NVRF 2025: Second Day of T P A
The second day of NVRF 2025 at Grimsthorpe Castle in Bourne kicked off with a beautiful sunny morning, setting the perfect stage for a day filled with live music. However, after feeling exhausted from the events of the previous day, it became clear that a change in approach was required. Instead of trying to catch every band on the schedule, a decision was made to slow down, be more selective, and truly savor the performances of the bands that were seen.
Lazy Fifty, a trio from New Zealand, made a lasting impression on the audience at the Kingfisher stage. Adrian Athy on guitar and vocals, accompanied by Mathew Green on drums and Alex Davis on bass, immediately captured the attention of the crowd with their energetic performance drawing from their recent EP, ‘The Good, The Bad and The Lazy’. “Sitting In The Shadows” was a standout track, leaving a lasting impact on the listeners and setting a high standard for the rest of the day.
Zopp, a quartet with early Genesis vibes, took the stage next. Despite some initial sound issues with the guitar, the band delivered a captivating set of finely textured Prog music interspersed with engaging storytelling. The band members were clearly talented, and their performance was reminiscent of the ’70s Prog sound with a modern twist. Zopp shared the inspiration behind their name, which was derived from a record store called Fopp in Nottingham, where they are based.
After catching Zopp’s performance, it was clear that their set was notable both for their musical excellence and their bold choice of playing unfamiliar songs. Even though their keyboard sounds and Canterbury influences were apparent from the start, their modern twist and expressive instrumentation left a lasting impression on the audience. Zopp’s upcoming third album, teased during their set, was highly anticipated after their performance.
From Zopp to Z Machine, the afternoon continued to showcase diverse and exceptional talent. Z Machine, a jazz-rock fusion band from Swansea, took the marquee by storm with their saxophone-driven, midnight jazz sound. Drawing influences from a wide range of genres, including Rush, Gentle Giant, and Chic Corea, the band’s eclectic style won the hearts of many in the audience.
Troyen, a band from Warrington, made a significant impact as part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement in the ’80s. After a long hiatus, the band resurfaced in 2014 with a determination to create new music and showcase their melodic sensibility and raw power to a new generation of fans. For those unfamiliar with Troyen, their revival in recent years has been a testament to their enduring appeal and musical prowess.
From Lazy Fifty’s energetic performance to Zopp’s Prog nostalgia and Z Machine’s jazz-rock fusion, the second day of NVRF 2025 featured a lineup of exceptionally talented bands that left a lasting impression on the audience. As the day unfolded, it became clear that the Nene Valley Rock Festival was a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their unique sounds and captivate music lovers of all tastes.