Field Day 2015 Review – Sunday

Field Day Sunday catered to a more rock and alternative following with a mix of new up-and-coming bands to legends including Patti Smith and Ride. Although the day did not sell out, it provided much more overall engagement from the artists which led to some stellar standout performances.
 

Brooklyn shoe-gaze group DIIV (named after a Nirvana song) formed in 2011 and have since released a debut LP. Looking like they just rolled out of bed, DIIV debuted some new unheard material on the Eat Your Own Ears Stage that sounded promising but slightly missed the mark. Fortunately, they redeemed themselves with playing older, more well known tracks including ‘How Long Have you Known’ and ‘Doused’, both of which received a warm reception from the crowd.
 

A quick sprint to the Verity stage left some time to catch up-and-coming London alt-rock trio Happyness who lit up the stage with their humble persona and chilled guitar sequences.
 

Mac DeMarco is known to always put on a good show and he definitely did not disappoint on the last date of their tour. The constant banter between the band-mates and the crowd led to lots of laughter and eventually to Mac crowd surfing over most of the Eat Your Own Ears stage to rapturous applause. The set did get awkward at times, especially when the band’s guitarist, Andy, got hit square in the face with an orange but this did not deter the band from delivering standout tracks including ‘Brother’, ‘Salad Days’ and a spur of the moment rendition of The Beatles’ ‘Blackbird’ by bassist Pierce (whilst Andy’s guitar was fixed). Love song ‘Together’ and a guitar solo from Andy finished off the set and left the crowd disappointed that it was over.
 

The former frontman of 90s Britpop favourites Supergrass, Gaz Coombes delivered a stellar solo set at the Shacklewell Arms tent. Having released 2 critically acclaimed LPs since going solo, it was of no surprise that Supergrass seemed like a distant memory. Tracks ‘20/20’ and ‘Break The Silence’ were met with strong appreciation and the meaningful and moving track ‘The Girl Who Fell To Earth’ cemented Gaz Coombes as a musician who is capable of anything.

Photos by Carolina Faruolo

Punk-rock legend Patti Smith was a well-received addition to the Field Day line-up. Performing her 1975 album ‘Horses’, the crowd felt every emotion possible – there were smiles, hugs and even tears by the end of the set. The most tear-jerking moment was towards the end of ‘Horses’ when Patti Smith paid tribute to lost musicians including Jimi Hendrix, Lou Reed and Brian Jones amongst others including John Nash. To the crowd’s surprise, more tracks were played including a splendid cover of The Who’s ‘My Generation’ to finish and ultimate crowd pleaser ‘Because the Night’.
 

Another up-and-coming indie group, five-piece Londoners Gengahr filled the Verity tent with a smooth, easy listening sound perfect for the summer weather. Echoing vocals and clever time sequences showed the crowd that they are full of surprises and do not hesitate to push the boundaries, however small or large they might be. Gengahr are definitely a band to watch.
 

London’s Savages caused quite a buzz around Field Day as they had not played a UK show for quite some time but they truly stood out. Tearing up the Shacklewell Arms stage to a packed out crowd, front woman Jehnny Beth oozed confidence and cool, crowd surfing through the audience and fuelling the already rowdy crowd to get even rowdier. ‘City’s Full’ kicked off the set with new material quickly following.  Jehnny informed the crowd of a new record in the works and vented her frustration of the current political climate with a short, snappy track – ‘Fucker’ and ended the set with gritty track ‘Husbands’. From what we saw of today’s set, Savages will only keep getting better and better.
 

Dutch 24-year-old Jacco Gardner sounds (and looks) like something straight from the 60s with his echoing high vocals and psych-pop guitar melodies. Playing the Verity tent to a packed out crowd, Jacco Gardner’s vocals sadly got lost at times and therefore did not have the same effect as on record.
 

Ride’s headline set was a big deal – it was a reunion. Their debut album ‘Nowhere’ still holds the status as one of the best shoe-gaze albums (and one you should listen to before you die!). This was their first gig together as a full band in twenty years, which led to a lot of emotional people in the crowd at the Eat Your Own Ears stage. Ride played so tightly together that you never would have guessed they ever broke up. Career-spanning tracks played included ‘Birdman’ and ‘Leave Them All Behind’, which closed this year’s Field Day. 

Photos by Carolina Faruolo

Open’er Festival confirms Everything Everything, Mount Kimbie and more!

The line-up for this year's Open’er Festival is ever expanding as more outstanding major acts confirm for 2013’s edition.
 
Some amazing worldwide reowned acts join the Open'er bill today alongside a shining array of some of Poland's freshest and biggest selling music talent. Here they are…
 
Everything Everything

Can pop queen Beyoncé meet the avant-garde Arvo Part and twisted Mr Bungle on one record? Yes, if we're talking Everything Everything. Their second release "Arc" only confirmed that the Manchester band is among the most interesting ones on current UK scene. Combining an intelligent approach to art-rock with seeking their own interpretation of music, based on beat and the pulse

Everything Everything

 
Mount Kimbie
Mount Kimbie are two producers – Dominic Maker and Kai Campos – who discovered their style in late dubstep, a hushed sound famous from the albums by The xx and James Blake. Their music is minimalist, with many omissions, yet also danceable beats and pulsating bass. They debuted in 2010 with a well-received LP "Crooks & Lover”, which featured their most popular song to date: "Carbonated"
 
The National

You really thought Open’er 2013 could happen without The National? Only a few European dates (often headlining), and among them one at our festival, makes us proud and happy to welcome Matt Berninger's band to Open'er Main Stage again. The timing is perfect – for a few weeks, we've been enjoying the brand new, 6th studio album from the American band. "Trouble Will Find Me" is a full-on follow-up to "High Violet", both in terms in chronology and music and lyrics
Savages
 The all-female post-punk quartet Savages formed in early 2012, and released their debut single "Flying To Berlin" exactly a year ago. This was enough for the girls to surface the blogosphere and join trend-setting parties like New York's CMJ Maraton. Savages didn't take long to get signed (to Matador Records) or to record a debut album – "Silence Yourself" was released early in May  
 
Palma Violets
Often compared to The Libertines, Palma Violets rose to fame thanks to the path set out by Arctic Monkeys. Their internet popularity is the fruit of videos, depicting their chaotic, ultra-energetic concerts and social media. The grassroots success was soon backed up with big musical media – Palma Violets were listed in BBC Sound of 2013
 
Rykarda Parasol
A singer who swapped opera singing for rock music ten years ago, playing it in a dark manner, not unlike Nick Cave and PJ Harvey. She recorded her new, third album in her native San Francisco
 
Pianohooligan
Pianohooligan is the wild spirit of Polish jazz. A regular to international festivals. Real name Piotr Orzechowski, he experiments with his looks, but most of all with his music. Last year saw the release of his album "Experiment: Penderecki”, featuring works inspired by the distinguished Polish maestro
 
Stroon
Stroon is a Slovakian electronic music producer, who feels most comfortable in post-dubstep. He usually collaborates with different groups and projects
 
Plum
Two weeks ago, Plum played a great show at Barcelona's Primavera Sound. We could see with our own eyes how the crowd grew and grew with each minute, quickly turning from concentration to wild dancing
 
Fuka Lata
 Fuka Lata were another Polish highlight of Primavera Sound. The Warsaw duo performs psychedelic synth pop, easy to love for all retro music fans
 
Kim Nowak
Kim Nowak seemed to be a one-off side project for Waglewski brothers, usually working with their hip-hop projects. Lucklilly, they became a full-time group, who followed their great debut with an even better, darker release "Wilk"
 
Vienio (Profil Pokoleń)
Kapitan Nemo, Tomek Lipiński, Dezerter and Kodym (Apteka) are all guests invited by Vienio, the co-founder member of Molesta, rapper and journalist, to collaborate on his new solo album"Profil Pokoleń”. The release is a result of Vienio's meetings with musicians that shook the Polish scene in the 1980s
 
Łąki Łan
As this year's Open'er key visual is a grass ball, we absolutely had to inscribe Łąki Łan into it, especially when the gents have proven more than once that the Gdynia airport is their natural habitat
 
Ballady i Romanse/Igor Boxx
The Open'er audience had a chance to see both Ballady i Romanse and Igor Boxx of Skalpel on Open'er stages. This year, the musicians will meet in the same time and place, although with a very different repertoire
 
Sorry Boys
"The Sun", the first premiere song from Sorry Boys in two years, shows a new direction in their sound. You can hear hints of Bat For Lashes, Niki & The Dove, or even Kate Bus
 
hipiersoniK
A new project on the Polish scene, yet very successful both locally and abroad (they toured the UK with Hawkwind). hipiersoniK are inspired by cyber-punk culture, both in their music and lyrics
 
Semantik Punk
Semantik punk is a new name of Moja Adrenalina. The change of name came with the breakthrough album "abcdefghijklmnoprstuwxyz". It was produced by Rick Robinson, who was behind the decks while recording legendary albums by Sepultura and Slipknot
 
L.U.C & Motion Trio
L.U.C and Motion Trio will be Open’er's live premiere. What put the world-famous accordion trio with the musically hyperactive L.U.C? First, they met by chance at a hotel, and then took a step-by-step artistic path to find unusual musical solutions, finally releasing the album "Nic Się nie Stało”.
 
Please The Trees
Please The Trees are an alternative highlight of Czech alternative, who plant a new tree in every town they play. Awarded in their home country, often compared to The National and regular live acts abroad, they recently released their third album "A Forest Affair"
 
Hot Casandra
Hot Casandra – a Romanian electronic duo with a strong electropop drive. Currently residing in London, they've been venturing further and further onto the European scene, which is proven by their invitation to Open’er

 

Massive lineup additions to this years Bestival

LIVE MUSIC FROM:
JAMES BLAKE / SAVAGES / COURTNEY PINE / MAX ROMEO / WILLY MOON / THE 1975 / CLEAN BANDIT / LONDON GRAMMAR / THE CHILD OF LOV / MUSICAL YOUTH / EVIAN CHRIST / PARQUET COURTS / MOLOTOV JUKEBOX / MOULETTES / 'INTRODUCING' RECREATE 'DISCOVERY' LIVE / FILTHY BOY / WHEELCHAIR SPORTS CAMP / ADY SULEIMAN / HUDSON TAYLOR / CHAMPS / WOODPECKER WOOLIAMS / LLOYD YATES / BARBAROSSA / THE KEEPSAKES / ISAIAH DREADS / PARLOUR FLAMES / CHARLEY MACAULAY / DEVILMAN 

DJ SETS FROM:
NUMBERS: TWEAKAHOLIC FEAT JACKMASTER & SPENCER / BICEP / HIEROGLYPHIC BEING / ADDISON GROOVE/ ONEMAN / PSYCHEMAGIK / HAPPA / CHRIS COCO / PBR STREETGANG / DJ SCOTCH EGG / MISTY CONDITIONS / BILL BREWSTER / COPY PASTE SOUL / KRYSKO / APPLESCAL / PETE GOODING B2B DANNY WHITEHEAD / PATHAAN / JOHNNO (BUGGED OUT) / SUNDAY BEST FORUM ALLSTARS / FLYING WHITE DOTS / MARCH HARE / GUTTERSLUT

With an already gargantuan line-up featuring Elton JohnSnoop DoggMIAFranz FerdinandWu-Tang ClanThe Flaming LipsRichie Hawtin and Carl Cox to name but a few, we’ve got 10 fields of wonderment with over 20 stages, big soundsystems, insane sideshows, magical happenings and so much more in our 24-hour escapist world, and we’re going full steam ahead this September 5-8 to Robin Hill Country Park for the party of our lives, at the greatest show on earth!

Rob da Bank says: "Bestival is ten years old this year and i always want our festival to stay fresh and new so im well pleased with the latest artist additions… Courtney Pine, legendary jazz musician, is going to open the whole birthday spectacular on the Thursday and from that point on we're gonna be treated to a plethora of new bands and talent from new indie upstarts Savages and London Grammar to incredible electronic explorations from Hieroglyphic Being and Evian Christ. Not forgetting returning hero James Blake whos part of the fabric of recent Bestivals. Hope you enjoy listening to all this lovely lot!"

James BlakeGetting into the buccaneering Bestival spirit we’re very pleased to announce that James Blake will be bringing his atmospheric bass adventures to captivate the crowds. One of the brightest talents to emerge in the past five years, James’s singular sound is one definitely not to be missed. We’re also very excited to announce that UK Jazz giant and all round legend Courtney Pine will be opening the show at our 10th Birthday party on Thursday evening. Renowned for pushing sonic boundaries, there couldn’t be a more apt opener for what is destined to be Bestival’s most mind-expanding extravaganza yet!
 
We’ll also have music across the weekend from reggae kingpin Max Romeo, super-bombastic doo-wop visionary Willy Moon, anthemic guitar pop types The 1975, classical-electronica crossover geniuses Clean Bandit, hotly-tipped electro-pop trio London Grammar, the frankly sublime The Child of Lov, 80s reggae supernova Musical Youth, footwork fanatic Evian Christ, Brooklyn punks Parquet Courts, genre colliding six-piece Molotov Jukebox, alt folkers Moulettes and the jaw-droppingly authentic 'Introducing' recreate 'Discovery' live

There will also be plenty more live music from Filthy BoyWheelchair Sports CampAdy SuleimanHudson TaylorChampsWoodpecker WooliamsLloyd YatesBarbarossaThe KeepsakesIsaiah DreadsParlour FlamesCharley Macaulay and Devilman.

Tenth anniversary late night booty shaking action will also be in plentiful supply with a series of super-fat soundsystems due to be announced in the coming months but just to whet your appetites we can reveal that Numbers will be showcasing Tweakaholic featuring Jackmaster & Spencer, sleazy four-four from Bicep, there will be Chicago vibes from Hieroglyphic Being, heady jams from Addison Groove, underground party joints from Rinse FM’s Oneman, consciousness expanding sounds from Psychemagik, bass alchemy from Happa and dreamy euphoria from the one and only Chris Coco.

Plus there will be deck destroying sets from PBR StreetgangDJ Scotch EggMisty Conditions , Bill BrewsterCopy Paste SoulKryskoApplescalPete Gooding B2B Danny WhiteheadPathaanJohnno (Bugged Out)Sunday Best Forum AllstarsFlying White DotsMarch Hare  and Gutterslut.

Metronomy and more added to Green Man Festival lineup!

Since then, The English Riviera – Metronomy’s incredible third album – has catapulted the band into the stratosphere: a gorgeous, unashamed pop record full of languid, sunset funk songs tailor-made for a balmy summer’s evening.

Featuring the already classic singles Everything Goes My Way and The Look, The English Riviera was undoubtedly one of the defining records of last year. We know you’ll join us in welcoming Metronomy back to Green Man 2012 with open arms – it should be a night to remember!

Also newly added to the line-up for this summer’s Green Man are…

Savages – all-girl four piece Savages have smashed their way on to the music scene, only playing their debut show at the beginning of the year, their intense and energetic live shows have been excited fans and critics alike, being described by many as the best new band in London.

Loney, Dear – the Swedish singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Emil Svanangen, released his utterly stunning latest album Hall Music at the end of 2011. His live set promises to be a real treat.

Tom Williams & The Boat – following their enchanting performance at our annual Boat Party we’ve invited the six piece to join us in the Black Mountains. Their new album Teenage Blood which was released last month via the ever-discerning Moshi Moshi label, showcases the poetic sharp wit and heartfelt tales of love lost from the six-piece “anti-folk” band.

Head over to the Walled Garden where a whole host of top DJs and our 24hr bars will keep the celebrations going well into the early hours!!

I/O (Stornoway Afrogrids DJ set) – we're welcoming Stornoway back to the Black Mountains with open arms but this year they'll be spinning some records to this special DJ set

Communion DJs (featuring Michael Kiwanuka) – founded by Ben Lovett (Mumford and Sons), musician Kevin Jones, and acclaimed producer Ian Grimble, the Communion label quickly grown into a flourishing hub of new talent, working with artists such as by Marcus Foster, Matt Corby, Johnny Flynn, Alessi's Ark, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, and many more!

Cover to Cover – the brainchild Sean Rowley (Guilty Pleasures) and Christian Laing (Buttoned Down Disco) take you on a weird and wonderful journey as they celebrate cover versions from right across the genres including oddities you will never of heard of, until now!

Adam Walton Crackling Vinyl – listen in to his Saturday night BBC Radio Wales show and you can hear the likes of Sun Ra, Fairport Convention, Big Black, War and Westlife, all rubbing shoulders with the finest new Welsh musical talent.

Jen Long – following her much talked about DJ set last year’s festival we’ve invited the new music journalist and BBC Introducing DJ back to the Walled Garden on Friday night.

And the great music doesn’t stop there:  Chai Wallahs make sure the party will continue long into the night with over 40 live bands and DJs playing the very best in reggae, rap, blues, jazz, hip hop, dub and dance!

A giant Bedouin marquee serving a feast of food and drink until 5am daily, Chai Wallahs is the perfect place for a lazy, hazy afternoon chill or a late night dancefloor freakout. Check out the latest amazing acts joining the ever-expanding line-up:

Dizraeli & The Small Gods – a 7 piece band from England, playing a folked, melodic, unashamedly heartfelt reinvention of hiphop.

Coda – live dubstep band from London, who’s sets fuse together the raw energy of a traditional band performance with the flow, excitement and hype of a DJ set.

Heymoonshaker – duo Dave Crowe and Andy BaLcon met in New Zealand, they now bring their beat box & blues to the Black Mountains!

Laid Blak – Brought together by producer DJ Bunjy and MC Joe Peng, their musical direction took a course that has led them to seek out some of Bristol’s finest musicians, and what started as a studio project evolved into this acclaimed live act…Laid Blak.

Polaroid 85 – Their soulful, piano-led compositions are infused with elements of jazz, drum’n’bass, dubstep, broken-beat, world, classical and folk music, taking the listener on a varied sonic journey.

Also joining the Chai Wallahs’ line-up this year at Green Man are: Ambassaduers, Ariya Astrobeat Arkestra, Honeyfeet, Louis Barabbas & The Bedlam Six, Moneyshot, Nick Mulvey, Pat Dam Smyth, Rackabeat & Barlow,Sheelanagig, Syd Arthur, JFB vs Switch, Will & The People, and The Peoples String Foundation. – Check out the Chai Wallahs page for more details.