Mutations Festival Round-Up: Top 5 Bands

Editors: Ciara Teefey

Spanning over two days, this year on the 7^th- 8^th November, Mutations Festival is a yearly multi-venue festival in Brighton, showcasing 87 amazing artists from experienced players to hot, brand new bands and international acts.

This is the festival that has nurtured The Last Dinner Party, Wunderhorse and Kneecap in previous years. It’s an exciting time for the local music scene, and after attending Mutations and seeing a multitude of eclectic bands; I’ll be choosing my favourites (from a long list) and letting you know who to look out for when they’re on tour.

Band playing at Mutations Festival. Credit: A. Hill

5. Ebbb

In the dungeon-like venue, Patterns – a synth pop group called Ebbb were on (I might not have got their name right if the singer didn’t keep reminding us it was ‘Ebb with 3 B’s’). Mixing atmospheric synths with pounding drum beats and a talented singer; the mood of their songs varied from chill and melancholic to upbeat and hypnotising as any good electronic band should – with the high pitch, effects driven voice of the singer, the result is quite a haunting, oftentimes choir like sound which sounds strangely incredible over the industrial beats; it was a great gig, and although I could only catch a glimpse of the singer from where I was standing, he had a great stage presence. 

4. Adult DVD

Adult DVD were the first band I saw in the cramped, basement room that is Dust on the first night of Mutations. Using retro sounding effects that sound like they come straight from an 80’s arcade machine, they somehow manage to spin them into a catchy, groove driven electronic rock sound which draws welcome similarities to an electronic club night - combined with an easy-going stage presence and comedic lyrics, these guys put on a very entertaining show.

Their blend of garage rock and anthem like synth grooves got the audience moving and chanting along with the frontman; every song seemed to be a hit, but my clear favourite was the infectious ‘Because I like it’. Not many bands manage to successfully connect so many genres to spin it into something uniquely their ‘own’ sound; but with beats that could easily make it into a House song, distorted guitars and a groovy rhythm section – I'd say these guys do that pretty well.

3. Ashnymph

Saturday at Mutations had an early start for me, as I was desperate to see the hot new London band Ashnymph. I regrettably got to the Prince Albert just as the band was getting on and was confronted with a stationary queue snaking down the staircase. While I stood leaning against wall wishing I had a drink, the band started playing and sounded incredible from the tantalising snippets I caught with the door opening.

When I did eventually breach the gig room door, I was astonished to find that the noises I was hearing came from two people. Their sound strikes a balance between dark synth-pop and new wave, with the front man working the deck while playing guitar and singing, both with heavy effects. With the catchy power chord guitar riffs slicing into the foreboding synth intro on songs like ‘Saltspreader’ - which is what caught my attention in the first place - these guys have an electric sound and were one of my favourites of the whole festival. 

2. Pigs, Pigs, Pigs

The last band we saw on Saturday night was the stoner metal band Pigs Pigs Pigs... which attracted the longest queue of the night outside Chalk. These guys mixed the slow, sluggish, heavily riff-centered sound of classic metal bands like Black Sabbath and Electric Wizard with more tempo changes and shorter songs to give it a new kind of energy – all while maintaining that characteristic lethargic, chugging beat.

They had a commanding stage presence and got the crowd chanting their name; with a few crowd surfers at the front as well. Mixing the patently dark nature of heavy metal with optimistic sentiments from the powerful front man, these guys were a treat to watch live and got even the oldest members of the audience nodding their heads in appreciation. 

1. Congratulations

I could go out on a whim and say that Congrats are the best band in Brighton right now, although I’m not going to as that would suck the element of surprise out of any future lists - but they’re definitely up there. Congratulations are a local 4 piece who have a sound hovering between electro synth, retro dance, indie and a clear punk influence – a crazy mix which they pull off exceptionally well.

As the chic bunch took the stage in Alphabet, they took quite a while adjusting their in ears and instrument volumes, paying homage to the usefulness of a pre-gig soundcheck. When they took us by surprise and kickstarted into their first song with a heavy, resounding guitar riff and a fly kick from the guitarist, they piqued my interest and held it for the rest of the show. Their charismatic frontwoman Leah sang over the chirpy, melodic synths and groovy rhythm section with what ranged from impressive shrieks to beautifully held highs.

Their songs artfully switched from a ‘Funkytown’ like goofiness and danceability to a noise rock, hardcore sound accompanied with screams and agile moves from the whole band. Every song was high energy, catchy, and unique in its own way, and I have to say I loved them all, although their heavier track - ‘Easter Island Head’ was probably my favourite.

With aching feet but a contented heart, so ended a two-day long adventure at Mutations; I saw some incredible bands I might never have discovered otherwise. The festival did a great job of combining both brand new and experienced artists from around the country in a spectacularly tightly packed schedule for us all to navigate.

If you missed the festival, there’s no need to worry – most of these bands listed regularly play gigs in Brighton. If that isn’t where they are from in the first place. So, keep an eye on the major gig venues like Alphabet, Green Door, and Chalk. There’s always loads of new bands to discover; and Brighton’s the place to do it.