Written by Sophie Wyatt
For anyone that attended All Points East, or who was generally brave enough to step outside their house on bank holiday Saturday, we salute you. As thousands poured into Victoria Park, the thunder and lightening rolled in, along with some very dark, ominous clouds. With rain bouncing off the floor, festival goers found shelter under trees and tents as the music was paused and we waited for clear skies to return. And while the damp weather continued, the resilient attendees did not let it dampen their spirits.
As the rain slowed down and the sun came out, musical notes started to rise high again around the park. Gabriels enchanted soaked crowds with their soulful serenades. Running through songs from their acclaimed debut ‘Angels & Queens’, the Compton-based gospel singer Jacob Lusk held his audience with every word. While multi-talented producer Nia Archives took to the North Stage, warming everyone up with her high-energy beats and equally stimulating visuals. Dropping a drum and bass version of Friday nights’ West Stage headliners’ Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ ‘Heads Will Roll’, followed by a number of her iconic beats such as ‘Conveniency’ and ‘No Need 2 Be Sorry, Call Me?’ – which was elevated even more by the surprise of an appearance from the songs feature, Maverick Sabre.
Canadian Jazz Trio BADBADNOTGOOD took to the West Stage to bring some psychedelia to the day. Their unique combination of musical styling and instrument intricacy left fans locked in to their hour long set. Meanwhile Mercury Nominee Raye commanded the East Stage, her bubbly personality and moments of transparent opinions (one of which was to “never date a rapper”) lived up to fans high expectations. Fans then made their way back over to West Stage for the icon that is Erykah Badu. Proving that she is as just as relevant today as she was after dropping her legendary 1997 album ‘Badizm’, the singer let her band build her way to the stage. With hints of Jazz and Soul merging to create some captivating beats, her band enticed before a figure bounded across the stage, big hat, hair down to her ankles and a wildly eccentric rainbow coloured coat. Erykah Badu had entered. While her coat was vibrant, it was her energy that brightened the stage. Showing off a set of grills, and after stripping off a couple of layers, a near enough second outfit – sporting a green bandana and large black shoulder pads – the singer played a number of classics that brought the crowd to life. ‘On & On’ and ‘Apple Tree’ had everyone moving and smiling alongside the singer, but it was her 2000 hit ‘Bag Lady’ that really got everyones hands raising, voices singing and emotions lifting ahead of the days headliner.
And finally, it was time to head back to the other side of the festival to see London dance duo Jungle. As the music builds, the theatre curtains fall and the duo are revealed to us, alongside some mesmerising lights and their incredible band who helped to bring their set to life. Almost a month after releasing their latest album ‘Back To 74’, the duo smiled widely as they performed their debut UK headline show. With banger after banger, the set did not disappoint. As bodies started to hop up on friends shoulders and fans let go of their inhibitions, limbs were thrown around to classic tracks like ‘Casio’ as well as newer songs like ‘PROBLEMZ’ and title track ‘Back To 74’. The pair didn’t miss a beat, with non stop dancing tracks and intoxicating vibes from both the stage and the crowd, the guys really delivered and closed the festivals Saturday with a bang.
