They tear through a setlist full of their characteristically angsty coming-of-age anthems, and we’re all too keen to belt out the lyrics of ‘Teenage Runaways’ as if we’re fourteen and heartbroken although the median age here is certainly well beyond. Manchester’s very own pop-punk darlings Hot Milk take to the main stage in the afternoon sunshine with all of their trademark bravado as if they were headlining. As closing track ‘Choose Your Fighter’ cruises into gear, it’s clear that everyone in the crowd knows who these ladies are – and they’re absolutely smashing it. As vocalist Amy Love struts and flounts around, falling to her knees and screeching her throat raw, it’s clear that it’s been a long, long time since anyone has asked “Who Are The Girls?”. The bratty, tongue-in-cheek sass of the twins is irresistible, meaty bass grooves bolstered by razor-sharp lyricisms and snarls. Download crowds wait with bated breath – before the tension is lifted as ‘Fire & Ice’ rings out over the field, the punk rockers Nova Twins taking to the stage with a formidable swagger. Over on the main stage, a glowing neon ‘NOVA’ graces centre stage. Witch Fever never shy away from a tricky topic, with their discography riddled with unnerving, disquieting accounts of religious trauma and reflection, and they deliver a captivating service to this excited, transfixed congregation. It’s a welcome dose of shade both literally, musically in their trudging, howling riffs, and verbally as vocalist Amy Walpole calls out people in the scene taking sexual assault allegations lightly. Our first session is with doom-punks Witch Fever over in the Dogtooth Stage.
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