The Heavy Heavy brings a whirlwind of vintage energy to XPNFest

An excited crowd of fans welcomed The Heavy Heavy to the Marina Stage on day three of the XPoNential Music Festival. Whether they were ready for it or not, the UK-based psychedelic folk band was about to engage the stage into a whirlwind of vintage energy. Fronted by guitarist Will Turner and keyboard player Georgie Fuller, the group is rounded out by bassist Thomas Holder, multi-instrumentalist Frank Fogden, and drummer Joe Bordenaro.

They hit the stage with an instrumental walk-in version of “Salina,” the closer of their debut album One of a Kind, which was released only a few weeks ago on September 6th. They proceeded into the unreleased “Parakeets,” and the bassist brought the band into “Lemonade” afterwards. Warm guitars, organ-esque keys, and near full-band harmonies gave The Heavy Heavy an incredibly thick and healing tone, which filled the Marina Stage amphitheater, which was also filling with people as River Stage campers gravitated to the band.

“We’re so happy to be back in the states!” Fuller exclaimed to the crowd. She, in particular, embodied the throwback, counter-culture aesthetic the band’s music took inspiration from. Fuller donned long blonde curls, circular red-tinted glasses, and a short-sleeved denim-like dress. For “Feel,” she pulled out a tambourine to sing with, and Fogden took on the keyboard. This song, as many of their songs were, was built around uplifting chords that radiated good energy without being corny or obnoxiously happy. Even the more subdued track “Go Down River,” elevated the mood with verses sung fully in harmony.

The song “All My Dreams” ended up being the centerpiece of the set. It had a great buildup into a verse that heavily featured harmonies, yet again. Turner ripped out a fiery solo over a building groove, which after a few ups and downs in energy, turned into a full-on jam sesh. The band brought the tempo up, and some double keyboard action began between Fuller and Parker. It was a magical moment to experience, as the audience was being taken on a wild ride of progressive folk rock music.

Turner thanked the audience and reintroduced themselves, and the dancing ensued when “Miles and Miles” locked into its groove; without hesitation, they fused the song with their closer “One of a Kind.” A layer of spring reverb soaked the vocals, and gave the band’s final harmonies a satisfying texture and feeling. The crowd sang heavy applause and cheers as The Heavy Heavy left stage.

The XPoNential Music Festival was just the start of The Heavy Heavy’s fall North American tour, which will continue through late October. Stay tuned to XPN for more festival updates and news as we close out day three.