Festival Review: All Points East – Sunday 18th August 2024
All Points East 2024 continues in Victoria Park with a stellar lineup, from rising stars to show-stopping headliners.
All Points East delivered a memorable day in Victoria Park, with the sun shining and the crowd dressed to impress in typical understatedly cool East London fashion. The anticipation for Mitski, the evening's headliner, was a constant undercurrent throughout the day, adding to the buzz of the festival.
Liana Flores opened the day with a set that showcased why she’s one to keep an eye on. Drawing on her Brazilian roots, her music had a warmth that matched the sunny weather, and her delicate, fairy-like presence on stage captivated the crowd. "Rises the Moon" was a highlight, with fans enthusiastically singing along—many of whom have likely followed her since her YouTube ukulele cover days. With an upcoming tour in the works, Flores is a name you’ll be hearing a lot more of soon.
Strawberry Guy brought a sense of authenticity to the stage that was refreshing to witness. Despite his admitted nervousness, his joy in performing was unmistakable. The crowd readily embraced his warm, welcoming energy, eagerly absorbing the romantic blend of classical and indie pop in his music. Tracks like "Mrs Magic" and "Intermission" stood out, showcasing his talent and potential and leaving a lasting impression. His performance, though tinged with nervousness, was sincere and endearing, making it a highlight of the afternoon.
Beabadoobee’s performance was defined by the distinctive blend of genres that has become her signature: a vibrant mix of sweet love songs, classic indie rock, and just the right amount of teen angst. Her easy, cheeky rapport with the crowd kept everyone engaged, turning the set into a dynamic experience that showcased both her versatility and strong connection with her audience. Her effortless stage presence highlighted her talent and further cemented her status as a standout in today’s indie scene.
Suki Waterhouse’s performance carried the effortless cool that has become her trademark. Fresh off opening for Taylor Swift at Wembley, she brought a relaxed confidence to the All-Points East stage, serenading us with songs such as “Moves” and “OMG”. Her cover of "Don't Look Back in Anger" was a notably special moment, especially given her playful admission that it didn’t quite land the same way at Coachella. Here, on home soil, however, the crowd was more receptive, gleefully bellowing the lyrics along with her.
Arlo Parks delivered one of the day’s most compelling performances. Having refined her stage presence since previous shows, she seemed more comfortable and confident than ever. Her set was a perfect blend of soulful introspection and vibrant energy, particularly during tracks like "Caroline," where her ability to convey emotion captivated the audience. Parks has clearly found her stride, making this one of the most memorable sets of the day.
The day culminated in an unforgettable performance by Mitski. Known for her avant-garde style, she delivered a set that was as much a visual experience as it was a musical one. Every element, from the lighting to her choreography, was meticulously crafted. Yet, what made her performance truly special were the brief moments where her persona slipped, offering the audience a glimpse of the person behind the music. A spontaneous laugh mid piano set in response to a fan's shout that the lighting was “Brat Green”, added a touch of humanity to her otherwise ethereal presence. The set reached its peak with the climactic "Nobody," with the entire crowd joining in—a fitting end to a powerful performance.
All Points East 2024 kicked off with a day full of strong performances and a sense of excitement for what’s to come. With such a solid lineup, the rest of the festival promised to deliver just as much, in the days ahead. Victoria Park once again proved to be the perfect setting for a weekend of fantastic live music.