Brighton Psych Fest; A Day Of Incredible Grassroots Venues, Welcoming New Friends & New Showcasing Talent - Festival Review - By The Fans Magazine

Words & Review: Amber Williams

Photography Credit: Amber Williams

From the moment I stepped in Patterns to receive my media pass, the atmosphere was welcoming. It really set me up for an amazing day. When we got in I was welcomed and given a map and a list of set times for all the different acts. The venues included Concorde 2, Patterns, Komedia, Corn Exchange, Alphabet and Volks.

The lineup consisted of over 40 acts and ran until the early morning of the next day, however I’m only one girl and could only make it to a handful of acts and had to get the train back home, so I couldn’t see the last acts.

The acts I saw were absolutely amazing.

The first act I saw was ‘Slag’ at Komedia. As someone that spends a lot of time in Brighton and within the music scene in Brighton as well, I had heard a lot about Slag but I never got to see them live, before Brighton Psych Fest. As the first act to see they were amazing and definitely bought my energy up. You could tell they were all having an absolute blast on stage and you could also tell they had an amazing friendship within the band and that they were genuinely having a good time. If you’ve never seen Slag you definitely should, and listen to them also!

Following Slag, I made my way over to Concorde 2. I then saw a band called Bleech 9:3. Before this festival I had never seen or heard of them. When I saw them live I was absolutely blown away by their energy and their music. From the vibes of the crowd to their singing I was enjoying every moment of it and they’ve definitely got themselves a new fan.

After Bleech 9:3 I made my way to Corn Exchange and managed to make it to see some of Anna Von Hausswolf’s set. Her music was genuinely so atmospheric. I had heard of her but had never listened to her music and me and my friends were blown away. We were in genuine awe of her and I think she was the perfect act to be a part of this festival.

Allah Las. Corn Exchange. These were the band I originally requested to be a part of the media team for this festival. Allah Las are an amazing band and I found them through listening to a band called Khurangbin. Hearing Allah Las was so atmospheric, and so surreal. I listen to their music quite often and to be able to see them in this capacity in quite an intimate venue was the perfect setting for them as a band.

I unfortunately had to get the train home and missed out on so many great acts, but the acts I did get to see genuinely moved me and I felt amazed by each act, Brighton Psych Fest is a relatively new festival and they have definitely gained a fan of the festival and I will be returning next year, it’s such a friendly environment.

I definitely recommend this festival for some good, psychedelic music.