Event Preview: Tropical Pressure @ Mt. Pleasant Eco Park (Porthtowan, Cornwall; Friday 15th to Sunday 17th July 2022)
Bright, sunny, sustainable and intimate: After a two year COVID hiatus, our favourite intimate festival returns for another year dancing in nature with world renowned acts and DJs. Unlike most festivals, the line-up is carefully curated to celebrate music from Latin America on the Friday, music from Africa on Saturday and the Caribbean on Sunday.
The 2022 edition of Tropical Pressure promises to bring the festival back with a fiery bang and I couldn’t think of a more apt African headliner to achieve the job than the power house of energy that’s so characteristic to their performances than: BCUC – meaning Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness who have helped to bring their musical cultures to a global audience. World renowned for their unreachable, unbreakable, and unfathomable energy they bring to each performance: showcasing songs nearing 20 minutes long, that with rhythm and harmony build intensity and energy to the point of explosion, you can’t take your eyes or ears off each member who entrances you with their sound.
The Mauskovic Band from the Netherlands are another example of an irresistibly danceable band that gets entire audiences unable to stop tapping their feet, but mostly causes widespread expressions of happy dancing. Championing a Eurocentric hazy dub disco that feels somewhat nostalgic, whilst also uniquely intergalactic, they incorporate Afro-Caribbean poly rhythms with their own unique collection of romantic grooves. A family of music in all the senses, from incorporating near and cousinly sounds, to the fact that 4 out of 5 of the members are actually related, these guys are like the darlings of the disco scene.
Another personal favourite of mine is Kiko Bun, one of the rare anomalies whereby a new generation originator has come along already well-versed and established in the reggae scene. Kiko creates music that sounds as comfortable as the roots classics, but without trying, holds its own unique demeanour, avoiding a reworked copycat sound that is so common in contemporary reggae and dub. Kiko Bun has his own infectious beats and grooves, and a soft, soulful voice that reminds you of loved voices from past generations, with a notable modern day London intonation. Using early dancehall, rocksteady and boom bap as inspiration, his happy songs, such as Sticky Situation will fit perfectly into the sunny scenes of Cornwall.
Whilst there are many more names worthy of comment, it’s the smaller folk stages that might take hours from your day, exploring the independently owned, small, sustainable food courts, walking in nature and absorbing views that ensure Tropical Pressure will be one of the nicest experiences this summer.
You can buy your Tropical Pressure Festival Pass/es following THIS LINK
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