Music festivals are brilliant craic, it’s a chance to discover some great music, bask in glorious sunshine and hang out with your friends. There is always one downside…clashes. It happens at festivals all around the world particularly those with multiple stages and while Glasgowbury’s organisers have done their best to prevent them it is nearly impossible to please everyone.
// VerseChorusVerse
Both VCV and Little Bear have had an outstanding year. VCV (aka Tony Wright) has just confirmed that his recent pledge campaign has reached it’s target and he will now proceed with releasing his debut solo album. His singles so far have revealed Tony to be an extremely talented singer song-writer and with a few of the guys from Lafaro acting as his band, this should be a set to remember.
// VS.
// Little Bear
On the other hand Little Bear replaced Two Door Cinema Club on the Other Voices line-up and blew away everyone. Their debut EP ‘I’d Let You Win’ is haunting yet beautiful and the rich vein of song-writing continues with their latest efforts ‘Night Dries Like Ink’ and ‘Killer’ both generating considerable excitement in the local and national press.
// More Than Conquerors
Even before both of these two make sure and catch the start of Million Dollar Reload’s set beforehand, one of the best rock bands from our wee country. One might bill this clash as the young whipper snappers against the older generation but that would be unfair on both bands. More Than Conquerors may well have age on their side but their live show has become slick and the opportunity to hear some new material from that debut album shouldn’t be missed.
// VS.
// Pocket Billiards
However Pocket Billiards bring the life and soul to any party. With a wide range of ska-punk tunes there is always a mad rush to whatever stage they’re playing. Their songs are inevitably foot tappers and their sets regularly feature plenty of wild dancing to the likes of classic Belfast tunes; ‘SPIDE,’ ‘Belfast Town,’ and ‘Last Chance to Dance.’
// Lafaro
Riff hungry Lafaro have been ridiculously quiet of late with the exception of a very sweaty Limelight show, so their re-awakening is hugely anticipated. Apparently work on some new material has been going well and we can expect some of it to be aired publicly for the first time. Mosh pits are a common occurrence rather than a rarity during their sets so make sure you are prepared to be battered and bruised.
// VS.
// The Bonnevilles
Critically acclaimed Garage bluesers The Bonnevilles have spent the last while touring after the release of ‘Folk Art & The Death of Electric Jesus’ in 2012. We are glad to have them home and excited to have them trekking up the mountain as the duo are often praised for their ability to create a wall of noise despite it only being the two of them.
What I initially planned to be a guide of which bands to go see during the clashes has led me to have a change of heart. My overall recommendation is that you should float between the stages. For most of the clashes there is some form of overlap and you would be wise to take advantage of it. So get down, catch your favourite bands and just generally enjoy yourselves!
Weekend Camping Tickets are £45 and are available directly from Glasgowbury