Tag: bugeye

This weekend saw the launch of Croydon’s brand new festival, Cro Cro Land. Organised by Croydon residents Angela Martin and Julia Woollams, the festival aimed to promote gender equality in both its line-up and staff, whilst championing a number of local bands and artists, and working in conjunction with a number of grassroots organisations and charities, including Lives Not Knives.

And what a festival it was! Paying host to SO MANY incredible bands, it was not only a day filled with all the best live music, but also a completely unmatched sense of community spirit and united joy at being part of the DIY scene. As well as all the superb bands playing on the day, we bumped into so many other bands and artists there to support their peers, as well as other key members from the community, such as Caffy from The Zine UK and staff from Croydon’s best pub, The Oval Tavern. It was like a huge family gathering, filled with all the most life-affirming vibes and, of course, the best live music.

Our Jon Mo was there, along with Jamie MacMillan, to capture all the action…

First up we caught the fun-filled, punk-infused energy of Werecats on the Concrete Playground stage.

Photo Credit: Jamie MacMillan

Next, we headed to the main Town Square stage to be blown away by Tiger Mimic’s soaring rock anthems.

Photo Credit: Jon Mo

Photo Credit: Jamie MacMillan

Having ‘spun’ a few tunes ourselves at the Concrete Playground stage, we were treated to the luscious, jangly joy of Jetstream Pony‘s dreamy indie-pop offerings. And, whilst floating away on their twinkling scuzz, we also couldn’t help but notice lead singer Beth’s amazing, Croydon-inspired, skirt (made with material courtesy of local designer Made By Mrs M)!

Photo Credit: Jon Mo

Photo Credit: Jamie MacMillan

After continuing our DJ set at the Concrete Playground stage, GIHE faves ARXX blast into the packed space, delivering their unique, seething punk anthems with a magnificent sparkling power. And to see new music pioneer John Kennedy in the crowd enjoying the set really warms my heart; to see this band that I’ve followed for the last year or two grow into the incredible force of nature they are today makes me feel a bit like a proud mum – one of the most dedicated (and just all-round incredible) bands I’ve ever come across, they truly do deserve every success.

Photo Credit: Jon Mo

Photo Credit: Jon Mo

Back at the Town Square, fellow faves Berries (every band we saw on Saturday was a favourite!) get the crowd moving with their raucous whirring energy and distinctive, smouldering vocals. Oozing a raw passion (and donning band tees of other greats such as LIINES and Estrons), their infectious offerings and buzzing charisma proves this trio worthy of the highest accolades.

Photo Credit: Jon Mo

Photo Credit: Jamie MacMillan

With their unique, vibrant energy and glitchy groove, electro punk duo Feral Five fill the Concrete Playground with their soaring, shimmering offerings as front woman Kat’s glistening outfit and natural pizazz trigger dancing feet and smiling faces.

Photo Credit: Jon Mo

Photo Credit: Jamie MacMillan

As if it wasn’t enough to organise the festival, hero of the day Angela also lead her band Bugeye blazing into our eyes and ears with their incredible colourful power. Delivering their raging, synth-driven anthems with a fierce grit and vibrant energy, they dazzle us all with their contagious disco punk creations.

Photo Credit: Jon Mo

Photo Credit: Jon Mo

If you think all that sounds impressive, stay tuned for part two of our Cro Cro Land review, with more fab photos of the incredible bands who took our breath away on Saturday!

Photo Credit:
Jon Mo/@jonmophoto
Jamie MacMillan/@jamiemacphotos

Words:
Mari Lane/@marimindles