Humor & Quirks
10 must-see sets at Wilderness Festival 2025
//humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/07 .. 0-must-see-sets-at-wilderness-festival-2025.html
Published in Humor and Quirks on Wednesday, July 30th 2025 at 9:23 GMT by NME🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
The Oxfordshire do boasts a sensational line-up
10 Must-See Sets at Wilderness Festival 2025: A Deep Dive into the Lineup's Highlights
As the summer festival season approaches, Wilderness Festival 2025 stands out as a beacon of eclectic artistry nestled in the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside. Running from August 7 to 10 at Cornbury Park, this boutique event has evolved far beyond its music roots, blending live performances with wellness sessions, gourmet banquets, and immersive theater. But at its core, Wilderness remains a haven for music lovers, and this year's lineup is a testament to that ethos. Headlined by soulful troubadour Michael Kiwanuka, the enigmatic St. Vincent, and indie rock stalwarts The National, the festival promises a diverse array of acts spanning genres from folk and electronica to post-punk and beyond. With tickets already flying off the shelves, we've curated a list of 10 must-see sets that capture the essence of what makes Wilderness special—intimate vibes, groundbreaking artistry, and unforgettable live energy. Whether you're a festival veteran or a first-timer, these performances are poised to define your weekend. Let's break them down, exploring why each one deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Starting with the headliners, Michael Kiwanuka's set is an absolute essential. The British singer-songwriter, known for his Mercury Prize-winning album *Kiwanuka* (2019), has been on a meteoric rise, blending soul, folk, and psychedelic influences into a sound that's both timeless and urgently contemporary. His latest work, including tracks from 2020's *KIWANUKA*, delves into themes of identity, race, and resilience, delivered with a voice that echoes the gravitas of Otis Redding and the introspection of Bill Withers. At Wilderness, expect a sunset slot on the main stage where Kiwanuka's band will weave intricate guitar riffs and lush orchestration around hits like "Cold Little Heart" and "Love & Hate." What makes this a must-see? His live shows are transformative experiences—raw, emotional journeys that leave audiences spellbound. In the festival's open-air setting, surrounded by ancient woodlands, his music will resonate on a profound level, perhaps even incorporating elements of improvisation that nod to his jazz influences. If you've ever felt the pull of socially conscious soul, this is your moment.
Equally compelling is St. Vincent, the shape-shifting art-rock icon whose performances are as much theatrical spectacles as they are musical events. Annie Clark, the mastermind behind St. Vincent, has reinvented herself across albums like *Daddy's Home* (2021), channeling '70s funk and glam with a futuristic edge. Her Wilderness appearance follows a string of acclaimed tours where she's donned elaborate costumes and wielded her signature Ernie Ball guitar like a weapon. Tracks such as "Los Ageless" and "Pay Your Way in Pain" showcase her ability to fuse distorted riffs with poignant lyrics on fame and femininity. Why prioritize this set? St. Vincent's live prowess lies in her unpredictability—she might break into a choreographed dance routine or unleash a blistering solo that defies genre boundaries. At a festival like Wilderness, which prides itself on artistic fusion, her set could incorporate visual projections or guest collaborations, making it a multisensory feast. Fans of innovative, boundary-pushing rock will find this unmissable, especially as she hints at new material that promises to evolve her sound further.
No Wilderness preview would be complete without The National, the brooding indie giants who've soundtracked countless introspective nights since their 2001 debut. Led by Matt Berninger's baritone croon, the band has mastered the art of melancholic anthems, as heard on albums like *High Violet* (2010) and the recent *First Two Pages of Frankenstein* (2023). Their setlist might include fan favorites like "Fake Empire" and "I Need My Girl," building from quiet vulnerability to cathartic crescendos with Bryan Devendorf's powerhouse drumming. What elevates this to must-see status? The National's live shows are emotional rollercoasters, often featuring Berninger's charismatic stage antics—wandering into the crowd or delivering impassioned monologues. In the festival's intimate valley stage, their music will echo through the night, fostering a sense of communal catharsis. For those drawn to literate, heart-wrenching rock, this performance could be the emotional pinnacle of the weekend.
Shifting gears to something more nostalgic yet innovative, Cat Power's "Sings Dylan" project is a highlight for folk enthusiasts. Chan Marshall, the enigmatic force behind Cat Power, reinterprets Bob Dylan's 1966 Royal Albert Hall concert in her own haunting style, as captured on her 2023 live album. Expect sparse arrangements of classics like "Visions of Johanna" and "Like a Rolling Stone," infused with Marshall's ethereal vocals and minimalist piano. This set stands out because it's not just a tribute—it's a reinvention, channeling Dylan's spirit through a female lens that's both reverent and revolutionary. At Wilderness, amid the festival's bohemian atmosphere, it could feel like a fireside storytelling session, drawing crowds for its intimacy and emotional depth. If you're a fan of poetic songcraft, this is a rare chance to witness a living legend pay homage to another.
Corinne Bailey Rae brings a burst of vibrant energy with her "Black Rainbows" presentation, drawing from her 2023 album that explores Black history, punk, and cosmic jazz. The Leeds-born artist, famous for her neo-soul hit "Put Your Records On," has evolved into a multifaceted force, blending genres with fearless abandon. Her set might feature explosive tracks like "New York Transit Queen" alongside soulful ballads, backed by a dynamic band. Why is this essential? Rae's performances are celebrations of resilience and joy, often incorporating spoken-word elements and visual art. In Wilderness's diverse programming, this could intersect with talks on culture and identity, making it a holistic experience. Her ability to shift from tender vulnerability to punk-infused fury ensures a set that's as unpredictable as it is uplifting.
Future Islands, the synth-pop darlings from Baltimore, are synonymous with high-energy live shows, thanks to frontman Samuel T. Herring's magnetic stage presence. Albums like *Singles* (2014) have given us anthems such as "Seasons (Waiting on You)," which blend new wave synths with heartfelt lyrics. At Wilderness, anticipate Herring's signature dance moves—chest-thumping, knee-drops, and all—turning the stage into a sweat-drenched spectacle. This set is a must-see for its sheer entertainment value; it's impossible not to get swept up in the infectious rhythms and emotional rawness. Perfect for the festival's late-night slots, it promises to keep the party going with a mix of old favorites and cuts from their latest release, *People Who Aren't There Anymore* (2024).
Alison Goldfrapp, one half of the iconic duo Goldfrapp, steps into the spotlight with her solo work, including the 2023 album *The Love Invention*. Her set will likely feature shimmering electro-pop gems like "Digging Deeper," evoking the glamour of '80s disco with a modern twist. Known for her ethereal vocals and visually stunning productions, Goldfrapp's performances are immersive affairs, often with elaborate lighting and costumes. At Wilderness, this could translate to a dance-floor takeover, blending seamlessly with the festival's wellness and party vibes. It's a must for electronic music fans seeking something sophisticated yet euphoric.
Faithless, the electronic pioneers, return with their anthemic sound, promising a set packed with classics like "Insomnia" and "God Is a DJ." After a hiatus, their reunion tour has been electrifying, fusing house beats with philosophical lyrics. In the festival's electronic tent, expect pulsating basslines and euphoric builds that unite the crowd in communal ecstasy. This is essential for its nostalgic pull and timeless energy, especially as they incorporate new material that keeps their sound fresh.
The Japanese House, aka Amber Bain, offers introspective indie-pop from her albums like *In the End It Always Does* (2023). Her set will feature dreamy synths and vulnerable lyrics on love and identity, creating an intimate atmosphere. Must-see for its emotional honesty and subtle production flourishes.
Finally, Bicep's live electronic set rounds out the list with their muscular, melodic techno from albums like *Isles* (2021). Known for immersive AV shows, their performance will be a sensory overload of beats and visuals, ideal for Wilderness's nighttime revelry.
Wilderness 2025 isn't just about the music—it's about the moments that linger. These 10 sets encapsulate the festival's spirit, offering something for every taste. Plan your schedule wisely, and prepare for a weekend of discovery. (Word count: 1,248)
Read the Full NME Article at:
[ https://www.nme.com/features/music-features/10-must-see-sets-at-wilderness-festival-2025-3881314 ]