Opening C2C 2024 for #TEAMw21 at the Barrelhouse Stage were Lakeview who took to the stage with the comment
"Thanks for coming to the circus" noting the somewhat unusual construction of the room, with it's tent like ceiling.
Playing unusually as an acoustic duo Jesse and Luke managed a number of firsts, including the first drinking song of the festival with "Poor Me", as well as the first festival singalong in what it has to be said was quite possibly the most expletive laden set of the whole weekend! Moving on to "Loser" it was fascinating seeing these big production songs stripped back to their origins - "Loser" became almost quietly strummed guitar verses over which the vocals were delivered in a fast paced manner before turning into something of an anthemic chorus. If anything it pointed to there possibly being a more subtle rocking tune in there than the recorded version.
As they introduced "Do It All Again" the band acknowledged that they normally play a lot heavier and that this was actually a first playing acoustic. It once again managed to get an eager enthused audience clapping along as the volume gradually increased throughout. Things would slow with the smouldering "In Case You Forgot (My Hometown)" which dealt with breaking up in a small town - and the problems that it presents - which in this acoustic format displayed a more considered story line than you can get across maybe in a more standard rock country song.
The stripped back format did not work wonders for all of the Lakeview tunes, "Son Of A" may have been rootsy on the day but one imagines it is better served as a rocker. The set would have air of seriousness come over it for the introduction to "Home Team" a tribute to the unrecognised working class - there was a palpable change in the atmosphere and you could genuinely feel the pride that the band had for this song.
Starting as a slow burner, it gradually increased in volume, anger and intensity
"I work my fingers to the bone till I ain't got nothing left
I earned everything I own, signed my name with blood and sweat"
By the end the whole tent was singing along and tribute had been duly paid.
The set would close with the new single "See Me In A Suit" with it's repeated refrain
"All I want to do is drink with my friends!"
This would prove to be the source for the last piece of audience participation. If Lakeview were booked to get the party started then even in this somewhat reduced state, it was something they managed with ease.