End of the Road Festival 2024: A Weekend of Intimate Revelation and Powerful resonance
“The woods are so magical,” observed Matt Berninger during his Q&A at this year’s End of the Road Festival, and the event itself wholeheartedly embraced that sentiment. This Dorset-based festival consistently delivers a uniquely curated experiance, prioritizing artistic depth and intimate settings over mainstream spectacle.Here’s a look at some of the standout moments from a weekend brimming with musical discovery and poignant performances.
Reimagining Folk Traditions
The festival showcased a remarkable reverence for foundational folk music, presented in fresh and compelling ways.
The Incredible String Band Reimagined: Broadside Hacks,a London-based collective,offered a stunning tribute to the psych-folk pioneers,The Incredible String Band. Focusing on their early work, the performance was characterized by a “fervent fragility,” breathing new life into classics like “Chinese White” and “Maya.” Mike Heron, himself a founding member, joined his daughter Georgia Seddon, lending his delicate vocals to a moving rendition of “Log Cabin Home In The Sky.”
Sabine McCalla‘s Southern Soul: New Orleans’ Sabine McCalla captivated audiences with her authentic blend of antique Southern blues and soul. Her voice, steeped in the history of the Big Easy, evoked Nina Simone without imitation, delivering powerful interpretations of murder ballads and spirituals.
Lisa O’Neill‘s Fierce Storytelling: Irish singer-songwriter Lisa O’Neill, known for her haunting cover of Dylan’s ”All The Tired Horses” in Peaky blinders, delivered a set both stark and politically charged. Drawing from her acclaimed 2023 album All Of This Is Chance,O’Neill transformed songs into platforms for social commentary.”violet Gibson” became a condemnation of historical abuse, while “Mother Jones” celebrated the legacy of a pioneering union organizer. Her dedication of “The Wind Doesn’t Blow This Far Right” to Palestine resonated deeply with the crowd.
Berninger’s Raw and Revelatory Set
Matt Berninger’s headline performance offered a more stripped-down and intensely personal experience than his work with The National.
direct and Unfiltered: Accompanied by guitarist Sean O’Brien, Berninger eschewed the expansive arrangements of the Dessner brothers, opting for a more direct and emotionally raw approach. He moved through tracks like “All For Nothing” and “Nowhere Special” with a palpable vulnerability, punctuated by moments of ranting, vaping, and self-deprecating humor.
Unexpected Covers: The set truly ignited with a series of carefully chosen covers. Berninger paid homage to his favorite band, The Cure, with renditions of “Gospel” and ”Terrible Love.” A sultry, noise-drenched take on New Order‘s “Blue Monday” proved especially inventive, and a passionate rendition of Nirvana‘s “All Apologies” culminated in a cathartic stage smash.
A Moment of Connection: Concluding his set, Berninger’s playful desire for a nearby bar underscored the festival’s unique charm – a place where magic feels attainable, even in the heart of the woods.
End of the Road consistently proves itself to be more than just a music festival; it’s a curated experience that fosters connection, celebrates artistic integrity, and leaves you feeling genuinely moved.If your seeking a festival that prioritizes substance over spectacle,this is one to add to your list.
