It Is late last year they have been doing HUGE things! Supporting Save Your Breath on the entirety of their farewell tour (gig review to come soon), getting booked for the entire US Vans Warped Tour and even being the first British band signed to Fearless Records! Now they've released this banger of a single and Rock Sound has even crowned it "the best pop punk song of 2015 so far"... wow! Have a listen right here.


JESS GLYNNE NEW SINGLE "HOLD MY HAND"
I am in love with this woman's voice. Any track she touches turns to gold. Jess Glynne's shown us all this already a bunch of times but mostly on features. Now here she is with a solo song and with this track it's no different. The beat has a very old school vibe about it, which I'm not sure how I feel about yet but there's no doubting her vocals. Check it out here.


LIEUTENANT NEW SINGLE "BELIEVE THE SQUALOR"
In case you hadn't heard, late last year Nate Mendel (Foo Fighters' bassist) was working on a musical side project called Lieutenant and now, here they are with their debut single. It's a little different than I expected, but I suppose that's what side projects are all about - exploring new musical avenues and experimenting. I like it though! Listen in here.


THE SMASHING PUMPKINS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "BEING BEIGE"
Honestly, for me 80% of the intrigue came from the title. I don't know why exactly but I just really like it. Also, I think Smashing Pumpkins are pretty great but that's beside the point. The main point is, this is a jam. First time I heard it, I thought that it sounded a little bit Placebo-esque (definitely a good thing). Cast your verdict here.


WHILE SHE SLEEPS NEW LYRIC VIDEO "TROPHIES OF VIOLENCE"
I have such high hopes for this album! I actually can't remember the last time I was this psyched for this type of album. These new WSS single releases are just getting me more pumped. This has to be one of the most engaging lyric videos I've seen in a phenomenally long time. I would love to get my hands on one of these prints. Feast your eyes on the new goods here.


DUTCH UNCLES NEW SINGLE "DECIDED KNOWLEDGE"
Another album that I'm very excited for this year, and it's out just next month! But until then, awesome new singles such as these will suffice. Have a listen here. When Dutch Uncles head out on tour after this release, get on it! I can solemnly swear that it'll be a liberating experience.


NOTHING BUT THIEVES NEW MUSIC VIDEO "BAN ALL THE MUSIC"
I heard about Nothing But Thieves late last year and more recently have seen their name dotted around on 2015 "Ones To Watch" lists. Then in about the space of two weeks, they were everywhere - featured on BBC Introducing's tour and this track was later chosen as one of Zane Lowe's hottest tracks. A really interesting band, and I love the leader singer's voice - get involved now here.


NOEL GALLAGHER NEW MUSIC VIDEO "BATTLE OF THE MIGHTY I"
A couple of the biggest British rock legends join together to make one awesome track - yeah I'd say that's alright. This is a big arena tune and just in time for Noel's tour! Johnny Marr playing guitar (or generally doing anything) on a track is another quality that often provides best results. In this case, this is still true - great song, enjoyable video. 


BEST FRIENDS NEW MUSIC VIDEO "SHRED 'TIL YOU'RE DEAD"
Best Friends have just recently signed to FatCat Records and in order to celebrate this, they have released this new single here. In my opinion, this band is definitely not the most exciting around for me right now but whenever I hear a single I just know there's so much potential there, I'm just waiting for something to really grab me.


EMMAVIE NEW SINGLE "I HOPE WE NEVER BREAK UP (FEAT. EGO ELLA MAY)"
Ego Ella May is the reason for this discovery actually. The two silky soulful voices really compliment each other. Such easy listening and the sad thing is, I don't actually expect to hear many people talking about either of them any time soon! So if you haven't heard of them yet listen to this. If you like Willow Smith or SZA, then you'll probably like them.


PRINZE GEORGE NEW SINGLE "UPSWING"
It's been a while since I heard anything from Prinze George and I'm normally waiting for their electro-pop beats to make me smile in the spring/summer time. However, now I have this track to take me out of the dullness of winter months. Have a listen to the new one here.


WAYWARD DAUGHTER COVER PVRIS "MY HOUSE"
When I found out that Wayward Daughter were covering PVRIS, I was elated. When I then found out that they were covering one of my favourite songs on the new record I was losing my mind. When I finally listened to it I was gobsmacked - BIG! Jam along here.

BROCO ARE BACK!! And definitely with a bang! It feels like way too long since I've heard any new tracks from these boys and I've started to miss them. Thank God they dropped this awesome new track, now I just need the rest of the album....

DON BROCO - Money Power Fame

In the past few weeks, a peppering of pretty interesting stuff has gone on in the music world and as I've been dormant for a while I'll write about some of the most interesting new things here...

WILLOW SMITH NEW SINGLE "YOUR LOVE V2"
Since her superhit "Whip My Hair" in 2010 I've only really heard a couple of songs from Willow Smith and more about either her strange fashion sense or hair. However, the music related buzz seems to be regenerating because I've heard a lot of praise for this new single here. Sampling The xx's "Basic Space" was a spark of genius on her part - this is an awesome song. Sounding more and more beyond her years, I'm ready to hear this album.


ROYAL BLOOD RELEASE B-SIDE "YOU WANT ME"
One of the biggest bands around right now, the Brighton duo are doing pretty well for themselves aren't they?! After writing about them as a new discovery here earlier this year I didn't expect them to be selling out headline tours in 2 minutes that very same year! Here's their latest b-side (to "Come On Over") from their huge debut record.


SLIPKNOT ANNOUNCE UK TOUR
I was really into Slipknot in my younger days but stopped listening to them for a little while. It wasn't until their recent (and pretty damn awesome) new single "The Devil In I" that I got back into their stuff and remembered just how good they are. Seeing them live will be a huge deal and especially touring their new album .5: The Gray Chapter which drops next week - I'll definitely want to pick up tickets when they come on sale on Friday.


THE WILDE NEW MUSIC VIDEO "UNTIL NEXT TIME, IT'S A ONE TIME THING"
I only recently found out about The Wilde and it was actually because of this song. I'm still not really sure if I like them or not because I don't like this video much at all but the song is really really catchy and the biggest confusion factor right now is that they sound SO much like Don Broco it's crazy. Have a watch of the video here - I think I still have to do some more background research on them.


ROYAL BLOOD NEW MUSIC VIDEO "TEN TONNE SKELETON"
Again, Royal Blood just killing it in music right now. Now they've got this cool new video to a great song from their fantastic debut - here. At one point in the video I did feel like it was a bit Nabil-ish but quickly banished that idea as the video went on. Still a solid video, and actually one of their better ones but I'm waiting for their videos to give me just that little bit more if I'm honest.


SPRING OFFENSIVE ANNOUNCE SPLIT
Okay, what is it with all of my favourite Oxford based bands breaking up before I even get the chance to see them live?! First, Trophy Wife and now Spring Offensive - Foals better not get any ideas! They announced a string of final UK shows but it doesn't actually look like I'll get a chance to attend any of them. It been a good run though - great band, I hope they do well in the rest of their music endeavours.


LIGHT YOU UP NEW SINGLE "ALWAYS WANTING MORE (FEAT. ALAN DAY)"
Birmingham based pop punk band Light You Up are set to release their debut album All We've Ever Known on the 26th of January next year and they've released this new single from it. I love their sound, and this is a hit. Their fans are already loving it and I know that I'm going to end up rinsing it over the next few weeks. Have a listen here.


THE NIGHT VI NEW SINGLE "HEROINE"
The Night VI have really been impressing me lately. I'm still listening to their single "Sienna" from earlier this year - now all I need is an album and I'll be set for months! As usual, The Night VI impress me with their silky vocals and tactful harmonies. Another big hit from the sextet, let's just hope their album hits it out of the park. Get hooked on "Heroine" here.


FALL OUT BOY ANNOUNCE NEW SINGLE "IMMORTALS"
Fall Out Boy have been pretty hit and miss over the past couple of months if I'm honest. Their last single "Centuries" was pretty good, and now they've announced that they are releasing a single for the upcoming Disney film - Big Hero 6. I just hope that this isn't another a miss for them. You can hear a snippet of the song in the trailer for the movie here.


ED SHEERAN NEW MUSIC VIDEO "THINKING OUT LOUD"
I've made my disappointment with Ed Sheeran no secret but recently it would seem that he's starting to win me over. All of the singles that I've heard from his album X so far have been good and as much as I try fighting it, I think I might eventually begin to be impressed with his music and maybe even enjoy it! Have a listen and a watch of his latest single here.

In terms of music, if you ask me, Saturday was my favourite of the three days, although it was a pretty close call. However, I really think that Saturday just spawned the some of the top performances of the weekend. To find out what I thought of the Friday click here. Now here's why Saturday was so good...


MARMOZETS
I did actually want to try and catch DZ Deathrays and Pulled Apart By Horses before heading over to Marmozets but unfortunately had to miss them. Marmozets definitely made up for this though. I started the day thinking that I would try and save some energy for the night but this set was fast paced and captivating from the get-go. Before I knew it, I was being thrown around in pits and screaming the (few) lyrics of theirs that I knew. This was how to make an entrance. After just this 30 minute set I already know that I'll be first in line to buy their debut. AWESOME band.

ROYAL BLOOD
And now for one of the best performances of the entire weekend - Royal Blood - new guys in town. I'd already seen them here at the NME Awards Tour but I was not prepared for the carnage to come. Their crowd response was MAD. As well as their crowd being fantastic the band responded with equal energy and I'm sure that at some point in the hustle and bustle I saw Benji get up from his kit and crowdsurf. They were brilliant, the new album is a masterpiece and these boys are going to go far.

LOWER THAN ATLANTIS
The amazing sets didn't stop there. Lower Than Atlantis' set was just as high powered and intense, even though most of the crowd were shattered after Royal Blood's set. LTA were much better than when I saw them play Reading 2012. Hearing the crowd sing the whole of "Another Sad Song" back to them was beautiful and of course, "Here We Go" packed a huge punch for the finale.

HOZIER
Although I listen to Hozier, I wasn't intending to go to his set, I actually thought that Wolf Alice would be playing, but it turned out to be him. I only stayed for a couple of songs and they sounded fine, the crowd, although quite small, were loving it.

CAGE THE ELEPHANT
After checking out Hozier, I headed back to the NME Stage to catch Cage The Elephant. they definitely played a crowd pleasing setlist - old and new favourites. Matt was energetic as ever and the band as a whole were super tight. However, I think I enjoyed their supporting set at Foals here a little bit more.

DON BROCO
I was surprised and I wasn't surprised at how big their crowd was. As big a following as they have right now, some part of me always thinks of them as a kind of undercover band. Nonetheless, they played a really strong set. I loved how they opened up with an acoustic version of "Yeah Man" and then went in with their heaviest juggernaut "Thug Workout". They just keep growing, and I'm excited to see what their sophomore record sounds like.

WHILE SHE SLEEPS
I was really buzzing to see this band live. Especially after missing their set at Reading last year (which I heard was "epic"). This set was non-stop! The crowd were pumped but I think the band were even more pumped! Everything was just super fast paced, it was over before I could take a breath - partly due to the fact that they were shut off because the crowd/crowd-surfers were getting to rowdy. However, I loved every minute of it. Major highlights - "Our Courage, Our Cancer" and "This Is The Six".

ISSUES
I'd only heard a couple of their songs before seeing them here and I wasn't too fussed about them at first if I'm honest. Even after seeing them, I don't think that I'm going to make a huge effort to check them out more but they played a really strong set and the crowd was loving it. It seemed like they had a very big following because most of the people in the crowd knew the words to their songs.

ARCHITECTS
Another set I was buzzing for - even though I've seen them, I think that it's because I've seen them that I was so excited to see them again. And after their latest album Lost Forever//Lost Together how could I not be? They played almost every song that I wanted them to and I could feel that it meant a lot to Sam and the band which made the performance just that right level of intense.

ARCTIC MONKEYS
Originally I was going to describe this as the perfect headline set, but then I saw Blink 182. So in terms of headliners this weekend, Arctic Monkeys were almost perfect. They played one of the best setlists of the entire weekend. Although it ended up being an emotional farewell in some ways, there was no better way for them to say goodbye. Every song sparked a huge reaction from the crowd and in my opinion I think that they were actually better than they were when I saw them headline Glastonbury last year here (but the crowd wasn't as good). lovely end to an amazing day of music.