Spreading its marvels across three of Hackney’s most eminent venues, Hackney Wonderland makes a brave attempt to follow up their previous glories.

Following up last year’s extravaganza you can’t help but notice the downscale of the event that previously stretched over two days and more venues. Looking at the line up, the event seems to have taken its toll as, beside headliner Jagwar Ma, it really isn’t that exiting. Still, taking on the wonders of the day event, it was a nice, though a bit boring experience.

Lodged in between the sinister staccato of Sisteray and the pointless guitar based nostalgia of The Bracknell I’m surprised by the inconsistency of the crowd. From nan’s to teen lads, the bleak attendance was coloured by a wide range of very different people. Proving the fact that Hackney Wonderland may struggle to connect to a specific crowd, the erratic list of artist stretch in more than one direction.

Videocean seem unbelievable fatigued with the world, though still draw on a cinematic grandness that culminates in a psychedelic bliss. Honey Lung mesmerise as usual with their saturated shoegaze and melancholic undertones. Their set is a refreshing dip into a sincerity that sometimes is lacking in the overall impression of the events.

Cosmic Strip offer up melodies twinkling like shiny plastic beads, and yet their efforts to connect with their crowd are few. With their tripping rhythms and liquid ethereal guitars the band builds their own bubble, impenetrable by any outsider.

As the night draws to and end and HVMM draws on the darkness, it’s time for the Oval space to host the two eminent headliners of the day.

The Rifles pose as a crowd pleaser with their warm Brit-pop sound and unmistakable Oasis references. But it’s the inevitable groove and massive beats of Jagwar Ma that’s the crown jewel of Hackney Wonderland. Putting a bombastic finish to an otherwise slightly bumpy road for Hackney Wonderland 2017.

Photos: Aurora Henni Krogh