From Indie Gems to Chaos Kings - So Long, Good Friday Delivers

Photo Credit L J Hubbard

Baltic Triangle Liverpool – 3rd April 2026

WORDS / IMAGES L J HUBBARD

Friday saw the debut of So Long, Good Friday, a brand new multi-venue festival in the heart of Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle. The all-dayers lineup was absolutely jam-packed with alternative artists from all across the country, with most hailing from the North. It’s amazing for Liverpool to have an event like this that showcases up and coming talent in the alternative music scene with sets in Camp & Furnace, District, Hangar 34, and even the skate shop, Lost Art. The great thing about the day was that not only were we treated to a show stopping headline set from the brilliant Fat Dog, we were also given the opportunity to discover new acts we may not have ever come across if it wasn’t for So Long Good Friday.

Kicking off the day was Mickey Callisto’s show at Hangar 34. As soon as he took to the stage, you immediately clocked his 80s icon vibe from his white adidas tracksuit, and that unforgettably cool stage presence not unlike Freddie Mercury’s. It was like being taken back to the 80s, Callisto’s vocals reminded me a lot of Depeche Mode’s Dave Gahan’s with that powerful, deep tone that hits all ranges with complete ease. Although Callisto was originally set to close the festival, his energetic, synth-laden performance was just what everyone needed to get pumped up for the day ahead.

A short trip down the road to District and it was time to catch Miles Temp’s set. Temp is a local artist on the rise, known for his lo-fi, experimental sound which he pairs beautifully with his breathtaking vocals. On the stage was just Miles, his guitar and his trusty laptop yet his music filled the entire room, the guitar with his voice were a match made in heaven as they reverberated around the packed out venue. It was an absolute pleasure to get to see Temp perform, there’s no doubt he’s going places.

I rushed over to Camp and Furnace to get a glimpse of Manchester seven-piece MLEKO. It’s hard not to get excited when there’s a stage that feels even busier than the floor itself. MLEKO were on a lot of must-see lists, with the buzz of their set carrying itself across all venues, the question ‘did you catch MLEKO’s set?’ being asked at every given opportunity.

The vibrancy and grittiness of this band was unforgettable, they reminded me a bit of Black Country New Road, with the eclectic lineup on stage and their saxophonist particularly giving it his all the entire time. The lead, Ed Whirledge’s, vocals were astounding, gritty and truly captivating. This was definitely a highlight for me, I’m already on the lookout for their return to Liverpool.

After a quick break, I made my way back to Camp and Furnace, this time to see World News. The place was absolutely stacked for the London band’s very first time in Liverpool. They absolutely nailed it, with their moody, timeless 70s vibe (and a very Nick Drake-esque vocalist), the whole place was filled with nostalgia. The band’s jangly guitars, punchy drums and post-punk vibes did a fantastic job of keeping the festival-goers energy at a constant high as the day’s halfway point was on the horizon.

I decided to take a little detour as I heard Little Grandad were playing at Lost Art, an iconic skate shop/venue, a few roads down. The place was rammed, with a queue already forming outside as I set foot in the shop. In the corner was quite literally the smallest stage setup I’d ever seen with amps, a drum kit, monitors the lot crammed in together, yet it worked perfectly and the mix was stunning.

This was Little Grandad’s second time playing in Liverpool, their first supporting Man/Woman/Chainsaw in February, and they blew me away once again. The venue was perfect for them, the red and blue lighting creating a really cool vibe that worked so well in tandem with their Americana alternative sound. This band has it down to a T, with grungy vocals and beautiful harmonies from brothers Jack and Harry Lower. I’m so glad I got to see this band for a second time and in such a class space as well.

The last act I caught before Fat Dog’s headline set was TTSSFU, a shoegaze/dream pop singer-songwriter originally from Wigan. Tasmin Stephens, formerly part of post-punk band Duvet, is an absolute powerhouse of a performer with smooth, heady vocals and an effortless sense of style. She took to the stage barefoot, in a flowy white dress with fragile tape poking out from underneath alongside her band who were all donning a simple white shirt and tie.

I loved every second of her show, her sound reminding me of My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive – two of my favourite artists, there wasn’t a single moment I wasn’t in awe of the performance. I admired all the chill attitude about them and how they made such an impactful performance look so easy. Stephens and her band are ones to watch that’s for sure.

Finally, it was time for the big guns, Fat Dog, who have been on my list to see perform since their debut album, WOOF, in 2024. With people raving about them all day, I knew I’d be in for the time of my life. That was an understatement to say the least, as soon as they took to the stage they had the crowd under their complete control. Joe Love’s energy is unmatched, pouncing around the stage, staring right into the eyes of the audience as he delivers those legendary hard hitting vocals.

I’ve never seen a show like it, with the keyboard player jumping into the crowd before they they made it through the first song, and the band’s energy collectively increasing with every note. Not a single body was still in that room, the entire place was electrified with the intensely heavy sound shooting from the stage.

It wasn’t long until Love himself jumped into the pit which was already crowded with photographers to get in with the crowd, sharing some truly special moments with the fans. Fat Dog have an energy that is so uniquely powerful, it’s really what makes their performances ones to write home about. Now I fully get why people were on about them all day, they do put on a show and a half.

The very first So Long Good Friday was an absolute triumph, with beautiful weather all day, a huge lineup and a perfect location. I really do want to give kudos to the everyone who helped set up and organise the day, it was faultless so well thought out and a fantastic time for everyone there. Be sure to catch the next one, you won’t want to miss it.