poppedmusic

Close Up Festival

Words by Daniel Burton

TICKETS £16.50 HERE

I think it is needless to say that the past 18 months have been full of uncertainty and disappointment, however if there is one thing that we can rely upon, it is CloseUp delivering one hell of a party and there’s no sign of 2021 being any different!

Back in 2021 with a line-up full to the brim with talent and quality is CloseUp Festival which returns to the familiar setting of Colours, Hoxton. Unfortunately, the previously billed headliners whenyoung are no longer able to attend, however they have been replaced with a new headliner and 3 more acts added to the lineup. This years headliner is Bamily with Abbie McCarthy also billed as DJ headliner. They are supported by the 21st century rock’n’roll/blues Liverpudlians Trudy and the Romance, indie rockers Sad Boys Club, lo-fi electro-pop four-piece Pynch, indie-pop singer Natalie Shay and more!

Bamily – All cards on the table, before seeing their name on the poster, Bamily were a relatively unknown entity to me. However, after a quick scout through their catalogue of releases, I have been instantly won over. CUF 2021 headliner Bamily is a group of four producers who show off the underlying influence from the electronic scene, however they cleverly experiment with a number of other styles but predominantly introduce a range of indie-pop twists into their sound.

All of these influences culminate in pure feel good vibes, with smooth and bright poptastic tunes. Their most popular release to date, Katata, encapsulates all of these traits and is the best showcase for the style and talent they hold. Offering a slightly different style is their track Hey Raoul which introduces a jazz twist to their sound. This is certainly a band that is not to be missed and you are guaranteed to have a smile on your face walking back to the bar after their set at CUF this year!

The Hubbards – This band are my definitely my one to watch this year, and have been on my radar for a very long time.

They bring an infectious indie sound alongside catchy hooks which are impossible not to sing-a-long to. With this it brings a great versatility to the effects their songs can have. Some you could cry along to, some could bring an irresistible smile to you face, and others could do both. When a band ability to play on your emotions like that, you know that you have found something special. The band’s 2018 Petty Grudge Pop EP is the epitome of this, presenting a wide range of sounds across its four tracks, each drawing you in with its unique twist.

So far, they are a band that have escaped me and I have not been able to see live so I am very much looking forward to their set this year!