In it’s 5th year now, Street Sesh is an annual festival held in Hull to delivering the best and new upcoming talents the north has to offer. Drawing in a crowd of over 30,000 it was definitely not a day to be missed! Humber Street Sesh is a combination of over 200 + unsigned bands, local artists and DJ’s performing across 14 stages, alongside various food stalls and restaurants. With face painting, BMX stunt displays and arts and craft stalls its a day out for all ages. Set in the picturesque marina it’s a true showcase of everything Hull has to offer as its title of “City of culture” approaches in 2017.
First band to be checked out was the Dantevilles, a indie pop four -piece from Manchester with dual vocalists. A set full of upbeat catchy riffs performing songs from recent release of “Calm before the storm”. Although the baking sun and still being early on into the day made them seem just that. With their song “It Might Be Tomorrow” airing on Radio 1 that week as Huw Stephens’ tip of the week, it’s worth giving this band another look at.
Gracing the stage next was the energetic two piece Hot Soles hailing from Sheffield. Fresh from playing sets at a stint of festivals including Secret Garden Party, they Delivered a set of pure rock and roll, mixed in with deep groves and humour. This duo are a perfect festival band, getting the crowd bopping and tapping along in the sunshine.
Over on the “BBC Introducing” stage saw Years Young getting into full swing. Drawing influences from Biffy clyro and Don Bronco, it’s no surprise that they had drawn such a crowd with their catchy melodies and polished performance. With quite a few songs already being crowd sing alongs, it’s no surprise that this band has been noted as one to watch. For fans of Mallory Knox, Lower than Atlantis and Paramore.
As the evening sets in the Main Stage is warming up for the headliners with a line up of powerful homegrown bands. First up to take us into the night is Fire (The unstoppable force) who certainly made sure they won’t be forgotten. With a self described sound of “dark soul garage that will break your mind and melt your soul’ this four piece stormed around the stage whipping the crowd up into a frenzy. Looking like the northern version of The Hives, they belted out firm fan favourites of “Whiplash Crocodile”, with fans sticking out the rain to dance along to the anthem that is “Psycho Killer”.
The Black delta Movement was a contrast in style to follow up the previous act. With a strong psychedelic rock sound, this set was a much calmer one alongside the night time atmosphere. Having just released their new EP ‘Seven Circles’ and having supported the likes of The Jesus & Mary Chain and The Stranglers, this band can only go from strength to strength. For fans of the Black Keys.
As everyone’s now packed tightly around the Main stage in the heart of the marina, it’s time for the headliners to take to the stage. There has been much anticipation for this band who have quickly become a household name within in the Hull music scene. Counting Coins are known for their energetic and crazy live shows, and they didn’t disappoint. Bursting onto stage with their loud and catchy ska punk quickly getting the crowd skanking and bouncing. Harry Burnby has a natural charm and stage presence, it doesn’t take him long to have the crowd eating out the palm of his hand jumping on every command. It seems everyone young and old have got their dancing shoes on for these guys tonight, and who can blame them with the infectious anthems of “Dont Look Down” and “What Gives You The Right”. With an album now under their belt, you won’t regret checking these guys out at a show. For fans of The King Blues.
Street Sesh has reinforced once again why it’s one of the best festivals to take place in Hull. With not just the great showcase of musical talent, but the overall street- party vibe atmosphere. There’s a little bit of everything to suit everyone. This year’s lineup will be a tough act to follow, but no doubt Humber Street Sesh will be back next year even bigger and better as it’s crowned City of Culture.