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.

So Young is a new music magazine and our new issue is out now. Buy in print here. Subscribe here.
Issue Fifty-Five features Model/Actriz, YHWH Nailgun, The Orchestra (For Now), Westside Cowboy, Car Seat Headrest, Real Farmer, School Fair, Elias Rønnenfelt, feeble little horse, Kissing On Camera, Pooneh Ghana and Rhi Dancey.
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Returning for their sophomore year after its debut in 2024, Wanderlust welcomes along some of the best talent around to Southampton. Having added an additional day this year, the festival will take place over the bank holiday weekend, Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th May, and sees the likes of indie pop stalwarts Swim Deep; the hugely impressive live unit of Deadletter; and Personal Trainer whose live shows are sure to have Southampton dancing, take the stage at three of Southampton’s best independent venues. The 1865, Heartbreakers and the world-renowned Joiners will welcome festival-goers over the 2 days. All 3 venues are situated within Southampton’s bustling city centre and are all within a 10-15 minute walk to one another..

 

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While the line-up boasts a plethora of great up and coming bands, it’ll also see highly anticipated headline sets by Antony Szmiereck, fresh off the release of his debut LP ‘Service Station at the End of the Universe’ and Issue Forty-Seven cover stars English Teacher, who after setting festivals alight last summer, return to Southampton with a shiny Mercury Prize award under their arms and a fierce live show to boot. Both acts will close a night each at The 1865, the festival’s largest venue, to what will no doubt be the biggest crowds of the weekend.

Each room at the festival will play host to a variety of live favourites, with the 100 capacity venue Heartbreakers boasting an array of exciting new artists. After releasing their brilliant debut album, ‘Down There!’, Folly Group will bring the night and festival to a close on Sunday with a late night show of art rock noise. They will be joined by artists such as hotly-tipped Windmill favourites The Orchestra (For Now), shoegaze sludgers, Midding and the swagger of Human Interest.

Chances are that most of your favourite acts, when cutting their teeth, have graced the hallowed stage of the Joiners and with this year’s Wanderlust line-up, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to find a new one. Sleazy rockers Fudu open up the stage on the Sunday in their hometown. The quality is non-stop on St. Mary Street with the ever ethereal She’s in Parties treating Southampton to their captivating live show on Saturday, The Itch will bring their brand of immersive synth-pop while genre-crashing 4 piece Lipworms will try to take the roof off on the Sunday.

The 1865 may be where you’ll find this year’s headliners each night but there’s plenty going on throughout the day that will be sure to keep entertain you throughout the day. Feet are sure to have the crowd moving with their infectious indie pop sound to start off Sunday evening. In support of their shiny new EP ‘Big Break’, Brighton five-piece, Canned Pineapple journey along the coast for the Saturday and Adult DVD will bring their thunderous clash of indie and acid house to the South Coast and with an impressive live reputation. One not to miss.

Each unique venue for this year’s event has its own history of world-class acts taking to their stages and Wanderlust Festival 2025 only adds to that list. Find the full lineup below and pick up one of the last remaining tickets here.

WANDERLUST LINEUP 2025:

ANTONY SZMIEREK/CVC COACHPARTY/PERSONAL TRAINER/COUSIN KULA/NIGHT SWIMMING/CANNED PINEAPPLE/MOON MACHINE/VALA/SHE’S IN PARTIES/KEG/THE ITCH/AIN’T/ THE 113/SIERPINSKI/THE ROEBUCKS/OWEN HACKETT/PICTURE PARLOUR/THE NONE/THE ORCHESTRA (FOR NOW)/GANS/SOUNDS MINT/MIDDING/HOUSE OF WOMEN/UGLY OZO/LUGNUT/ENGLISH TEACHER/PALE BLUE EYES/FEET/ADULT DVD/TERRA TWIN/ATMOS BLOOM/WONDERLUX/DOOPS/DEADLETTER/MELIN MELYN/CALLINSICK/BASHT. BIG TROUSERS/DACTYL TERRA/LIPWORMS/LURKER/FUDU/FOLLY GROUP/SWIM DEEP/AUTOMOTION/HUMAN INTEREST/SKYDADDY/OTALA/THE SICKMAN OF EUROPE/JOPY/REUBIN X/HIGHDRIVE

Header photo: Shame headlining Wanderlust 2024.

So Young is a new music magazine and our new issue is out now. Buy in print here. Subscribe here.
Issue Fifty-Five features Model/Actriz, YHWH Nailgun, The Orchestra (For Now), Westside Cowboy, Car Seat Headrest, Real Farmer, School Fair, Elias Rønnenfelt, feeble little horse, Kissing On Camera, Pooneh Ghana and Rhi Dancey.
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Whilst we were up at the crack of dawn, bright eyed and bushy tailed to head to the Oxfordshire countryside Friday morning, some early arrivals were able to enter through the Truck gates on Thursday to see Idles headline night one of the festival.

With the tent semi-successfully erected and a celebratory beer opened, we looked around at the smiling faces doing the same and it’s a wonderful sight to behold. Truck has the ability to attract people from all walks of life, young and old, first time goers and 10 year plus veterans of the festival.

Wet Leg on the Truck Stage

Cucamaras were our first port of call for the day, adding ringing ears to my burning skin as we headed to the Market Stage for a half hour filled with the Nottingham four-pieces brand of post-punk. 

The Irish scene is bursting with talent currently and NewDad are up there with those shining brightest. As the sun shone so did the Galway shoegazers, showcasing this year’s debut album ‘Madra’ over on the Truck main stage, even making time for a ‘Just Like Heaven’ cover to the crowds’ pleasure.

For some it was time to take a trip down memory lane as the sun kissed Truck Festival welcomed B-Town favourites Peace back with open arms. Ripping through old favourites like ‘1998’ and ‘Wraith’, the now three-piece felt like they’d never been away.

English Teacher at The Nest

From indie pop classics on the Main Stage, we moved to the depths of The Nest where The Wytches were causing chaos. Their dark surf rock doing its best to pull the tent out of the ground but just about remaining in tact for headliners, English Teacher. Unfortunately the band were marred by some niggly tech issues causing the set to be shortened but still managed to have the packed out Nest in awe of their Mercury nominated debut album ‘This Could Be Texas’.  As the sun settled and Jamie T drew the day to a close, the Truck crowds dispersed into the night’s late offerings, the indie disco or the bottle of after-sun before recharging for day 2.

Ebbb at The Market Stage

Lime Garden on the Truck Stage

Saturday was full to the brim of new talent with the Market Stage being the place to be. Ebbb brought their Portishead tinged sound early on with the crowd slowly building throughout with the enticing vocals drawing them in as they entered the arena.  Nightbus stepped up next and did not disappoint. Their atmospheric elctronica-infused shoegaze engrossed the dazzled afternoon crowd.

Lime Garden were due on the Main Stage, but due to a scheduling change were cut short and moved to The Nest later on in the day but were still able to get the feet moving to their infectious riffs. The band were shifted to a smaller stage at late notice due to ‘unprecedented demand’ for The Pigeon Detectives. Short, sweet but a shame.

Nightbus on the Market Stage

Been Stellar on the Market Stage

Hotly tipped and rightly so, Been Stellar returned to Truck (their first ever festival back in 2022) to grace us with their presence and while the obvious comparisons to a certain other New York 5 piece will be made, our Issue forty-nine cover stars had a vast crowd in the palm of their hands. Folly Group followed to more admiration as another band showcased their debut album at this year’s festival. 

As we headed over to The Nest so did a sea of others who were desperate to catch a glimpse of the live juggernaut of Fat Dog. Their live reputation is one many bands would be envious of, and as the sweat drenched crowd emerged from the tent after the bands final notes rang out, the smiles on their faces said it all. 

Folly Group on the Market Stage

The Magic Gang on the Market Stage

While some were seeing Fat Dog for the first time, the Market Stage was bidding farewell to The Magic Gang. The Brighton band were playing their penultimate show of a farewell run, playing a set full of singalongs. We love The Magic Gang and this was the perfect send off with the band visibly emotional as they said their own goodbyes.

The Market Stage Saturday headliners arrived with the intention of taking the mantle for the set of the weekend and boy did they. Yard Act have returned like a new band with a polished live set up that included choreography, backing singers and the songs to back it all up with. To finish, Wet Leg brought a pleasing headline show to the main stage ensuring the crowd were living their best brat girl summer with a charli xcx cover.

Yard Act on the Market Stage

Vlure on The Nest stage

mary in the junkyard on The Nest stage

Red skin and sore heads were not to stop the party train as the final day arrived. It seems a midday mosh pit to the Disney classic ‘Let it Go’ played by the Oxford Symphony Orchestra can fix any hurting body or mind. The Nest was calling our name today (only in part due to the promise of shade) as its line up included the likes of mary in the junkyard and Vlure. The former captivated the crowd as their dark atmospheric songs felt like a sirens call with all eyes fixated. The latter brought the bedlam, if you thought the crowd might be feeling tired from a long weekend you’d be wrong. 

Heartworms soon followed, the gothic post punk rock is abrasive and compelling. Dressed head to toe in black it’s style over comfort and you’d be hard pressed to make an argument against them. The Streets brought the Main Stage and thus the weekend to a close with a party for all ages.

As the fireworks lit the sky, thus signalling the end of Truck festival for another year, we wish the weekend hadn’t gone by in what felt like an instant. Same time next year yeah?

Photos by Cameron JL West

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This years line up sees an array of talent from all over the globe ascend on the north, from established favourites such as Drenge, who’s raw grungey punk needs no introduction, to up and comers like Australia’s Body Type, who’ll bring their infectious surf-rock sounds all the way from the glistening beaches of Sydney.

The bill holds a wealth of talent, including many we have been lucky enough to have grace our pages including our Issue Eighteen cover band, Sports Team, who are taking 2019 by storm as well as FUR who will be showing off their retro indie melodies to the West Yorkshire faithful who’ll be swooning from the nostalgic-laden Brighton 4 piece. Live at Leeds will also host the return of Swim Deep who will be making their long awaited return to Yorkshire this weekend; armed with new music from their forthcoming third LP which will be released via their own record label. Expect indie heaven from the Birmingham quartet.

Confidence Man are sure to bring the party from down under with their joyous indie-pop as the Australian four piece bring their 2018 album ‘Confident Music For Confident People’ to this years festivities. If you’re on the look out for something more ferocious, Bristol natives Heavy Lungs will trigger the mosh pit. Bluesy Welsh rockers Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard can be found bringing their classic rock inspired guitar riffs to the Leeds Beckett Student Union early afternoon and Leeds also invites Gently Tender to town, compromising of members of Palma Violets and The Big Moon, the folk inspired sound is a far cry from the members previous projects but by no means anywhere less interesting with the psychedelic undertones keeping you captivated.

Live at Leeds has become synonymous with bringing the best new artists to the North and this year is no different with the festival itself being awarded the Best Festival For Emerging Talent at the 2018 UK Festival awards. The line up boasts a plethora of the best talent in music right now including Squid, Hotel Lux, WhenYoung, The Murder Capital, Lice, Goat Girl, Lady Bird and The Mysterines.

Live at Leeds will take place Saturday 4th May 2019 within various venues across Leeds. Tickets are still available and can be found here. 

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Down on the south coast shrouded in mystery you can find the dark psychedelic sounds of Mystic Peach encased within Southampton’s ever growing music scene. With a live show thats become synonymous with deafening riffs and an intensity that will have you looking on in awe as the 3 piece cocoon you with their riotous sounds.

As they prepare to embark on a flurry of dates before the year is out, the Peaches have released their second single ‘Across the Pond’ via Honeymooner Records. The track boasts a thunderous bass line which is a mainstay in Mystic Peach’s arsenal as well as the almost evil sounding vocals from frontman Curtis Gale finished off by a creepy giggle to keep you on your toes. ‘Across the Pond’ shows off the bands shoe gaze inspirations while packing a punch with it’s abrasive rock chorus. As the hype builds around the band, they are yet again able to back it up with a captivating track that blends everything that makes Mystic Peach a force to be reckoned with.

We’ve added ‘Across The Pond’ to The So Young List which you can find on Spotify here.

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