Love Saves The Day – A Reflection

I was determined not to make this review too heavily focused on the episode spent watching John Talabot play, but I can't resist. The moment was so special it deserves the opening. John Talabot, if you're reading this – you are summink else.

Jah was looking over us for Sunday's session of Bristol-based daytime festival, Love Saves The Day. Running as a two day event I was informed whilst basking in the glorious sunny grass that the previous day had seen rain throughout the day, drenching the site but not quite able to dampen the spirits of the west country revellers.

Settled in the very heart of Bristol, Castle Park is an impressive location to showcase a healthy array of sounds & talent. With stages hosted on the Sunday by Crack Magazine, Digital Soundboy & Trap Magazine, Shambarber, Soul Train and more it was clear from the programming Bristol continues to represent diverse & culturally colourful music.

Bristol born Alfresco Disco set the park alight when they played Chaka Kahn's Ain't Nobody, a furore of hands in the air and smiles embracing the sun. From afar the Digital Soundboy stage could be heard throwing down big bass whilst Greg Wilson's disco flavours soundtracked a journey through all manner of vibes. Not far away John Talabot managed to single-handedly change the way I appreciate techno, bringing soft dreamy soundscapes into satisfyingly hard kicks. An absolute highlight to the year so far and pins him firmly as the highlight of LSTD.

The main stage saw Neneh Cherry, Jamie XX, Quantic, and the insatiably energetic Gentleman's Dub Club in full effect before the SBTRKT finalé which – it has to be said – was mind blowing in stage production (possibly more so than musically). With light smoke creeping and billowing across a laser strewn across the sky, it was an entrancing way to see the day through. The two additional end-of-play surprises also included Congo Natty and his two tantalising vocalists Nanci & Phoebe tearing apart a forest stage with their infectious jungle and drum&bass, and an impromptu mass waltz in the press tent as it finally closed the bar.

All in all LSTD is a beautiful place to enjoy hearty heritage sounds alongside modern classics and up & comers, with beautiful people to match. 4.5/5

Sophie James

Photos by Here & Now.