Whether or not your headwear of alternative is a crimson cap or pink cowboy hat, Studying & Leeds have gotten you lined. And on a baking Financial institution Vacation Weekend, the annual summer season blowout continues its mission assertion of showcasing what’s sizzling proper now, from the welcome return of Convey Me The Horizon via to the continued renaissance of Limp Bizkit and the litany of recent acts blurring the strains and sharpening the perimeters of what’s attainable.
Having managed to get all of the mud out of our eyes and ears, right here’s what went down at this 12 months’s double-header…
Pageant Republic Stage, Leeds
It’s a must to really feel for Bartees Unusual. With nearly all of Bramham Park nonetheless fixing their Friday morning hangovers, barely a hundred followers are scattered across the Pageant Republic Stage. No downside in any respect, says his gloriously funked-up indie-rock, giving Leeds a whistle-stop tour via all his influences, from post-hardcore to jazz. The apex of which is the mushy guitar solo to Needs Wants, as he wields his crimson Gibson SG like a katana. In a robust setting, you continue to get the sense that that is rather more than ‘job accomplished’ for Bartees and his band, however he shoots straight into first place for the weekend’s greatest stored secret. (RS)
Pageant Republic Stage, Studying
Is it reverse day in shoegaze land? As an alternative of a lush wall of guitars with vocals buried inside it, Glixen vocalist Aislinn Ritchie’s docile tones are crystal clear, which wouldn’t be a downside if the riffs have been greater than a watery dribble. The sound stays wobbly for a important proportion of their lunchtime set, which is a actual disgrace, however fortunately issues choose up in a while. By the point they float via the otherworldly languor of lick the star, their potential glimmers via – if solely they might have had extra space to unfold their wings. (EW)
Pageant Republic Stage, Studying
This isn’t merely a present – this can be a efficiency. Greeted by a baying crowd holding their telephones to the sky, Sofia Isella is a majestic presence, typically in a state of flux. Her actions are twitchy at instances, sinuous at others, with a witchlike maintain on the group all through Scorching Gum and the elegant jazz pop of The Doll Folks, as she alternately picks up a violin after which an electrical guitar. Even when a energy minimize derails proceedings, she returns and whirls again into motion like nothing occurred. One thing’s brewing right here – it’s like witnessing a storm in a teacup. (EW)
Pageant Republic Stage, Studying
Properly, this can be a vibe. SNAYX have thrown a big occasion on the Pageant Republic Stage, everybody’s invited, and the groove is flowing via each single physique within the tent. “You’re wanting beautiful!” yells vocalist Charlie Herridge because the moshers kick mud clouds into the air via the buzzing Sink Or Swim, the irresistibly danceable Strut, and fizzy unreleased minimize Faux. It actually helps that the revellers are stuffed with beans nonetheless and excited for the weekend forward, however the beauty of immediately is that it each feels just like the Brighton trio are getting the reception they deserve, and are displaying simply how a lot they’re able to. This lot are extraordinarily good at being enjoyable. (EW)
BBC Introducing Stage, Studying
On the primary day of Studying, when all the thrill appears to be round Chappell Roan’s co-headline set, it takes one thing particular to distract the pink cowboy-hatted plenty from their HOT TO GO! dance routine rehearsals. And Artio actually make a good pitch: in spite of everything, on songs comparable to Babyface and Product Of My Personal Design, charismatic singer Rae Brazill has as a lot to say about identification and liberation as Chappell. The band’s full-throttle mixture of emo and heavier influences is actually intriguing sufficient to drag in lots of a passing punter, suggesting they’re possibly only one killer bop away from being really sizzling to go locations… (MS)
Pageant Republic Stage, Studying
“Thanks for not placing us on similtaneously Chappell,” sighs Missy Dabice as she takes the stage. But when the animal lovers of Studying initially select the Pink Pony Membership over the Punk Pussy equal, the tent quickly fills to offer Model Pussy the viewers they deserve. Missy is on rabble-rousing kind, getting the group to subject “an ideal scream” when sound points nearly scupper Okay? Okay? Okay? Okay!, and switching from breathy Marilyn Monroe whisper to full-throated Brody Dalle rasp as Aching and Romantic rattle tooth and blow minds. A blistering Loud Bark, in the meantime, is devoted to “all of the matriarchs” and MP are the femininomenon all of us want. (MS)
Pageant Republic Stage, Studying
Excessive Vis should not fucking round. Regardless of sweltering temperatures, singer Graham Sayle arrives in his coat, like he’s not stopping. And, whereas he’s quickly shirtless, there’s nonetheless a actual sense of urgency about how the London punk crew go about their enterprise. Graham is offended about a number of issues – the NHS, Palestine and trendy life all get a point out – however Excessive Vis channel his fury into laser-focused rock anthems like Out Chilly; equal components punk rock and Britpop, as if the Gallagher brothers had been raised on hardcore. “We’re only a knobhead band, we really feel fortunate as fuck,” declares the frontman however, actually, it’s the individuals within the tent tonight which might be the fortunate ones. (MS)
Pageant Republic Stage, Studying
“This has now change into a karaoke set,” chuckles Chats singer/bassist Eamon Sandwith as he swigs from a can and struggles with technical gremlins. “All of them sound the identical, proper?” Properly, kinda, however that’s the fantastic thing about The Chats: they play rock’n’roll so stupendously unsophisticated it makes fellow Aussies Amyl And The Sniffers appear to be Rush compared, and sing songs so thrillingly primary you could possibly most likely educate them to reception lessons. It will actually make for an attention-grabbing circle time: the likes of 6L GTR, Half Arsed and Smoko are such ribald slices of life Down Beneath that they’re like getting punched within the face and laughing hysterically on the identical time. (MS)
Chevron Stage, Studying
Frontman James Joseph tells the group how he and his bandmates’ first Studying go to got here after, “We failed our GCSEs as a result of we cared about music greater than anything”. Maybe that’s why James And The Chilly Gun appear so decided to return to the old-fashioned. Along with his splayed legs, indoor shades and Sundown Strip swagger, James is actually minimize from the identical classic fabric as his traditional Manic Avenue Preachers T‑shirt, however songs comparable to Twist The Knife tread a superb line between ‘retro’ and ‘downright dated’. A full-blooded cowl of Echo & The Bunnymen’s Lips Like Sugar hints at hidden depths, however this Gun may do with hitting the goal extra typically. (MS)
Principal Stage, Studying
“Who’s able to fuck?!” roars Phoebe Lunny. Kneedeep into the largest 12 months of their lives, Lambrini Ladies have earned a well-deserved promotion to the principle stage, they usually’re proudly owning it. Phoebe dashes alongside the runway throughout the biting Massive Dick Vitality to get the group crouching and leaping again up, whereas Selin Maciera casually lies down as she performs her bass. A massive stage, in fact, means a large platform, the place they decry police brutality, name for a free Palestine and take intention at controversial personal fairness agency KKR – “Get your arms out of our music festivals!” cries Selin. Ending on a joyous notice with the gloriously sweary dance occasion that’s Cuntology 101, they’ve really discovered the enjoyable in preventing again. (EW)
Principal Stage, Studying
Recent they might be, however South Arcade already really feel like superstars. Drawing a large turnout to the principle stage, they arrive 15 minutes late seemingly as a consequence of technical points, however it means the followers awaiting them are like coiled springs and pits immediately break open as quickly as they swagger via effervescent opener 2005. They’ve additionally bought some genius props within the type of 4 spraypaint cans, which intermittently blast clouds of smoke. Nothing about this screams ‘newcomer’; be it vocalist Concord Cavelle’s playful-yet-assured coolness or the enjoyment within the air once they stomp via the neon-splattered hit Supermodels. Neglect rising, they’ve risen. (EW).
Pageant Republic Stage, Studying
There are occasions throughout Studying 2025 when it seems like there are extra stalls promoting duck on web site than there are followers interested by the way forward for British rock music. Mouth Tradition’s exhilarating set is certainly not a kind of instances. As a result of, whereas singer Jack Voss’ T‑shirt seems a couple of sizes too small, all the pieces else matches completely: immediate anthems comparable to Ratbag and Remorse 101, oven-ready rock star presence, and the form of supercharged depth that makes a band stand out from the pack. No surprise the tent is filled with hyped-up moshers who know Mouth Tradition are destined for a lot larger levels than this. Time to affix the Tradition membership… (MS)
Pageant Republic Stage, Studying
Tonight, Origami Angel frontman Ryland Heagy turns into the primary individual to say, “Right here’s a little jazz quantity for you” at Studying because the outdated jazz and blues shindig went rock in 1972. He’s exaggerating his band’s scope, however solely barely: the Washington DC-based outfit primarily sound like each style in historical past all sheltering underneath one massive emo-rock umbrella. When it really works, as on Soiled Mirror Selfie’s explosive starting and Wretched Trajectory’s large clap-along, it’s good. And even when it doesn’t, as throughout that mid-set metallic/jazz fusion detour, it’s nonetheless fairly attention-grabbing. Both approach, Origami Angel actually appear to be a band that gained’t, um, fold underneath stress. (MS)
Chevron Stage, Leeds
Who invited SOFT PLAY to the Chevron? Earlier than the Rudimental and AJ Tracey die-hards even have the prospect to gasp, Isaac Holman and Laurie Vincent’s rabble transforms the open-air dance stage right into a mud bowl of mosh-pits. Isaac, beating his drums like a private coach throughout Sockets, quickly makes a beeline for the group. “Proper then, how do I get down right here?” he queries, commanding the trustworthy just like the King of Yorkshire – he even waves just like the Queen when he’s again onstage. Each single phrase of Punk’s Lifeless is shrieked again earlier than Laurie whips out the mandolin for All the pieces And Nothing, devoted to “everybody fucking going via it.” The boys share a fast peck on the lips, and the job’s a good ‘un. Chef’s kiss. (RS)
Chevron Stage, Studying
Pale Waves are glowing simply as a lot as the flowery lights arrange behind them. Swaying gently as they strum their devices, the Manchester quartet’s glassy sound and gooey lyrics, from the giddy Kiss Me Once more to the wistful Love Music – and a good cowl of The Cranberries’ Zombie – make it straightforward to face again and bathe within the environment. Although their efficiency is usually a stand-still-and-play affair, they arrive into their very own later. “I’m very very queer,” says Heather Baron-Gracie to introduce She’s My Faith. “Who doesn’t love ladies proper? They’re so fucking stunning.” She wears a lesbian delight flag like a cape all through the tune, earlier than nearer Jealousy brings a last-minute surge in vitality. All in all, it’s bloody beautiful. (EW)
Pageant Republic Stage, Leeds
Give us a smile, Leeds! No have to ask in case you’re The Linda Lindas, whose happy-go-lucky stage presence is gorgeously reciprocated by a hearty crowd, who bounce on Lucia de La Garza’s command. Bassist Eloise Wong is on one other degree – fairly actually – leaping across the stage with a large grin on her face throughout Rising Up. Oh!, in the meantime, has a trace of Jimmy Eat World about it, firmly belonging on the opening titles of a romcom. Ok! peeps Ollie from SNAYX in conjunction with stage, completely loving it. Full marks for this bottomless pit optimism from The Linda Lindas, who remind us why being in a band is – and may all the time be – the dream job. (RS)
Pageant Republic Stage, Leeds
Whereas half the world rushes to safe their spot for Chappell Roan, Ok! spies some Obtain and Sempiternal tees amongst the few who stay on the barrier of the Pageant Republic Stage. That’s as a result of Heartworms, aka south London’s Jojo Orme, is true up their road – arriving onstage to some sinister synth concoction that’s a bit Zetra-meets-NIN. Her face is down, shielded by a thick black bob. Pungent inexperienced lighting makes the tent really feel like a one-way ticket to the dungeon. Nonetheless, amidst this fastidiously curated atmosphere is a critically gifted artist, whose gothic wails simply flip-flop from Billie Eilish to Billy Corgan. “I don’t want homicide ’trigger I bought no proper,” she assures us earlier than Extraordinary Wings. After this spooky displaying, even we don’t fully imagine her. (RS)
Principal Stage, Studying
Rou Reynolds walks on stage giving the group the outdated Chloe Kelly ‘settle down’ gesture, however no-one involves Enter Shikari at Studying to relax. The band have a lengthy historical past of destroying the pageant’s levels, however this time they should work for it. A few years away and the pageant’s ever-evolving demographic imply there are fewer individuals right here aware of Shikari’s smash-and-grab fashion, however they ship a masterclass from the opening Bloodshot via to the juddering finale of A Kiss For The Complete World X. In between, Rou offers all the pieces from impassioned-but-considered talks on local weather change and Gaza (“It’s not a tragedy, it’s a struggle crime”) to dad jokes (“Who needs to let off some steam?” he quips, urgent the dry ice button). By the point they go away in a haze of smoke and mosh-pit carnage, one other era of festival-goers have been indoctrinated into the methods of Shikari. Lengthy could they preserve calm and keep on… (MS)
BBC Introducing Stage, Studying
The 4 members of unpeople all appear to be they’re in several bands, so it’s no surprise their music additionally tries to ship one thing for everybody. They sew collectively a dizzying vary of genres from metalcore to pop-punk to what appears like a sea shanty – generally, bewilderingly, in the identical refrain – however the entire thing gels effectively sufficient to make their set a pretty choice between the Shikari/Bizkit/Horizon Principal Stage mayhem. “Bang these fairly little heads of yours!” exhorts frontman Jake Crawford and the group oblige on the pithy likes of Smother and Moon Baboon, earlier than guitarist Luke Caley ends the present careering via the group on somebody’s shoulders, nonetheless soloing wildly. Energy to the Unpeople… (MS)
Pageant Republic Stage, Studying
What number of hogs are you able to crank in a single tent? Hundreds, apparently. The Pageant Republic Stage is heaving as Johnny Franck (aka Bilmuri) bounds on stage like an excited canine for an uproarious rendition of EMPTYHANDED. Gleefully throwing pop hooks, massive riffs and a nation twang right into a blender, they match their large tunes with goofy stage patter (“This tune is about busting the largest nut attainable!” Johnny quips to introduce BOUTTA CASHEW), in addition to large gratitude. “I really feel so fucking beloved, man,” he says of the nice and cozy response they’ve had immediately. Bringing out South Arcade’s Concord Cavelle for a thunderous BETTER HELL (Thicc boi), they’ve bought all of the kookiness and vitality that festivalgoers crave. Maybe the Obtain principal stage will come calling quickly… (EW)
Principal Stage, Studying
We mentioned: Tonight’s spectacle is a Convey Me The Horizon present turned as much as 11, and even 12 to be trustworthy. Banging their heads in entrance of an opulent church-like backdrop, fireworks explode above them at an astonishing price, smoke billows from columns within the crowd, and plumes of fireside jet from seemingly all angles. Their eye-popping visuals are designed nearly as a love letter of the artwork of video video games, and skits that includes their characters E.V.E. and M8 really feel extra thorough and humorous as they progress BMTH’s world-building. Efficiency-wise, it’s heightened simply as a lot as their manufacturing. Completely satisfied Music is titanic, AmEn sounds completely cruel, whereas Kool-Assist has a devilish menace to it that feels shiny and new over again. Their setlist isn’t radically completely different from what they’ve accomplished within the final couple of years, however the one curveball is their wacky-yet-genius cowl of Wonderwall, which inserts in seamlessly with their normal bangers.
Learn our full assessment of Convey Me The Horizon’s Studying headline set.
BBC Introducing Stage, Leeds
“Come on Leeds, you are able to do higher than that,” sighs Eva Sheldrake, after Eville’s first try at a mosh-pit goes pear-shaped. 4 songs later, there’s a wall of loss of life. That’s how convincing the good Brighton trio are, sounding unbelievably well-oiled with their electrified metallic that’s minimize from the identical fabric as The Prodigy and WARGASM. Riley Sweeney takes off his bass and will get concerned with some growls on Slay, his dynamism with Eva coming off like a monstrous duet between Winston McCall and Courtney LaPlante. Debut EP BRAT METAL isn’t even out but, however there are already indicators that Eville are near the completed article. (RS)
Principal Stage, Studying
“After I say Otto, you say Wooden! After I say Geoff, you say… simply Geoff!” Waterparks’ Awsten Knight chants. Studying and Leeds are the Texan trio’s first reveals in a 12 months and with batteries recharged and any rusty emotions swept away, they’re firmly again on their bullshit in the very best approach. They’re sounding tight too, with Numb getting the followers bouncing like the ground’s a trampoline, and the scuzzy Turbulent provides a large mosh second for many who don’t thoughts getting mud throughout their garments. It’s stupidly enjoyable, unafraid to be foolish, and it’s no surprise their followers completely adore them. (EW)
Pageant Republic Stage, Leeds
Shoegaze is having a little bit of a second proper now, so OVERSIZE’s last-minute addition (presumably to change Home Of Safety) is a shrewd transfer. “Who’s been right here all weekend?” squawks buoyant guitarist Lewis Lennane-Emm. Silence. In the present day’s day ticket holders are clearly those gunning to find one thing new, for which the Salisbury five-piece are eternally grateful, as they exhibit February’s debut album Very important Indicators. Fall Aside’s meaty riff is a notable spotlight, however OVERSIZE excel of their consistency – avoiding the lure of their title by overcooking their method. Though there are few standout moments to perk up the group, this can be a band for affected person ears – and it’s a telling praise that few dare to go away the tent. (RS)
Principal Stage, Studying
Studying’s backstage space is plastered with posters of the pageant’s legendary line-ups from years passed by, however Amyl And The Sniffers would absolutely have thrived in any earlier pageant period. “I hope your serotonin ranges are holding up,” grins Amy Taylor as she launches into Tiny Bikini, however three days of sleep deprivation, sunburn and extra are not any match for the mood-enhancing qualities of the Sniffers reside expertise. A joyous surge of vitality jolts via the group, a number of mosh-pits kicking up large clouds of mud as refreshing blasts of unreconstructed rock anthems outdated (Safety, Guided By Angels) and new (Chewing Gum, U Ought to Not Be Doing That) make for one of many performances of the weekend. Amy, in the meantime, is absolutely the actual deal, flexing her muscle groups each actually and metaphorically and pausing solely to holler, “Fuck JK Rowling!” and “Fuck Trump!” And, in a divided world, no less than everybody can agree on one factor: Amyl And The Sniffers ought to seem a lot increased on these Studying & Leeds line-up posters sooner or later… (MS)
Pageant Republic Stage, Leeds
Ecca Vandal’s set is designed to maintain you in your toes. One minute your ears are being blasted off by bass-heavy beats, and the subsequent we’re seemingly listening to Reggaeton. The centrepoint is her punk-rap swagger, enhanced by her sideways-facing drummer and a guitarist/synth/bassist who half just like the Purple Sea to go away a lot of the stage free. It’s clear the South African-born artist has taken a leaf out of Fred Durst’s e-book from her time on the Loserville tour, spewing a checklist of calls for on the crowd, who willingly oblige. At instances, the conflict of genres is jarring, however an improved rhythm part and her unerring charisma units the tone for her future potential. (RS)
Chevron Stage, Leeds
When Wunderhorse drew the most important crowd in BBC Introducing Stage historical past finally 12 months’s Leeds Pageant, its humble PA system may barely compete with the Chevron’s background noise. The answer? Improve them to that very stage. Possibly frontman Jacob Slater is aware of Ok! are on the town immediately, sporting a Experience The Lightning tee, though his howls sound nearer to Biffy’s Simon Neil than the Hetfield rasp. These sleeping giants of indie-rock exude aura, sing-alongs and unpredictability, be it the punk-tinged Americana of Chief Of The Pack or nearer Rain giving a liberating second of catharsis. They’re 4 shy lads, however immediately’s set is distinctly mature and uncooked in equal measure – proving why arenas are their apparent subsequent step. (RS)
Principal Stage, Leeds
Take a go searching. If yesterday was about Chappell Roan’s pink cowboy hats, immediately is a takeover of crimson snapbacks. “I nonetheless occasion more durable than your dad,” croons Fred Durst, addressing the revellers celebrating their GCSE outcomes who have been born a complete decade (gulp) after the nu-metal utopia of 1999. Kicking issues off with a U.S. geography examination in Present Me What You Obtained, Bramham Park is quickly reworked right into a bouncy fort. Break Stuff is unleashed 4 songs in. “A few of you solely got here for this,” he jabs.
Fred’s on an pressing mission to make this Limp Bizkit set as bonkers as attainable. DJ Deadly willingly assists, chucking in Careless Whisper – to introduce their Religion cowl – Candy Dwelling Alabama and Proud Mary. “You assume it’s okay if I stroll out on Oli Sykes’ ramp?” Fred teases, earlier than Oli’s face joins the Gallagher brothers and Tom Cruise in a unending practice of on-screen AI memes. Nookie is ludicrous, whereas a younger child launched as “the native” is invited as much as completely flatten Full Nelson. One other spherical of Break Stuff seals the story: it’s an absolute knockout. (RS)
Learn this subsequent:
- Oli Sykes: “I nonetheless really feel just like the underdog… Nevertheless it’s vital to cease odor the roses, and to be like, ‘That is f*cking superb, what we’ve achieved’”
- Amyl And The Sniffers: “This music is about my complete life, and the place it can take me. I’m nonetheless figuring it all of the f*ck out”
- Lambrini Ladies: “That is precisely what was meant to come back out. That is precisely the form of album that was meant to be written”
Posted on August twenty fifth 2025, 2:00p.m.
