Wanderlust Festival returned over the May Bank holiday and with an extra day of music programmed, Wanderlust cemented itself as an additional jewel in the crown of the Southampton music scene.
Whilst the festival is only in its second year, there’s already a strong sense of community as festival-goers gathered to collect their wristbands outside the festival’s smallest venue, Heartbreakers. The venue acted as the festival’s headquarters with plenty of seating available outside for punters to bask in the early summer sun and plan their days.
There may have been a small temptation to try to top up my tan, but we had more pressing matters. Wanderlust had curated two days of exceptional talent and we had our running shoes on to see as much as humanly possible.
Midding
We kicked off Saturday in Heartbreakers for the exciting lo-fi of Midding. The Welsh five-piece use their DIY techniques masterfully as the set kicks off with a winning combination of droney vocals and loud, shoegaze-inspired guitar tones that swarm the room, bringing the audience closer with each chord. The set seemed to take a shift at the midpoint with a more Americana indie inspired sound, riffs that Keith Richards might have had an eye on using given half a chance.
We’re staying put for the suave punk sounds of Sounds Mint. A name that fits the billing rather well as onlookers take the band straight into their hearts, with plenty of looks of approval from the packed-out room. Blunt lyrics mixed with a penetration of punk sounds give the band an energy of ‘we’re-not-here-to-take-part, we’re-here-to-take-over’. New single ‘Zombie’ had a surreal shoegaze feel but doesn’t lose the heart of the punk energy the band has instilled in the room.
Sounds Mint
And we’re off! We, along with many an excited music lover, headed to The 1865 to catch the live delights of Dutch band, Personal Trainer. A wonderful assortment of instruments and sounds welcome the crowd as the Dutch collective’s energy is matched as smiles fill the room.
Our first trip to the world renowned Joiners followed for the 80’s synth love-in of The Itch. The show is a gripping journey that not only has you moving, but also locked in on a young band in full flow. You get the feel of an LCD Soundsystem party, with fingerprints of a wide array of influences being felt across each song. An experience you didn’t want to end from a band that wouldn’t look out of place letting rip in a dingy nightclub in Berlin.
A nice stroll in the evening sunset leads us back to Heartbreakers where plenty still revel in the bank holiday sunset, as the DJ, who’s been soundtracking for the revellers at Heartbreakers all afternoon, starts to wind down to move in doors; the party is not stopping anytime soon.
The Orchestra (For Now)
We have a double bill of hotly tipped acts; The Orchestra (For Now) are up first. Beautifully chaotic, the band roar through their half-hour set as frontman Joe Scarisbrick serenades and tears through the band’s intricately composed songs.
We’ve had the delights of violins, pianos and using a paintbrush as a guitar pick from The Orchestra (For Now). Now it’s the turn of The None, and there’s not a violin in sight. It’s back to basics and the 4-piece are a force of nature as from note one they force you to take a step back with a wall of intense punk. It’s an addictive performance, one that grasps the audience tight. Coming soon to an unassuming festival near you.
The None
Antony Szmierek
The Saturday is brought to a close at The 1865 with headliner Antony Szmierek delivering his lo-fi poetry to draw a close on a fantastic first day of Wanderlust Festival. He’s happy to answer the crowds calls for a party, covers of Angels and a confetti cannon to send everyone home.
There’s a lot to be said for a warm shower and not waking up in a tent-turned-sauna. So feeling fresh(ish) we head for the Joiners for local trio Fudu who open up Sunday’s festivities with their brand of sleazy rock, with the prowling presence of frontman Curtis Gale bringing an enigmatic start to the day.
The step count is soaring this weekend as we glide over to Heartbreakers and catch the jaunty indie rock of JOPY with 2024 single Graveyard Romance being a Television inspired groove highlighting the bands brilliance.
You didn’t have to go far this weekend before the name The Sickman of Europe was brought up and their set at Heartbreakers justified the anticipation. The band’s frontman decides that the dancefloor is his stage as he glides and prowls through the crowd. Every beat, every baritone vocal claws against the wall as phrases are repeated like a commander calling on their followers. It feels dystopian, it’s surreal, it’s a mysterious masterclass.
Otala
Adult DVD
We take a well-earned breath before genre blending 5-piece Otala take to the stage. The band feel right at home within the Heartbreakers setting as they drive through their jazz rock repertoire, the sound bellowing within the confines of the 100-capacity room.
We don’t stop as The 1865 and Adult DVD are calling. Their acid house fused indie is the perfect soundtrack to start the Bank Holiday Sunday party, as weary heads are woken by the increased energy levels from tracks like ‘Bill Murray’ which show off the bands playful approach.
After releasing their second album in 2024, Feet returned to Southampton with a jovial presence and their blend of jokey indie post-punk. While no umbrellas were needed this weekend, ‘English Weather’ is met with a roar, providing one of the sing-alongs of the weekend, and groovy single ‘Greasy Boy’ is a true ear worm.
Deadletter
As the evening blends into the night we head off on our final tour of this year’s venues with huge excitement as the raucous live unit of Deadletter are set to close out the Joiners. The queue to get in runs down St Mary’s and they do not disappoint, a scintillating performance provides a fast paced mosh pit inducing melee. Hit singles such as ‘Binge’ and Madge’s Declaration’ are awash with crowd surfers and flailing arms, a set that provides further proof of the bands live prowess.
Now for Sunday’s headliners at The 1865, the awe inspiring English Teacher. Our Issue Forty-Seven cover stars and the 2024 Mercury Prize winners have had a whirlwind twelve months and it doesn’t look like stopping. They tear through songs from their impeccable debut album ‘This Could Be Texas’ and the crowd are obviously grateful for their return as Lily Fontaine accepts the rapturous reception with a very Northern “you’re alright, you, Southampton.” The headliners from Leeds show they’re worthy headliners with a double bill of ‘Nearly Daffodils’ and ‘Albert Road’ bringing this year’s jaunt at the festival’s biggest venue to a close.
English Teacher
Folly Group
The after party demands a trip to Heartbreakers for the final time as Folly Group played out a very special late show to say goodbye to Wanderlust Festival 2025. While old favorites like ‘Fashionista’ and ‘Butt No Rifle’ are art rock powerhouses it’s the new songs that show a different side to the band with a more emotional foray that swoons the crowd, it’s a perfect mixture of force and flow.
You’d be forgiven for thinking Wanderlust had been a constant fixture in the Southampton music scene for the past 10 years. Utilising three very unique venues and showcasing a variety national and international talent, Wanderlust invites more people to see Southampton at its best.
Wanderlust Festival returns in 2026 on Saturday 23rd May and Sunday 24th May.
All photos by Ethan Jones.
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