Mitski

A cool breeze and a hazy late summer sun welcomed festival goers to London’s Victoria park for day three of All Points East. Topping the bill today - making her festival headline debut - was American singer-song writer Mitski.

Drifting through security and into the park we passed the BBC Radio 6 music stage (which was already banging with a DJ set by Not Bad For a Girl) and on into the North Arena which beckoned us with the sunshine pop dance beats of East London’s very own indie band Good Neighbours. The vibe was upbeat and new single Daisies got everyone swinging their hips.

As ever, getting the itinerary down so as not to miss anything was a challenge, albeit a fun one as we hack off to the East Stage to catch some tunes from Strawberry Guy. Wearing a strawberry red jacket, also sporting matching red nail polish that complemented his red electric piano, he looked every bit the part and was cheekily excited at playing what was his biggest show to date. Accompanied by a string quartet, he suited a mid-afternoon slot, performing a selection of lounge-like mellow numbers including Sun Outside My Window and Mrs Magic.

A different change of scene as we headed back to the North Arena for Sir Chloe and a set of indie rock with a sprinkle of grunge (their 2023 singles Salivate and Hooves are good examples of that). Animal got the crowd going, and the Creep-like Michelle got them singing every word. A well-received set that seemed to be over too soon.

Things stepped up in intensity back at the East Stage with Ethel Cain. A gothic vibe is weaved into the ambient soundscape and her Americana-esq lyrics. Following a slight delay after concern that one or two in the audience had passed out, Family Tree gathers pace; one of several songs Ethel Cain released as part of Preachers Daughter that explores her religious upbringing with stark honesty. The mood is tempered with a cover of Bette Davis Eyes before American Teenager closes the set on a big note.

We just had enough time to head to the other side of the park to listen to a few chilled-out late-afternoon tunes from Men I Trust on the West Stage, but prioritising Beabadoobee meant hiking back to the East Stage in time. Albeit there was the slight distraction of passing the North Arena whilst Suki Waterhouse were playing a cover of Don’t Look Back In Anger (I mean, who’s not going to stop and join that sing along?!)

Beabadoobee was in a fun mood – excited too that her recent album This Is How Tomorrow Moves is doing so well. Her indie pop songs were bouncing with energy as she smiled her way through a setlist that included recent single Take a Bite and ended with Cologne.

As Beabadoobee was still wrapping up her set, TV Girl was already starting on the West Stage, and some were already peeling off to head there. We legged it over and got there just in time to catch Louise and Cigarettes Out the Window, after which Brad Petering wryly welcomed the crowd with the promise that for the rest of the set, they would take them through 'different states of being… ecstasy, boredom, depression…’ Thankfully, the set is anything of the latter, and we were happily stuck in their mish-mash indie, electronic, trip-hoppy grooves. But, unfortunately, staying to the end of TV Girl (which was a highlight) would mean being at the back of the crowd over at the East Stage for Miski’s headline set, so we reluctantly pulled ourselves away.

Foregoing the rest of TV Girl ended up the right move as we got ourselves parked in a good spot not too far from the stage before the masses filed in behind and the last of the sunshine disappeared below the trees. There was the familiar aches and pains of having stood all day but thankfully, the show timings had pretty much run to clockwork and Mitski stepped out almost on time to much anticipation.

Following a successful tour in the wake of her recent album The Land is Hospitable and So Are We, her setlist and stage show was well honed. Each song was accompanied by a choreographed (and quirky) dance routine that is uniquely Mitski. Performing on a raised circular stage, with two wooden chairs as props, lyrically, she is dry, wry, at times brutally honest in a refreshing and humorous way. Whereas musically, the composition and production are excellent - often short, and to the point, but discerningly so. Her band includes a pedal steel guitar and fiddle, bringing a country vibe to some of her more familiar compositions.

When she breaks character from performing, Mitski was a bundle of exuberance, bouncing around the stage like an excited puppy, thanking the crowd for staying all day (or is that all part of the performance too?) Delivering a set of twenty plus songs across her career to date demand attention for those who might not know her music. Whereas the die-hards were well engaged, singing every word and loving every moment.

Nobody and Washing Machine Heart end the set and the day. Confetti canons gave a blast, and as Mitski retreated from the stage – all smiles and waves – there was another long hike, this time home.

All in all, a well organised day with a good vibe. The line-up was well considered. The food and drink - although pricey (as was expected) - didn’t feel too extortionate. Amenities were well placed, and accessibility seemed reasonable. Seven years in and All Points East have a good thing going.


Photo credit: Bethan Millerco