Live Review: Bearded Theory - Friday
23rd 2025
Words & Photos: Laura Muraska-Ross
After a cold night's rest due to the lovely British ‘summer’ weather, we're up semi-refreshed and ready to see what the first real main day of the festival had in store. One thing about Bearded Theory is they offer a very eclectic mix of different bands, artists and entertainment to choose from, which is great but also leave the decision making of what to go and see a little harder.
This kicked off with another visit to the main stage for Girlband! at 12pm. I picked this purely because of the name, and not due to any prior knowledge of the band. I was pleasantly hooked by them from the offset though, a rock trio from Nottingham, that came to the stage with pure power and energy. Singer Georgie was oozing cool with a rolled up short sleeve shirt, reminiscent of 50’s movie icon James Dean. The music matched this energy and had a very American, nineties vibe with a modern edge which reminded me of bands like The Distillers, but maybe that was just Georgie’s husky vocal tones. Either way they had enough noise and stage presence to make you think there was five or six members on stage. I for one, love an inclusive power group, and this is one going straight on my playlist, for when I need a good pick me up.
Next up, I headed over to the Meadow stage tent for the amazing Welsh alt rock/metal band, Dream State, who I had heard before but never seen live. Proving why female led alternative bands are on the rise. This foursome seems to have a great bond which is visible when they perform. Although, singer Jessie Powell really stole the show and owned the stage and crowd. She kept thanking everyone for coming to see them, but I got the sense they had quite a few fans there, as the mosh pits were forming only a couple of songs in. This was the injection of metal that was needed, and the Meadow tent, along with Convoy Cabaret stage seemed to be the main places to go over the weekend for all things alternative. The heavy riffs and drums along with powerhouse vocals really help this band to stand out. I can see them being on bigger stages next year.
Sticking around the Meadow stage for the next act Du Blonde to take to the stage, who is an English musician, composer, artist, animator and video director. So, quite the talent and their music showcased this. The only way to describe it and I know I am probably the only one going to make this comparison, is if Blondie and Courtney Love were one person, and then gave birth to Weezer. Sounds weird, but it was breath of fresh air and an awesome set. After a quick food break of Pizza and a recharge of my camera batteries, I headed over to catch a bit of singer-songwriter Billy Nomates (aka Victoria Maries) who’s music is more along the indie-rock genre, but I would say has an 80s twist. I was recommended to check them out by another photographer, and I am glad I did, another one for my playlist.
The evening of Friday sees punk sensations Split Dogs, who I have seen before, and they were equally, as amazing this time round! If you like your punk authentic, true to its roots and as raw as it comes, then you must check them out when you get the chance. Singer Harry gives it her all on stage and literally never stops moving. There were people of all ages in the crowd, which was awesome to see, and the Convoy Cabaret tent was the perfect setting for this four-piece. I then moved over to the main stage to catch a little bit of Paul Heaton with guest Rianne Downey and I’ll be honest and say this isn’t my kind of music, although I did like ‘The Beautiful South’ days, I do feel like this set and Rianne’s voice basically just made this a replica of that band, but still the crowd was massive for this one, so whatever he is doing it’s working.
Lastly, we finished Friday with gothic rock band The Sisters of Mercy who were the final act to grace the Meadow stage. The tent filled with smoke and through the mist they emerged one by one until singer Andrew Eldritch appeared from the shadows shrouded in mystery. The pit full of photographers eager to get a shot were not entirely impressed with the mystique of the smoke machine and red back lighting, but I thought this mixed well with Andrew’s power stances and the rest of the band's silhouettes. It was like a theatrical performance as much as it was about the music. Very 80’s and very niche.
Photo Credits: Laura Muraska-Ross
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