dimanche 19 Jul 2009, 19h22m
After what I was convinced was going to become a complete washout of a festival I actually had an awesome time :)
Friday's lineup (for me) was nowhere near as good as Saturday's. A lot of heavy stuff, metal and although there were a few bands I really enjoyed and watched fully there was a lot of milling around… and drinking Badgers Bottom. Honestly, Badgers Bottom (a very very strong and pungent local cider) is the best stuff that can pass your lips. A few pints of that and you're anyones.
Some people I met last week at a You Animals gig recommended me to go see The Chapman Family - which I did. It was during their set the heavens opened and I was litterally soaked to the bone watching them. I could wring pints of water from my dress. They were worth sticking around for. 2000 Trees described them as 1 part early manics, 2 parts sonic youth… although I can see why they say that I wouldn't really agree… I think they come across a lot heavier live than they do on record. Either way am impressed with both live and recordings :)
In the evening Fightstar were headlining and I stuck around for a few tracks but then headed to the Leaf Lounge to watch Let's Tea Party, wish I'd cuaght their whole set! So much fun! I went in just as they started their cover of Way I Are - was fantastic. Bought their single and have listened to it lots since :)
Also worth a mention… Rolo Tomassi - not my thing at all and I only heard it from my tent (infact I had a little snooze whilst they were on) but they did sound really really good.
Saturday was much more 'me' - that said I was really disappointed with British Sea Power. I was hoping something far more… erm… engaging? Less boring? I'm not saying there weren't good… just I think I was expecting more.
Stand outs being…
Dananananaykroyd, Wild Beasts, Slow Club and Howard James Kenny.
Howard James Kenny was first on in the Leaf Lounge and proved to be the perfect cure to a groggy morning feeling. How one man's voice and an acoustic guitar can make such pretty music I don't know (yeah the excessive use of loop pedals helped!) but really, he was very very good. Probably my favourite discovery of the weekend :)
Hadn't heard Wild Beasts before but really enjoyed their set. Just sat back on the grass and muched and drank whilst enjoying them. Will give them more of a listen no am home!
Slow Club were Blood Red Shoes replacement. I was gutted when BRS pulled out - would have loved to see them but hey-ho. Slow Club were fab. Sat there with a cup of tea in the 'sun' and was perfect. Went up to the stage about halfway through and they were great, she was very funny.
Danananananykroyd were great fun. Honestly, haven't had that much fun whilst watching a band for a while. They got the audience going really well (the wall of hugs was lovely :)) and their tracks sound even better live. I was expecting them to be good but they were really fucking amazing :)
Lots of great bands, fun people (the Scooby Doo and Taz fight was amusing - I wish I'd taken pics), tasty food, quality booze and just a great atmosphere.
I managed to catch all of or most bits of…
Fightstar
The Chapman Family
Attack! Attack!
Let's Tea Party
Randall Stevens
Ruth Bewsey
British Sea Power
Red Light Company
Dananananaykroyd
Wild Beasts
Slow Club
Diagonal
Jay Jay Pistolet
Sara Schiralli
Aspen Sails
Vandeville Falls
Howard James Kenny