A weekend of eclectic music and Phillips beer? Sign me up.
This year, Tilt! in the Philips Backyard has not only taken over Pembroke Street, but also a lot next to it. In the entrance lot there are food trucks, yard games like cornhole and lawn Jenga, the merch tent, a Quazar’s pop-up, a smoking pit, and The Zone’s chilling tent, among others. Walking in, the crowd was sparse. I realized it was a Friday, and most people would still be working hard in whatever medium they were attached to. Luckily, I have flexibility with my job and got to hustle down here early. Motivated by cold beer and Skye Wallace, it was worth getting to the Backyard early. A prime place was scouted out on the right hand side of the stage against the rails (raised above the pit and perfect for photos). There were two young lads in party shirts thrashing and enjoying themselves that were superb people watching fodder.
Skye Wallace began the day with a lively rock set. The Toronto native sang her way through a selection of songs off of her 2022 debut album Terribly Good. Wallace made every elder millennial happy when she covered Jimmy Eat World’s Sweetness. Then, she struck terror into their hearts when she told the audience before her final song, “I’m gonna ask for some audience participation in this next one – but that’s a problem for future you,” and got everyone singing to her single Everything is Fine. It was great and not as terrifying once I noticed how many more people had joined the crowd. It was the perfect set to get the early birds ready for the acts to follow.
Between songs, I found a misting arch and water station (because hydration is essential and it’s Cancer season, after all). The sun was beaming down and a second layer of sunscreen went on. Festivals aren’t a sprint, but a marathon. Gotta keep yourself hydrated and protected!
Pastel Blank was perfectly suited for a late afternoon sunshine set. Their funk rock sway eased the growing crowd into the festival atmosphere. The Victoria locals played tried and true bops like Fences and Goomba Stomp, also showcasing their new single Share Holder which got people psyched. Folks definitely loosened up and danced along.
With the sun lowering, it was time to tend to my blood sugar and disposition; it was time to find some food. Bird & Basket brought me back to life with their handmade falafel wrap with lemon tahini sauce.
Neal Francis’ set was pure funk vibes. His music seemed to ignite something in the crowd and everyone was loosening up from the week. All the 9-to-5 people joined the crowd at this point and happily danced off the work week. Francis was wearing a pinstripe suit and sunglasses, looking like someone you’d see on a late night talk show through a glossy lens in the seventies.
I went for a wander during the set to stretch my legs and missed the last half of the performance. I noticed volunteers cleaning the backyard between sets as I headed back to my viewing spot – it was a welcome sight.
JJ Wilde has stage presence for days. She danced and sang and had the audience eating out of the palm of her hand. She had a great set of songs from her debut album Ruthless, and also showcased some new songs from her upcoming summer album. Her guitarist has a similar flair for “guitar face” akin to Este Haim’s “bass face.” If you know, you KNOW. It was a high-energy rock set which kept the audience riding the high.
A longer break between sets? No problem. I happily killed some time at the Quazar’s tent (I played Centipede terribly and enjoyed it thoroughly) and grabbed a gin and tonic to enjoy the final set of the evening. Let it be noted: the drink queues were swift and the volunteers were always in good spirits.
The anxious energy of Friday night was shifting into merriment when headliner Lord Huron took the stage . . . the perfect band to draw in the night. Their set was perfect against the setting sun, with their stage set of fibreglass rocky terrain. Meet Me in the Woods was the second song of the set and people went wild for it (literally. I got to witness three couples trying to devour one another and it’s fine. I’m. Fine.). The crowd was enchanted as the band cascaded through a set of songs from their now expansive discography. Lead singer Mark Berry donned his skull mask and Stetson for a few songs as they drew in the darkness. They closed out the show and played two encores – the final song being The Night We Met.
At that point, I was walking to my car with a well-learned lesson: wear good shoes. Arch support and cushioning are your friend in your mid-thirties, especially when spending time on cement all day. I wanted my bed and to order some food. And I truly realized the best part of attending a festival in the city is the ability to head home to my own bed and order some take out. Hell yes!
