With its tiny, sweltering venues and obligatory backdrop of rain, the Great Escape doesn’t have all that much in common with the event it was modelled on: the sprawling SXSW, in Texas. Even so, Brighton’s annual new music showcase-industry convention draws impressive numbers, with everything from rising pop acts (Girli, Aldous Harding) to buzzy rappers (Kojey Radical, 67) on the bill.
Many a disappointed reveller is turned away from the most hotly tipped shows, with impossibly long queues for the Norwegian wunderkind Sigrid, and neo-riot grrrls Dream Wife. As a predictable downpour begins, recent Island signees Sälen deliver their sugary but sardonic synthpop – and an accompanying zine – to an appreciative but soaking wet crowd. Then the weather brightens up, and 13-strong collective the Fedz provide an upbeat modern soul and reggae soundtrack in the centre of town. Later, Sadie Dupuis, of grunge revivalists Speedy Ortiz, brings her solo act Sad13 to the Hope, wearing a “Yes” necklace as she plays souped-up versions of her consent-themed pop.
Showing their versatility are Birmingham’s Superfood – who have swapped Britpop swagger for a more free-form, ska and sample-fuelled sound of late – and 90s-inspired rockers Inheaven, who are greeted with a giant mosh pit for their single Treats, the floor of the airless Prince Albert pub shaking. It is all part of the unexpected charm of a festival that tempers music biz hype with ramshackle, DIY spirit.
