BEAT Connection returned to Reading’s St Laurence church once again for two days of top-hole live musical performances.
Friday’s line-up saw This. kick off proceedings before Adam & Elvis had the crowd truly warmed up.
Guildford’s Lime Garden raised the temperature when they started their set with Fever, before barrelling into In, then Mother with effortless, confident, and assured presence.
Their dry though affable humour bleeds through not only their lyrical and musical content but also their easy stage personas, which all contribute to their unique brand of bubblegum-laden bedroom punk.
Headliners and Brighton indie rockers Porridge Radio also gave a biting show with an instant command of the stage.
Their set included outstanding performances of End of Last year, Splintered, and Jealousy.
These were swiftly followed by haunting versions of Trying and 7 seconds, and shout-along, fist-pumping crowd favourite Birthday Party.
Friday night was closed with Baba Ali as the late-night guest, bringing neon-soaked, neo-new-wave dynamism that is to be expected from them.
Saturday saw an even more packed line-up, with Liam O’Brien and The Mirror Pictures picking up the baton ahead of Cowboyy.
Damaged by Circus Elephants played an impressive debut gig, showcasing their down-to-Earth style wrapped up in joyful, soulful sensibilites.
Gwenifer Raymond, hailing from Cardiff, brought a sparse instrumentation to the forefront before headliner Billie Marten raised things to an emotional crescendo.
Late-night guests KEG and ADKD made sure that those still seeking a party weren’t disappointed, playing well into Sunday before Tracks & Grooves closed the show.
Beat Connection is a collaboration between Heavy Pop and Dork.
For more information about upcoming shows from Heavy Pop, visit heavypop.co.uk.
