Nestled in Torre Abbey Meadows along the Torquay seafront, Electric Bay’s opening day felt like the British summer turned up to eleven. Wall-to-wall sunshine bathed the audience in warmth, while the shadows cast by historic buildings and mature trees offered welcome respite. The stage stood proud against a backdrop of blue sky and rolling sea, promising an afternoon and evening of unforgettable performances.
HOLY YOUTH MOVEMENT strode onto the stage at 3:30pm with an infectious cocktail of rock, electronic pulses, and propulsive beats. Their sound married the swagger of Primal Scream with Kasabian’s driving rhythms, then pushed both into neon territory with glitchy synth lines. Against the sunlit abbey walls, tracks like Moonchild and Tranquilizer felt vast and cinematic, each beat echoing across the meadow.
Backstage, two band members shared insights on their career trajectory, teased a forthcoming album, and hinted at two new tracks set for release later this year. Their excitement was evidence that this group is gearing up for something big, definitely one to watch.
By mid-afternoon, PATTERN PUSHER had the crowd moving with their indie-disco bangers. Tracks from their 2024 album The Great Letting Go felt right at home under the high sun, while older crowd-pleasers like Hey Dude and Find the Light kicked up spontaneous singalongs. Bass player Ben G’s mid-set leap into the crowd, guitar in hand, turned the performance into an immersive house party.
Their blend of joyous grooves and heartfelt lyrics proved that dancefloor euphoria and emotional depth can coexist beautifully.
A decade on from when I saw them last at their Exeter show, EVERYTHING EVERYTHING returned sharper and more adventurous. During my pre-gig chat, Jon and Alex laughed over 2010 photos that showcased their youthful looks—and youthful ambition. On stage, their art-pop electronica unfurled like an episode of Black Mirror set to music, with Distant Past and No Reptiles delivering pulsating bursts of dystopian joy.
Their tight musicianship and playful energy proved that creativity only deepens with time.
Initially scratching my head over memory, it took only one chord for THE CORAL’s signature Merseyside-pop/rock to flood back. With a catalogue spanning twelve albums, they ripped through classics and newer cuts alike, confirming their timeless appeal. Pass It On sparked dancing feet, while a cheeky cover of People Are Strange—preceded by James Skelly’s cryptic Val Kilmer vampire reference—underlined their playful charm.
The band’s effortless chemistry and sunlit vibes transported the crowd on a breezy trip through pop history.
Closing out the night, BLOC PARTY summoned memories of their 2007 Glastonbury set and then smashed them with renewed vigour. Drawing from five albums, they balanced Silent Alarm staples like Banquet and Helicopter with fresh tracks that gleamed under dynamic red and green lighting. Spotted drying shorts backstage hinted at a pre-gig dip in the bay—and that laid-back spirit translated into a performance both polished and playful.
Kele’s heartfelt thank-you to the audience capped off the evening, affirming that Electric Bay’s first night was more than just another festival date for them.
Day One of Electric Bay blended seaside serenity with pulse-racing performances, from rising talents to seasoned legends. Every band tapped into the festival’s unique charm, creating moments that will stay with the audience long after the sun dips below the horizon. Here’s to Day Two—where the waves of sound promise to crash even harder as Fatboy Slim takes to the decks!
