Y Factor Semi Final review
The Y Factor is an annual festival in partnership with The Lowdown and Northampton Music 365 featuring twenty one acts across three stages; it is a platform just for young performers around the Northamptonshire area. Whether you like acoustic acts or bands; rock, ska, metal or rap there is something for everyone at The Y Factor and the festival takes pride in this very versatility.
The night began with one of my favourite local bands, Ground Floor, who are an immense ska/rock band- the Streetlight Manifesto of our generation. Alike to every performance, they sounded resonant and remarkable; the Auden Stage allowed their sound to handsomely fill the room and as I was listening to them I felt as if I was watching professionals who I’d pay decent money to see. The Y Factor hasn’t seen a band like this before; they are unquestionably ones to watch out for in the future if they are to get through to the final.
I stayed by the Auden Stage to catch another familiar band, The Wise Old Owls, who were one guitarist short since the last time I saw them. Some may think this would mean they lacked a complete sound but they’ve still got it! They still pulled off covers of the likes of Two Door Cinema Club and even covered ‘Wicked Games’ by The Weeknd. Surprisingly, with an added kick of angst it was transformed from a smooth RnB song to something so much more by making it their own. I just wish they would cover other songs similar to this and not stick to playing it safe. Unfortunately, I didn't stay for their whole set so I could check out Curtain Mafia on the Far Heath Stage who performed a selection of bass driven songs. Their cover of ‘Ever Fallen In Love’ was sung with punk instilled vocals which felt like I was watching a young John Lydon perform. Curtain Mafia were entertaining and brimming with merriment, however there’s some things they need to tighten up in order for them to be the fantastic band I know they can be. Aside from this, they have a carefree presence on stage which really makes those things almost not matter at all!
Whilst sauntering around the three stages I was greeted with an abundance of talent and high spirits wherever I went. I caught Jordan Jones and his mod-rock jams, Building Skylines and their hefty high energy rock riffs, and Y-Fi who -for a small band- made a hell of a lot of noise. Everywhere I went there was something diverse transpiring, all of which were captivating in their own ways.
I decided that next I would spend some time watching some acoustic acts on the NM365 stage. Here I was greeted by the fledgling talent, Robyn Wilson. Whilst keeping it simple she managed to make all the songs she covered imitable to her style. She performs with such ease and her voice is so tranquil whether she is performing originals or covers. The highlight for me on the NM65 stage however was Harry Mockett. He managed to cover two of my favourite songs and still reflect their beauty faultlessly, which is rare! One of them was ‘Cacoon’ by Catfish And The Bottlemen which- even though isn’t originally acoustic- didn’t lose its depth and vitality. The other was ‘I will follow you into the dark’ by Death Cab For Cutie which was performed just as exquisitely as the original. Harry Mockett was immaculate, poignant, adept and clear-cut. He is definitely one to look out for in the future.
Additionally, I caught Leo Robinson on the NM365 Stage, the first rapper I have seen take part in The Y Factor and it’s great to see an artist from ImpactTV take part. For the diminutive time I saw, the solid beats and ‘chill vibes’ juxtaposed with the contemporary rap vocals and lyrics soundly. If I didn’t have a duty to review I would have been sure to dance, and I’m absolutely going to check out some of Leo’s other works. Another act I caught briefly was Lake Acacia; they were quite literally ground breaking as the bass dominated their set and could be felt by everyone in the audience. Their enthusiastic exuberance whilst performing was apparent which was transferred to those watching. The guitar riffs were on point, especially during their cover of ‘No one knows’ by Queens Of The Stone age which got the crowd soaring.
Finally, Solar Roads were yet another highlight of my night. I really relished in their refreshing, unique, infectious songs with bass/guitar riffs to die for; Solar Roads is the type of band I’d happily dance round a field to in the summer. Carrying a young, fresh and relaxed aura, they were unblemished and had a certain edge to them that I can’t put my finger on. I’m eager to hear new things from these guys and see them at future gigs.
The level of talent at this year’s Y Factor competition is higher than the last few years; the bar has been set and still has the opportunity to be raised even higher. Now all we can do is sit back and wait to see who will get through to the final, and ponder what each act will bring to The Auden Stage at the final on the 21st March. I’ll be there with my pen and paper reviewing, will you?
