By Emeli Meagher
London’s freshest underground music festival, Close Up, celebrated its 10th anniversary this year at Colours Hoxton, with a vibrant crowd and energetic acts – a powerful reminder as to why this small but mighty festival has grown such a loyal following.
Female-fronted trio, Carpark, opened day one with a bang. Their gritty guitars, tight drums, and explosive presence immediately set the tone. Their performance was messy in the best way: charged, confident, and full of rockstar drama, complete with flailing hair flips.
Next was Lala Hayden, offering a beautiful shift in mood. Her set was magnetic, dreamy, cinematic, and emotionally rich. She was hauntingly whimsical, with echoing vocals reminiscent of Kate Bush. Hayden’s moody storytelling and retro synths create something wholly original and unique today.
Midway, she announced her three-month pregnancy with grace and joy.
I caught up with her afterward, and she was just as captivating and genuine away from the spotlight as she was on stage – a true sweetheart, independently carving her way through the scene. This self-funded release is a sultry glimpse into an artist weaving her own path.
Finally, we were treated to Catty, who closed the night with bite, wit, and indie-rock grit. Her vocals sat somewhere between twang and teenage rebellion, a fusion of Stevie Nicks and Avril Lavigne. She opened for Nicks last year, and that influence shone through, but with her own charm.
‘You know how people say lesbian breakups are bad? They’re not lying,’ she deadpanned, before launching into I Don’t Miss You, I Just Miss Your Mum – equal part heartbreak anthem and inside joke.
‘It was a shame we had to break up. She had such a nice family,’ she smirked. ‘In the studio, I said, let’s pretend the mum was hot. It was a lie, but that doesn’t matter!’
Sharp, self-aware, and just chaotic enough, Catty spun post-breakup pain into something cathartic and crowd-pleasing. ‘Sometimes you have to go through some shit to get a career,’ she shrugged, and judging by the reaction, she’s well on her way.
Her new single Joyride – and its evocative music video – has fans melting. It’s no surprise she’s playing more festivals this year… things are only ramping up for her!
Sadly I had to miss Ellie Dixon’s DJ set to catch the last train, but day one of Close Up already feels unforgettable: a mix of chaos, catharsis, and charisma. Bring on day two!
Unless otherwise stated, Photography & Text Copyright 2025 © Emeli Meagher/ADRENALINE Magazine.
Alisha Lawton