The Great Escape Launch Party on Brighton Beach

The Great Escape 2019 beach site (pic Nick Linazasoro)

THE GREAT ESCAPE ‘LAUNCH PARTY’ – THE DIVE BAR, BRIGHTON BEACH 08.05.19

A sixteen degree temperature difference from last year to this made The Great Escape launch party seem like it was being held in February as a cold wind blew in from the sea. Thankfully, everyone was soon warmed up by three decent local bands who had been lined up to perform at The Dive Bar on the Beach site.

The Great Escape Beach Party (L to R: venue site, LibraLibra, Sick Joy, Thyla at Beach Party) (pics Martin J Fuller)

The Festival kicked off with Brighton four-piece LibraLibra. I didn’t recognise singer Beth Cannon immediately clad in her impressive sparkly suit and sunglasses, it was actually her voice that was unmistakable, as I’d seen her perform with Simon Raymonde’s Lost Horizons at the Rialto Theatre a couple of years back, you certainly don’t forget a voice as unique or powerful as hers! It was an enjoyable set from the band to open proceedings.
More info on LibraLibra HERE.

LibraLibra

Next up were Brighton-based trio Sick Joy (Mykl – vocals/guitar, Danny – bass/vocals, Martyn – drums) who hail from Newcastle originally. These guys have an energetic heavy grungy sound that’s bound to be coming soon to a Festival stage near you. In fact, they are playing the Hidden Herd Festival at Patterns on Saturday 13th July. I particularly enjoyed the track ‘Dissolve Me‘!
More info on Sick Joy HERE.

Sick Joy – Great Escape gigs flyer

The night was rounded up by BIMM graduates Thyla, (Millie Duthie, Danny Southwell, Dan Hole and Mitch Duce) who all moved to Brighton to pursue a career in music. Their sound is a fusion of dream pop with post-punk and Grunge which dovetails superbly with singer Millie’s daydreamy vocal. They’ll be touring later this year in October, and you can catch them at the Green Door Store on Monday 7th October. Grab your tickets HERE.
More info on Thyla HERE.

Thyla Great Escape flyer

The Brighton & Hove News music team are currently sifting through in excess of 10,000 photographs from The Great Escape and are collating our reviews on the many artists that we witnessed during this most enjoyable event. Keep an eye out for our reports on these events over the coming days and weeks.

Visit and ‘LIKE’ our ‘What’s On – from Brighton and Hove News’ Facebook page HERE.