BoomTown Fair 2014 Review

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“I never want to see another f**king hill again,” one BoomTown goer moaned as they left the festival early Sunday evening for the wind-protected respite of home. And so BoomTown came to an end for many in that fashion; drips and drabs of goers relenting after three days of hazardous rain and wind, tired limbs aching from raving up and down the hilliest festival in existence.

But it was certainly not a waste. Boasting one of the finest, most eclectic line-ups this summer, BoomTown Fair offered up a fair distraction from the beating rain.

Thursday and Friday afternoon, before the downpour, the likes of reggae punks Dirty Revolution, The Wailers and the dub-rap stylings of Soom T soothed many underneath the atmospheric awnings of the pop-up city; a veritable testament to themed festival architecture that rivals Glastonbury itself.

In fact, if one pictures BoomTown as Glastonbury’s South East Corner – yet boasting less dystopian anti-capitalist allegories – then one would hold an accurate drawing of the entirety of BoomTown Fair; all stages are a-flow with ornamental arrays and add-ons that belie the fact that they’re stages at all. Certainly it’s a feat Glastonbury could not manage given its size, but BoomTown manages just fine.

Unfortunately for the festival, some of the most coveted acts are outside in the would-be sunshine; halfway through The Skints’ 5.30pm set, the rain begins and seems to never stop. “We’re going to keep playing until they literally force us to stop,” jokes singer and guitarist Josh Rudge, but it appears their equipment may never recover from the storm. Moreover, the heavy rain dampens later sets from Easy Star All Stars, Russkaja, Afro Celt Sound System and Bellowhead; while all take the limited numbers and cheer in their stride as such impeccable musicians do, it begs the question; how bloody amazing would they have been inside, or in better conditions? Perhaps the organisers will find it in their hearts to give them another chance at next year’s BoomTown.

While the continuing rain drives festival goers to their tents, or to the inside late-night venues in hope of better fare, at least Saturday is all sunny sides up; save for the fact that Dunkelbunt were unceremoniously moved earlier, leaving many angry and confused when electro-swing pioneers Tape 5 take to their stage in their later slot. Luckily, Black Star Dub Collective prefaced the disappointment with an inspired set within the woodland retreat, while anarcho-punks Autonomads woke up the masses, as The Filaments with ‘Bastard Coppers’ were to later.

If only it could have lasted; the rain drives down once again during Slamboree’s Soundystem show at the towering Arcadia, carrying on through Dreadnought’s late-night ballsy set and until 11am the next day; many tents that were not flooded Friday, flooded that night.

Moreover, the Town Centre stage the following day proved to be a wash-out, as its cancellation added an extra fist-shake curse to the skies. Despite the day’s better weather, The Urban Folk Quartet’s fantastic triangle solo and Macka B’s ensuing good-vibe guide, Sunday proved too much for many as a chaotic miasma of abandoned tents blew over the site. While BoomTown, which sells out every year, certainly offers up first class entertainment and artwork second to none – accompanied by a scene-focused and professionally-picked line-up – it can’t hold off the weather. Despite this, the festival is one that all should flock to at each once; long may it reign.

Check out the official Boomtown Fair 2014 video right here!

Ceremony Festival full lineup announced

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With the full programme for both festival and After Party now revealed Found presents: Ceremony explores 360 degrees of underground dance culture, looking to the past, present and future to present a stellar multi-arena celebration at Finsbury Park on the 13th September. Featuring the early influencers, the new school and the future vanguards of electronic sound, expert party starters FOUND will deliver an ideal way to round off the summer season with the likes of Inner City LIVE, Louie Vega, Lil Louis, DJ Sneak, Richy Ahmed, Claptone, DJ W!ld, Roy Davis Jr, Route 94, Nick Curly, Simon Baker, Todd Terry and many more…

Continuing the party over at Egg London, Ceremony’s after party will run for a colossal twelve hours running between 10pm – 10am, across five rooms of music. A refined cut of the Ceremony line up, the marathon party will feature the firm FOUND favourite DJ Sneak, much loved for his gangster induced Chicago house that’s a sure fire winner on the dance floor. Also representing the US are the legendary Todd Terry and Roy Davis Jr, who will both serve up their unique take on house that seemingly paved the way for its predecessors. Crosstown Rebels mainstay Fur Coat will also feature, whilst Citizen, Simon Baker, Applebottom and The Menendez Brothers complete the line up. With very limited £13.50 tickets on sale now, the after party promises to be particularly special for those who like it longer, with Egg’s new outdoor garden terrace providing a stylish and unique party setting. 

Building on FOUND’s reputation for hosting unforgettable parties, Ceremony has been expertly crafted to deliver the very best musical experience for its partygoers.  Featuring a total of 7 arenas, line-ups for a further two stages of music have now been revealed with red hot west London promoters, So Fresh So Clean set to make their festival debut. After launching in 2013, close members of the FOUND family, So Fresh So Clean have rejuvenated the West London clubbing scene with their classic hip-hop and RnB jams from the 90s and double-ohs. Headlining the stage is Todd Terry, who will grace the turntables with his ground breaking underground sound that originally hit big in the UK before his native home of the US. A bastion of true, fresh house music, the Grammy nominated producer will play an exclusive old school hip-hop set that excellently personifies the So Fresh So Clean ethos, and is a must-see for those hoping to get that house party feeling. Having already amassed a fun loving fan base, the So Fresh So Clean residents The Menendez Brothers, Rollo and Remi, will get the gin and juice flowing and ensure the vibe never falters. Supporting acts include Dan Hills, Alex Crescent, Nite Sleaze, Hutch and Get Dippy, all offering a slice of London’s most cutting edge 90s infused beats. 

The seventh and final arena will be hosted by legendary record label and promotion outfit Groove Odyssey. With deeply rooted ties tracing back to seminal figures of house such as Kerri Chandler, Joey Negro and Kenny Dope, Groove Odyssey are perfectly placed to complete Ceremony’s journey through sonic history and beyond. One of the most prolific house vocalists of all time, Robert Owens tops the bill for some throwback Chicago classics for what will undoubtedly be a memorable session. A FOUND boiler room set with the late visionary Frankie Knuckles last year proved he is a deft hand at conjuring groove inducing sets, and his performance for Groove Odyssey will be no exception. East end twins Bobby & Steve accompany the Groove Odyssey line up, famed for their soulful Garage sounding ‘Zoo Experience’. Next up is Paul Trouble Anderson, a mainstay of the London soulful house music scene for well over 25 years and renowned for his disco-infused, funky house that has rocked many a warehouse party. Fellow Londoner’s Phil Asher and Jazzy M will bring a hefty helping of vintage house music, whilst duo’s DJ Leo & Funky Smith and Joel S & Panther will take the musical journey through to the late 90s. Continuing to incorporate each sub genre of house is Kev Chase, with Randy Peterson & Yooks and David Bailey & Ted Lawrence completing Groove Odyssey’s legendary line up. 

Found have also revealed fun-filled theme for their VIP arena which will be transformed into a jungle for the day. VIP tickets offer an extra stage of music, additional bars, seating area, luxury facilities and fast-track entry.

EVENT DETAILS.

Ceremony Festival

Date: Saturday 13th September 2014 – 11am-10pm

Venue: Finsbury Park, London

Line-up:

CEREMONY MAIN STAGE

Louie Vega / Lil Louis

Claptone

Richy Ahmed

Route 94

Adana Twins

Kidnap Kid

Flashmob

Droog

Chasing Kurt LIVE

51ST STATE

Inner City LIVE

DJ Sneak

Todd Terry

Kevin Saunderson

Roy Davis Jr.

Grant Nelson

URBAN NERDS 

Tropical: Skepta, Jme, Preditah, Logan Sama and Plastician

M A N I K

DJ Luck & MC Neat + Kie

Cause & Affect

Tom Shorterz

Just Kiddin

Matt Jam Lamont

Woz

*Special Guest*

Sam Supplier

MAGNA CARTA 

Nick Curly b2b Simon Baker

DJ W!LD

Fur Coat

Sidney Charles b2b Santé

Jordan Peak

East End Dubs

VIP ARENA: EGG LDN PRESENTS

Chez Damier

Citizen

Krankbrother

Denney

The Menendez Brothers

The Willers Brothers

Kyle E

GROOVE ODYSSEY 

Robert Owens

Bobby & Steve 

Paul Trouble Anderson

Phil Asher

Jazzy M

DJ Leo & Funky Smith

Joel S & Panther

Kev Chase

Randy Peterson & Yooks

David Bailey & Ted Lawrence

SO FRESH SO CLEAN

Todd Terry (Hip-Hop) 

Dan Hills

The Menendez Brothers 

Alex Crescent

Nite Sleaze

Hutch 

Get Dippy

Rollo 

Remi

Martin 2 Smoove

Tennents Vital adds top dance artists

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The countdown to Tennent’s Vital 2014 is now well and truly on, and with this summer’s hottest festival now only weeks away, Tennent’s NI and organisers MCD have added some top dance acts to the bill for Sunday 24th August. Klangkarusselland Robin Schulz will appear alongside headliner David Guetta and Steve Angello on what promises to be an incredible night of EDM this August bank holiday weekend.
 
 
After the global success of their massive breakthrough hit Sonnentanz, Klangkarussell are getting ready to release their hotly anticipated debut album Netzwerk next month. The Austrian production duo’s debut single was a massive hit across Europe, and the vocal version of the track, Sun Don’t Shine feat. Will Heard reached no. 3 in the UK charts. With more than 22 million YouTube views under their belt and a rapidly growing fanbase, their Tennent’s Vital debut is sure to be unmissable.
 
DJ, producer and label owner Robin Schulz has risen from the underground club scene of his native Germany, to achieve huge breakthrough success with his remixes ofWaves by Mr. Probz, and Lilly Wood & The Prick’s Prayer in C, which topped charts across Europe. One of the most exciting new EDM talents around, he’s hugely in demand across the global club and festival scene, and is sure to get the party well and truly started at Boucher Road Playing Fields on Sunday 24th August.
 
Sarah Shimmons, Beer Marketing Manager for Tennent’s NI, said: “With only a few weeks to go until Tennent’s Vital 2014, excitement is really beginning to build, and we’re thrilled to add two more fantastic acts to the bill today. This year’s festival takes place on the August Bank Holiday weekend, and our dance night on Sunday 24thAugust is the perfect way to make the most of the long weekend. We can’t wait to welcome the Tennent’s Vital fans, as well as some of the greatest artists in the world, to Boucher Road Playing Fields later this month!”

Berlin Festival changes venue

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Berlin Festival is relocating to Kreuzberg, a cultural hotspot in the beating heart of this vibrant city, heading to its new home at Arena Park, the area around Club der Visionäre and Arena Berlin, Hoppetosse and White Trash. Taking over Arena Park for one marathon 48-hour party on September 5-7,Berlin Festival promises to be one unforgettable weekend, soundtracked by only the most diverse, promising and talked-about acts from around the globe.

Although Berlin Festival's night program has taken place at Arena Park for the last few years, the move to the new location marks the start of a new era for the festival. Berlin Festival is very happy this move worked out in time for the 2014 event as the area offers more than one could expect: Badeschiff with its beachfront and pool-atmosphere, the vintage rock 'n roll kitchen White Trash, the stunning open-air locations Club der Visionäre and Ipse, alongside Glashaus, Hoppetosse and the Arena itself will ensure that Berlin Festival will be more colourful, diverse and even more surprising.

As well as relocating to a more central cultural hub, Berlin Festival becomes the first ever to offer a 48-hour program in one place, where revellers can party without needing to move between venues representing Berlin's prized sub-culture and its spirit in the best open-air location in the city. An outdoor stage will be added to the event, while the popular side events are being expanded. Catch Woodkid, Moderat, Editors, Sven Väth, DARKSIDE, Warpaint, JessieWare, Kid Ink, Bombay Bicycle Club, Trentmøller (live), DJ Koze, Chase and Status (DJ set), Crystal Fighters, Digitalism, Neneh Cherry & Rocketnumbernine, Ellen Allien, Mount Kimbie, Hudson Mohawke, Foreign Beggars, Rustie, Jimmy Edgar and many more for the weekend’s festivities.

And in addition to the well-established Art-Village, Berlin Festival will be host to a Food Village that will include typical Berlin themed food stalls in and around the festival site.

Berlin Festival was the first open-air event to prove the great possibilities of Tempelhof airport as an event location, and now this unique event heads to a new authentic site that boasts of historical Berlin flair. The festival organisers had planned a move to Arena Park since the end of the 2013 edition of the event, and now the time is right for Berlin Festival to relocate to the middle of this vibrant area which has become a focal point of Berlin's night life in recent years.

This year’s all-weekend event allows revellers to party throughout an entire 48-hour period; boasting more acts, art installations, colour and craziness than ever before, this year's Berlin Festival guarantees a melting pot of creativity true to the city.

An integral partner of the annual Berlin Music Week (September 3-7 / www.berlin-music-week.de), Berlin Festival celebrates the German capital’s diverse and eclectic culture through music and arts programming. Pulling together some of the finest names in international music – the Berlin Festival soundtrack reflects the city itself: innovative, creative and inspirational.

Kendal Calling 2014 Review

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 “Make sure you pack your sun cream…it’s going to be a scorcher next weekend!”

These words did not end up ringing wholly true. In fact, this was one of the wettest, muddiest festivals I have ever experienced…and I've been to at least 20. If you are going to have your festival in the Lake District, who knows what weather you are going to get, but this was a Northern festival, with proper double-hard Northern people who were ready for anything.

…then this little guy turned up and showed us all how it was done…

Mud monster

We arrived early on Thursday, this being the first year to allow entry the day before the main festival.
After finally getting up our beast of a tent, we caught the first half of Craig Charles’ 
thumping set in the Glow tent, before some Yorkshire Ska in Chai Wallah, courtesy of The Talks.

Friday started out in the real ale tent, and not even for beer (this time!), but instead to avoid the first
heavy downpour of the weekend. Samba bands were a feature across the site, and kept everyone
entertained until the stages started. By the early afternoon the rain had stopped, giving way to sack
races and plenty of activities to keep families busy in the Ladybird Kids area. Teenagers got their dancing shoes dirty early on at the Jägermeister stage and in the House Party tent. The first big crowd
of the day was for The Dub Pistols, a band who just seem to be made for festivals, getting everyone
stomping those wet weather blues away.

There was disappointment for some as the next act Ella Eyre was unable to attend due to illness, but fear not…The Sunshine Underground served up an extremely last minute indie dance set that kept everyone happy while they refuelled in anticipation of De La Soul…

Unfortunately, owing to an accident on the M6, their set was cut short, but the enthusiasm they provided more than made up for it. 
“Me, myself and I” put lots of smiles on faces. With as many years of experience as they have they worked the crowd as you would expect.

Just enough time to grab some food. There was plenty on offer, ranging from exotic burgers
(Llama; wild boar and wagyu beef) to delicious momos from the Tibetan Kitchen (my photographer is now completely hooked on these badboys).

Suede headlined Friday night and began with a quiet opener “The Next life” from their first album.
They had won the crowd over by the third song “Trash”, followed by “Animal Nitrate” giving
everyone a chance to sing, and Brett Anderson to strut his stuff like the mid 90’s were here again.
Mid set we were given a new song “Tightrope” which the crowd were not really sure about, and
their set finished with “Beautiful Ones”.They closed the main stage with an encore of
“She’s in Fashion”, and a wonderful rendition of “Stay Together”.

Suede

After hours there was plenty to do with particular highlights being the Britpop set in the Tim Peaks Diner and the jazzy breaks of Mr Scruff.

 

As morning broke on Saturday, the site was turning to a liquid red thanks to the Cumbrian mud and morning rain. That didn’t stop large numbers of aliens, and sci-fi characters emerging from their tents to lighten up the gloom. The Glow Tent hosted a mass moonwalk to the song “Billie Jean”, as hundreds of MJ’s strutted their stuff.

Mid-afternoon, as the sun peeked out, Newton Faulkner played to a background of bubbles drifting across the field, “Teardrop”, and Justin Timberlake’s “Like I love you baby” bringing the crowds in. Athlete continued the summer vibe, and the sunglasses were out by the time Razorlight took to the stage. Sporting a lovely beard (trust me, I know about beards!) Johnny Borrell and the boys played a high energy, hit filled set.

Then, it was ALL about Madchester, with bucket hats and Lennon glasses being the necessary uniform. The Happy Mondays began with Bez informing us of his political intentions, which is either genius, or the most bonkers thing you’ve ever heard. The majority of this crowd would definitely vote for him. Shaun planned to keep it a PG performance, and entertained the crowd by never being quite sure which songs were coming next. Rowetta looked fantastic in her cowboy hat and tassels, and people were literally climbing the trees to get a good view. The sound was great and the whole arena was rocking to party classics from “Loose Fit”, to “24 Hour Party People”.

The Happy Mondays

Frank Turner started his set with a smaller crowd, hampered by the rain, but that crowd grew and got to enjoy a very special headline slot. This being his third time at the festival, he’s
definitely earned his Kendal stripes, and when he announced how honoured he was to play, you really knew he meant it. His band, The Sleeping Souls, threw themselves around the stage and really stepped up the volume, with stomping tunes like “Photosynthesis” getting the crowd all clapping and singing along. He dedicated his new song “Angel Islington” to all the Northerners. Despite a re-tune mid song and a broken string, nothing could faze Frank tonight!

Frank Turner

Sunday, originally predicted to be the best day for weather, was the worst, with frequent showers turning the main arena into a mud bath. Children and adults kept their spirits up by sliding down the hillside, and one of the great moments of the weekend was the chap in neon and a flat cap, cruising round a pool of mud in his electric wheelchair, chasing people. The Lancashire Hotpots played at lunchtime and won the award for most costume changes, and as they said, it was like a Lady Gaga gig! Conga lines, beach balls and songs including “We Love the North”, and “Chippy tea”, were just what was needed to keep everyone from flagging.

Reel Big Fish were the afternoon high point, Masters of styles they gave us the Ska Punk we all expected, but also a touch of Disco, and even a bit of Square-dancing. With choreographed kicks they finished with “Take on Me”, and as the dancing increased, the mud was flying. Tom Odell didn’t go in for quite the same level of onstage action, but instead let his music do the talking. It only took him to point to the girls at the front to get them all screaming, as he hammered away at the piano. A new song “Jealousy” from his upcoming album was particularly well received.

Miles Kane was taking no prisoners with a straight up rock and roll show. Dressed in a psychedelic shirt, his strutted around owing the stage, scissor kicking as he went. By the time he played “Don’t Forget Who You Are”, he had the audience joining in from the front to all the way up the hill.

Miles Kane

The final act on the main stage was Example, the biggest crowd of the weekend, and everyone wanted to be at the front. The sound from the stage was massive, with filthy bass lines shaking the sodden ground. Dressed in black he electrified the entire field, with lasers and a completely awesome neon drum kit. “One more day (Stay with me)” “Changed the way you kiss me” and “Kickstarts” were by far the biggest sing-a-longs of the weekend. As the set finished with air cannons
and ticker tape, the epic firework display was a worthy end to a sometimes challenging but ultimately celebratory weekend.

Example

After the main events, we headed back to Tim Peaks Diner for some energetic table dancing and a storming funk and soul set from Tim Burgess.
Just time to pop back to the real ale tent, this time for a well-deserved pint, we’d all survived!

 

Words by Reuben Crowther
Photographs by Andy Sawyer

Standon Calling Review 2014

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Standon Calling – The Best Bits

1. THE MUSIC 

This small festival situated in Hertfordshire had a line-up rivaling that of larger festivals. Running from the 1st – 3rd of August, Standon Calling offered music to suit all ages and tastes. Headliners Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls, Public Enemy and Maximo Park ensured evening on the main stage ended on a high. Other highlights included Beans On Toast’s performance amongst the crowd, Amber Run inviting members of the audience dressed as a Taco and Paddington Bear to join them during their set and Charli XCX igniting the Big Top with her latest single ‘Boom Clap’. Other standout performances came from Clean Bandit, The Cuban Brothers, Grandmaster Flash and personal favourite Saint Raymond. Unfortunately the highly anticipated Ella Eyre could not attend due to illness. 

 

2. DOGS

Its the first time I’ve been to a festival where dogs are allowed in, its literally the best thing ever. I made some lovely canine friends and owners, who are surprisingly happy to have a million people a day ask to stroke their dog! There was even a dog show which drew in a massive crowd including categories; Best Trick, Waggiest Tail and Owner most like their Dog. Attractions like this are what separates this festival from others and provided light entertainment on Sunday afternoon. Amidst the chaos in the ring, Nigel was the standout dog. 

3. THEME

‘Lost in Latin America’ was this years theme. The attention to detail across the festival blew me away; there was not a single area that hadn’t been decorated, even behind the bar the theme continued. The cowsheds which held the afterpartys had hidden rooms, which had been fantastically decorated, including a Day of the Dead shrine.

4. JOSE CUERVO

Standon Calling offered a brilliant selection of stalls across the festival. The ‘Jose Cuervo’ bar ran margarita making competitions over the 3 days, giving partakers the chance to win a £500 bar tab for making the quickest drink. I gave it ago on Sunday, and managed it in 19 seconds, I was the current champion, only to return in half an hour to see someone had smashed my time and completed the challenge in 13 seconds! Absolutely gutted, but it was so much fun and it attracted a crowd full of competitive spirit! (You also got to keep the drink you made, bonus!)

5. SWIMMING POOL

What more could you ask for? The swimming pool is something that definitely stands out at Standon Calling; they are the only UK festival offering this experience! Suitable for children and adults alike, music by poolside DJ’s provided a relaxing retreat from the bustling crowds. 

6. FOOD

Standon Calling also offered a great selection of food, excellently priced. Barnaby Sykes – Pie Maker was a personal highlight, selling pie, chips, gravy, peas and a drink for £9, satisfying you for the entire day. The pulled pork burrito by Luardos was also delicious and worth the long queue. 

7. FANCY DRESS

The theme provided excellent inspiration for fancy dressers, there really was a top notch effort by all, everyone looked amazing and it added to the atmosphere of the weekend. Costumes ranged from Sally the Llama to bottles of tequila. There was a fancy dress competition for both adults and children on the main stage, with the winners chosen by the crowd. 

8. ENTERTAINMENT

During breaks in the music, there was always something else on offer to keep you entertained. Mexican wrestling was very unexpected but so entertaining, with the wrestlers taking on different characters within the ring giving the crowd someone to cheer or boo. Trapeze lessons were also available, for either £8 for a solo swing, or £35 to swing and be caught by a professional. Crowds watched below as the festival goers took the leap of faith!

Festival goers were able to buy tickets for 2015 at a hugely discounted price, and although this offer has now ended, I would definitely pay full price to return next year, it has been a highlight of my summer. 

Photos by Mickey Cole 

Exit Festival 2014 Review – Saturday

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Saturday morning saw the rains clear and a welcome dry and searing heat descend upon Novi Sad, much appreciated by the campers after the moist evening beforehand. The poolside was full with the bold and the beautiful of the continent with “DJ Dale” from local station AS Radio playing housey summer hits as people swam, basked, and slept in the shade on loungers.

I asked a couple of people what they thought of the festival so far:

Roya and Derik from Holland had decided to attend EXIT with a group of ten after previous summers at Sziget and Rockwerchter to try something new. EXIT was the next logical step in the european festival hierarchy and they had heard lots of good things about it from friends. They were a fan of the camp location for the ease of the supermarket, cafes and restaurants.

For Anja from Serbia Stromae and Rudimental was the standout performances of the weekend so far, but she was of the opinion that both the organisation and the weather had been better the year before. This seemed to be the general consensus amongst a lot of the returning natives and staff.

Now that it was officially the weekend the whole town of Novi Sad seemed to be immersed in Festival Fever. The half hour walk from the campsite to the grounds was crammed full of partygoers and everybody, visitors and locals alike, seemed to be soaking up the atmosphere. The banks of the Danube beneath the imposing fortress were lined with lively dudes and dudettes merry making as groups of scantily clad Serbian ladies maneuvered through the crowd selling shots of Rakjia, the Serbian “national” spirit.

Slowly people made their way across the bridge through the mass of humanity who easily took over the entire street. Buses crammed like tins of sardines had a tough time getting past the impromptu parade. Street vendors lined both sides making a killing off the convenience of cheap sunglasses and rave lights.

The sun had obviously worked its magic and there was a real sense of expectation in the air as the pilgrimage moved itself forward.

As usual the first players on the on the Main Stage were of Serbian origin, a nice touch for the festival as it gave home grown bands some exposure and pleased the large contingent of locals. Both Stray Dog featuring Tamara Milanovic and Negative played to a rapidly expanding audience which reached a healthy swell by the time sexy string duo 2 Cellos, began their crowd pleasing repertoire of well known tunes executed with gusto on electronic cellos accompanied by smouldering good looks and expressive facial expression to rival the “bass face” of Haim.

Midnight saw Saturday’s first headliner Damon Albarn take the stage for a set full of swagger and melancholy. Despite the large crowd that he drew the mood seemed slightly subdued, as his solo work lacked the bounce of his well known tracks with Blur or Gorialiaz and he seemed slightly jaded with the whole thing, even throwing beer over the photographers in the photo pit at one point in some sort of anti-press sentiment. Despite this he found himself playing to a captive audience who although not moving much listened intently while his musicians went from one grinding guitar solo to the next, and he finished to raucous applause.

The night was only really starting to kick off, and the good weather had people all hyped up for a long haul of partying.

At every stage in the fortress, big and small, there was dancing to be found. Smooth tuneage at the Positive Vibrations Reggae Stage kept people pretty much skanking all night and a rip-roaring set by Drum and Bass stalwarts NZ Shapeshifter went down a treat at Huawei Fusion Stage.

A huge and expectant crowd throbbed in the Main Stage under a heavy full moon in expectation for Skrillex, who kept his fans waiting for almost half an hour before appearing in a blast of light and noise. He clambered and jumped around on the decks like a man possessed, dropping big bassy hook after big bassy hook accompanied by a blinding laser show that had the entire fortress happily blasted with beats and luminance.

Bass remained the name of the game at the Main Stage with Gorgon City and Shadow Child keeping things bouncing well past dawn.

The good times were continued over at the MTS Dance Arena which was a was an undulating sea of topless and bikini clad humanity under the blood red sunrise as big hitters Afrojack, Tiga, Heidi Vs Kim and Foxman rolled out feel good minimal and techno summer beats well past 6 am.

The night never really ended, and as the sun climbed rapidly into the sky the hardcore found themselves making their way back to base camp under a clear blue sky with ears still ringing and hearts still pumping after a long night of thoroughly modern rhythms.

EXIT was now past the halfway mark, but you got the feeling that the party had only just begun.

Y Not Festival 2014 Review

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One of the UK's fastest-growing festivals, Derbyshire's Y Not returned for its ninth outing and delivered a weekend chocked full of 'I was there' moments; be it the triumphant closure of Dizzee Rascal's compelling Saturday night headliner set, the smooth hip-hop of American trio De La Soul or the rousing, foot-stomping bangers that pumped out of the Saloon Bar all weekend long, there was something for every music lover, young and old, at this year's gathering. 

For me, it began on Friday with exciting Birmingham band Superfood. Scores of teens flooded the main stage front to see the intriguing four-piece, who proceeded to belt out guitar-led anthems that were shouty, loud and fun. A band who'd been on my radar for a while, exceeded my expectations and kicked off the festival nicely. Intermittent rain showers were just a preview of the weather to come, but still it led me to the Saloon Bar in the middle of the site, to check out Three Minute Heist. 

The Saloon Bar is a perfect replica of an American Western bar, with only the stench of Somersby cider and cans of Tuborg giving away the fact we were at a festival in the middle of the Derbyshire countryside in 2014! Nevertheless, that didn't stop the aforementioned quartet bringing their brand of country blues and sing-a-longs along to transport us back a century. The packed out venue was rocking, especially so with closer 'Johnny B. Goode'.

After checking out the finest reggae and drum 'n' bass tents Y Not has to offer, it was off to the wetter Main Stage to check out London's very own Spector. Lead singer Fred Macpherson's powerful and unique vocals managed to keep his band alive, as they put in a so-so performance of their back catalogue 'Chevy Thunder' and fresh cuts from an upcoming new record, that managed to keep the crowd bobbing along to their bouncy pop-rock.

The first of the weekend's big boys then took to the Main Stage; Johnny Borrell leading his Razorlight bandmates out almost a decade after headlining a stage at Glastonbury. They reeled through a Greatest Hits set in which you could sense their class, but it was all pretty unexciting. Borrell was never the greatest of stage presences, and whilst his ambition was there, his band never quite reached their fullest of potential with either their career or this subbing set. 

A headline set by Reel Big Fish is a must-see. The pop-punk band are an assured live act, and got the Quarry crowd up off their feet for a good chunk of the gig. Live brass bands are always a plus, and the band had their crowd in the palm of their hand, with circle pits forming as far as the eye could see, a packed crowd revelled in the moment in what was surely one of the most memorable Quarry sets. Finishing with their famed cover of a-ha's 'Take on Me', was predictable, yet incredible.

A quick dash back over to the Main Stage, saw White Lies begin. Despite their tunes lacking the considerable 'oomph' of their fellow headliners, the indie-rockers kept sections of the crowd entertained, with an enjoyable if forgettable set. 

My Saturday began over at the Quarry, to check out up-and-coming rap/pop artist Ady Suleiman. Describing him as a 'better' Ed Sheeran might be a step too far (and I'm not a fan of Sheeran!), but Suleiman was the perfect hangover cure for many, as he and his band rattled through their half-an-hour set, leaving you wanting far, far more. If there could be any criticism, it would be that his lyrics could develop moreso, hearing song after song about the generic 'lost woman' does tire after a bit, but this is a man to watch out for. Equally experiemental beatboxer Shlomo was another top pick. Using his loop machine, he treated us to stories of how he discovered his talent, a great cover of 'No Diggity' and a pulsating climax.

One of the most anticipated artists of 2013 were Brummie's Swim Deep. Scintiallating cuts of sun-laden summery tunes were released periodically by them throughout the year, before the release of debut album, 'Where The Heaven We Are' disappointed many, myself included. This set though, reignited some hope within me, that they can reach the heights promised by songs like 'Honey' and 'King City', as they impressed hugely in 'Arcade Fire'-esque blue facepaint. The all-important second record could make or break them.

Scots The Fratellis, know all about that, debut album 'Costello Music', providing them with a springboard into British music, before their follow-up 'Here We Stand' flopping, and the inevitable hiatus following. But they brought back memories of their 2006 breakthrough with hit after hit. Even the songs that weren't ingrained into our brains, were pretty good, bouncy tracks. However, throughout the set, bottles and cans of beer littered the stage, leading to frontman Jon Fratelli to warn 'one more of that and that's your lot'. It ceased the flow, but still was an unsavoury incident, and not the last of it at all…

The man most of the 12,000 festival-goers had flocked to see, Dizzee Rascal took to the stage a little after his 10pm start time, but delivered in a massive way. His set was eclectic and his famed live show, was a tour de force in pure entertainment. All he needed was his DJ, a couple of hype men and the stage was set for a victorious performance. His collaborations with other artists, opener 'Here 2 China' with Calvin Harris, 'Heavy', from Chase & Status and the excellent 'Dirtee Love' with Florence + the Machine, reminded you of the quality of Dizzee's back catalogue, but his standalone hits, 'Holiday', 'Bassline Junkie' and the sheer power of 'Bonkers', makes you wonder how long it will be before Dizzee headlines ascends to headliner status at one of the UK's greatest and biggest festivals.

With the crowd size having thinned out following Mr Rascal's Saturday night slot, I thought it best to check out the finer sights of Y Not on Sunday…the funfair! With a cheap roller disco, a cracking dodgems and a postponed paint fight, Sunday was a riotous day, with the sun finally coming out to dry the festival site considerably by the evening. It boosted the fatigued amongst the Y Not crowd, and was grand preparation for a fantastic end to the festival.

Derby band Joint Honours managed to fill the Allotment stage to the max, bringing some poppy, guitar-driven tunes to the fore and getting the crowd going hugely for late afternoon on a Sunday. One of my favourite bands of the minute, Palma Violets did not disappoint on the Main Stage. The powerful rock band, were uber-confident and strutting around the stage for an extended 45-minute set. 'Best Friends' has to be the biggie, but I cannot wait for their second album to drop so they can expand their ambitious sound and step up to the next level.

A switch in sound, to the hip-hop stylings of legends De La Soul. Hit after hit followed as the trio participated in some hilarious crowd participation, promoting inter-crowd rivalries, before daring the very same idiotic people who had pelted bottles at the Fratellis the previous day to try the same with them, but letting them know how stupid they were, provoking yet more acclaim. Their set was a perfect exercise in getting a field full of weary bodies to dance to some classic tunes for one last hour.

There was only one man who could close such a festival, take to the stage Y Not three-timer, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls. Frank's last outing in these parts came in 2009, a well-overdue return saw him rise to headliner status. The cult rocker entertained in huge doses, as he reeled through tracks from 2013's 'Tape Deck Heart', his fifth studio album, as well as crowd favourites 'I Still Believe' and 'Wessex Boy'. The riotous fireworks that marked the end of his hour and the end of the Y Not weekend were special and poignant.

Here was an artist and a festival that have never been better, Y Not will celebrate its tenth birthday next August and whilst it is hard to see just how it will be able to cram more goodness into one weekend, you can bet that organisers will try their hardest to make 2015 bigger and better than this stellar weekend!

Guilfest Review 2014

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After a year out, Guilfest returned with a bang to entertain with resounding success. The forecasted thunderstorms somehow avoided Stoke Park and apart from a few fat droplets, audiences basked in the heat of the weekend and took full advantage of all nine stages,

Guilfest may not have banked all the big names it could have, probably due to the gap year of red tape restrictions (and to predict the ticket numbers would be as difficult as Michael Fish predicting a storm) but there was certainly enough amazing music and entertainment for any festival goer (and their brood) to boast a rocking weekend.

Arriving Friday, it seemed quiet, but the punters soon gathered on Friday evening to see The Boomtown Rats, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, The Farm and Sham 69 to kick-start the weekend.

Guilfest catered for most tastes with the smaller Big Cheese and Vive La Rock stages throbbing with Punk, Ska, Metal and alternative bands, to help audiences forget the working week. Sham 69, Buzzcocks and Ruts DC were sharing jack leads with new up and coming bands, packing out the tents so that the audiences were bulging around the edges every night.

The ACM (Academy of Contemporary Music) stage was a great show of local talent: where new artists climb the ranks to make the main stage with a mix of special guests thrown-in including Roni Size.

The Good Time Guide Stage provided real rivalry to the main stage. Headlining on Sunday were Boney M taking audiences back to the 70’s and surprisingly announcing that they sang ‘No Woman No Cry’ before Bob Marley and performed a fantastic version along with all the hits giving everyone from 6 to 60 a chance to boogie and wiggle the balmy night away.

Juggling your viewing strategy was tough as there were often two or more cracking bands on at the same time on different stages but a swift trip between performances gave the opportunity to see a bit of Space, Public Service Broadcasting and Dreadzone and still benefit from the main stage atmosphere.

Friday day held great sounds from the likes of Doors Alive and Radio Riddler and all credit due to the artists to hold up the audience on the build up day when the crowds were still forming and the temperature was hitting a 30 degree high. I do struggle with crowds sitting around reading the Telegraph when there is a banging band on, but nonetheless the crowds grew by the minute creating a big atmosphere for the headliners.

Friday night rocked with charismatic Huey Morgan and the Fun Lovin’ Criminals blasting their alternative Hip Hop sound across the field getting everyone on their feet. The Boomtown Rats on full PA with Sir Bob strutting his stuff in some spangley getup, came on to close the night and fired on all cylinders with some great new-wave sounds as well as pounding through hits ‘Like clockwork’ and ‘Rat Trap’. The sound was good and still punky and for punters who remember ‘Tonic for the Troops’ were sent home happy festival goers.

 

Sunday night’s finale came around quickly when The Human League took to the main stage. The Sheffield band looked fresh and iconic on their neon dressed stage. They absolutely delivered to an excited audience and every song was a driving synthpop melody stirring our 80s nostalgia to the hilt. ‘Mirror Man’, ‘Don’t You Want Me’, ‘Love Action’ and all their hits reminded the crowd how good the songs still are and holding the test of time.

A perfect encore of Being Boiled ( their 1st single in ’78 ) followed by ‘Together in Electric Dreams’ produced by  none other than Giorgio Moroder was Phil Oakey’s greatest triumph and a fitting close to a very successful return of Guilfest.