In search of hardcore: Nadia Ramoul finds punk solace in Belgian rock festival Groezrock
Groezrock
DAY ONE
Following a lengthy treck across the wilds of Belgium, we are greeted by the loving arms of the Groezrock Festival. Celebrating it’s 20th anniversary in what promised to be a toasty warm weekend, spirits are high on the multilingual campsite even when a brief yet savage storm threatened to wash the weekend out.
They do festivals differently on the continent. Groezrock is a fraction of Reading’s size and all the better for it. Walking from one end of the campsite to the other doesn’t feel like a 6 hour hike and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, a far cry from the burning tents and rampaging 16 year olds that plague ol’ Blighty. Despite a few annoyances (separate drinks, food AND pub tickets?! You monsters…) the running is smooth and chilled, complimented by the unseasonably fine sunshine and shockingly reasonable prices (take note, UK.)
After erecting a tent in the dusty sand-flea ridden ground, we bounce with great joy to the main stage, to be faced, maddeningly with the sonic abortion that is Danko Jones. Our hearts sink at the staggeringly awful ‘banter’ of the frontman and the tepid chugging ‘songs.’
Danko Jones
The forty minutes that constitute their set feels like the passing of eons peppered with shout-outs that bordered on parody, eg:
“I WANT TO LICK PUSSY FOR FOUR HOURS STRAIGHT!”
“WE’RE THE KND OF BAND WHO CHANGE OUR LYRICS FOR THE RADIO!”
YEAH…?! Spare me.
Happily though, Cancer Bats are soon on and the blip of Danko Jones is forgotten in a flood of buzzing distortion and crazed yelps. For a band relatively low down on the ‘upcoming’ bill, their speedy thrash draws a hefty and appreciative crowd.
Cancer Bats
In a cruel twist of fate, Cancer Bats overlapped slightly with aging heroes Millencolin, who you all surely recognise for ’No Cigar,’ the soundtrack to glitch digital kick flips on the Tony Hawk’s games. Ah, memories. They run through what could be considered a ‘greatest hits’ set, with choice morsels from ‘Pennybridge Pioneers’ and ‘Home From Home.’ Unlike Danko Jones, the crowd interaction is warm and friendly, and their rendition of ‘The Ballad’ brought salty (but still punk) tears to the eyes of the crowd.
Every Time I Die are tight, loud and impressive before Hatebreed, a band who certainly do breed a great deal of hate, headline the mainstage. Clearly not thinking man’s music, the assorted meatheads begin to gather in ominous circles pumping their fists in a fashion not unlike a National Front Rally. Scary.
Hatebreed are a passable band to work out to or angrily scrub a floor, but live they are little more than an outlet for tubby bald men to beat each other senseless in a big sweaty mess. Perhaps this is too cruel an observation – the music was loud, tight and vitriolic, and yes, does kinda make you want to punch the guy next to you several times about the chops.
DAY 2
Following a brief nurse of a hangover triggered by dirt cheap Jupiler and Jager, we begin our dicey clamber back onto the booze horse.
Sugarcult provide the perfect antidote to morning after grogginess with a light, bouncy set that got even the most queasy pogoing around the grass, grinning inanely. Not exactly musical innovators but what better soundtrack to being ragingly drunk on a Saturday afternoon? Ahhh…
Groezrock
As the days plods on, those overloaded with punk seek solace in the obligatory dance tent, with DJ s playing a hefty mix of Dubstep and D’n’B that warm the cockles of well-travelled East Londoners in need of a break.
Saves The Day provide the finest performance of the festival. Chris Conley’s wholesome voice is as pure as the driven snow. There’s a guy who gets his 5 a day and washes it down with milk. They play a flawless set of old and new material, with the debut of new tracks from upcoming record ’Daybreak’ welcomed warmly. The technical problems of early on in the set are soon forgotten.
Groezrock makes a welcome change from the sheer size and stressful nature of the large British rock festivals. Despite the relatively small profile of the bands playing, they draw rabid crowds intent on having a good time.
The atmosphere was, for the most part amazing, despite the occasional language barrier everything functioned well. Definitely one to consider for next year! Just don’t get too confused with those tokens, now.
Natalie Lasance 