From Middle-Class Madness to Memorable Music: A Recap of Wilderness Festival 2023
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Wilderness, also known as “Poshstock,” is a highly regarded festival known for its luxurious atmosphere. While the event is notorious for its upscale amenities, NME’s focus was on the exceptional music lineup that was arguably the festival’s best in history.
Starting off the festival on Friday at The Wilderness Stage was Australian electro-pop duo Confidence Man. They delivered energetic four-to-floor tunes accompanied by hilariously silly dance routines. The crowd enthusiastically engaged as Janet Planet sang monotone statements about her boyfriend over funky acid house beats. The duo’s performance reached a pinnacle during their track “Holiday,” which created a dreamy trance-like atmosphere as the sun emerged from behind the clouds.
Friday’s headliners, The Chemical Brothers, brought their iconic big beat sound to the main stage. The Manchester duo mesmerized the audience with thudding techno and house music, enhanced by laser beams, vibrant visuals, and giant toy robots. Their new song, “Live Again,” impressed with its warped shoegaze opening and electrifying electro elements. However, it was their popular track “Hey Boy Hey Girl” that stole the show, with the crowd dancing feverishly to its infectious beats.
Nighttime at Wilderness offers two contrasting experiences. Families with young children retreat to their camps, while clubbers converge in The Valley for a nighttime rave. The Valley, set in a forest with lights twinkling overhead, features a triangular stage situated at the base of a hill. Later in the night, TSHA took the stage and delivered a high-energy performance filled with club classics and demonic reworkings, creating a truly magical ambiance.
Despite a rainy Saturday, the spirits at Wilderness remained undampened. The Zombies, a rock band formed in the ’60s, kicked off the main stage with an impressive set that showcased their timeless hits like “She’s Not There” and “Time Of The Season.” Rounding out the day’s performances was Christine & The Queens, who opted for an unconventional set featuring poetry sessions from their recent album ‘Paranoia, Angels, True Love.’ Despite the absence of their older hits, the hauntingly beautiful live renditions of their new project captivated the audience. The standout track, “Tears Can Be So Soft,” showcased Christine’s powerhouse vocals and received an enthusiastic response from the crowd.
On Sunday, retro psych rockers CVC took the Jumpyard stage by storm despite the intermittent rain. The Welsh band’s song “Sophie” delighted fans with its Pink Floyd reminiscent sound. Later, Sugababes hit the main stage and thrilled the crowd with a string of pop bangers. The original trio of Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan, and Siobhán Donaghy impressed with flawless vocals and their cover of Sweet Female Attitude’s “Flowers” inspired a lively response from the audience.
Saving the best for last, Fatboy Slim delivered an unforgettable closing set on The Wilderness Stage. Although many expected to stay for just a few tunes, the iconic DJ, Norman Cook, had a surprise in store. Mixing classic tracks like Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s “Relax” with his own creations, Cook’s performance was filled with thick, rib-shattering beats. He teased the crowd with snippets of “Praise You” before seamlessly transitioning into ’90s rave and techno anthems. The euphoria reached its peak when Cook played a reworked version of “Praise You,” uniting the crowd in a warm and glowing atmosphere. It was undoubtedly the highlight of the entire weekend.
Wilderness Festival, nicknamed “Poshstock,” offers not only a high-end experience but also an exceptional music lineup. From Confidence Man’s infectious energy to The Chemical Brothers’ captivating performance, the festival delivered unforgettable moments. Christine & The Queens’ haunting set, Sugababes’ pop-filled nostalgia, and Fatboy Slim’s mind-blowing closing act all contributed to a weekend that showcased the best of Wilderness.
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