TIED TO MACHINES
The band claims that their interests include “slagging each other till we cry” and with the technical issues that they suffered tears are likely to have followed. When they do get going they provide us with some punk rock that gets their small but dedicated following jumping.
Highlight ➜
Whenever we get to actually hear them after a lengthy delay.
[Review ➜ Robert]
PRETTY CHILD BACKFIRE
As the indie rock band launch into their set there is a distinct summery feel to the atmosphere. People flock over to hear a band that is very much on the up. ‘And All the Things Said in the Twilight’ is an example of why they are compared to Vampire Weekend. Feel good music for the masses.
Highlight ➜
They already have the crowd enthralled but newish track ‘the Swell and the Break’ is breathtakingly epic – there are definitely big things to come from these guys.
[Review ➜ Robert]
MOJO GOGO
Opening up the swaggering ‘Trigger’ Mojo GoGo play with a vigour that many bands would envy. Their sound while definitely has a foundation in rock also has a distinctly funky edge to it. When combining this rock funk with the sun beaming down there is a party atmosphere over at the main stage.
Highlight ➜
‘Hit and Run’, a song about whether to stop and help someone you have just run over or run away. Morally wrong but a great track all the same.
[Review ➜ Robert]
SOAK
There has been a lot of hype surrounding Londonderry born Bridie, with our own Paul Brown giving her ‘Trains’ EP a 5/5. She is accompanied by her trusty acoustic guitar and while there is clear potential it is clear there is more work to be done. The singer-song writer genre is jam packed and if she wasn’t so young one would have to say she might find it difficult to stand out.
Highlight ➜
Her confident performance is underlined by a surprising Bon Iver cover which is lapped up by her dedicated fans.
[Review ➜ Robert]
OUR KRYPTON SON
Chris McConaghy and his band are in fine form in the tent with their acoustic led indie rock drawing in some new fans. The songs are all wonderfully crafted and shine in the tent setting. Songs like ‘Plutonium’ are a bit more sedate on the record but in a live setting there is more of an oomph about their sound.
Highlight ➜
Catalonian Love Song’ is a beautifully simple song that has many swaying along.
[Review ➜ Robert]
TRIGGERMAN
It would be more of a surprise if Triggerman weren’t playing at Glasgowbury as the regulars perform with such an infectious passion and intensity that draws people in year after year. Renowned for their heavy riffs, fantastic choruses and of course Bap’s distinctive vocals, the band have the ‘Spurs of Rock’ stage rocking along to their main releases ‘Road to Damascus’ and ‘Wake the Dead.’
Highlight ➜
During their set two people dressed up in quite disturbing masks and on stilts wander through the crowd scaring adults and children alike but in fairness they do try and flog me a few of the Triggerman’s CDs in the process.
[Review ➜ Robert]
INTERMISSION
Band members Glen and Phil have already played many of the major festivals across the UK and supported countless bands and their experience in putting on a show is clear. ‘Save Yourself’ has an epic chorus that would fit easily on any rock radio playlist. The songs off their latest EP give the impression of a tight knit band that have the ability to not only make a mark on the NI scene but take it further afield as well.
Highlight ➜
When we are told that the inspiration behind ‘Shot’ is if you were stuck in a room with your brother who has turned into a zombie, and you are faced with the dilemma of whether to shoot him or not. It certainly had me thinking…
[Review ➜ Robert]
KATIE AND THE CARNIVAL
The reputation of Katie Richardson and her band continues to rise and today’s performance only serves to highlight this. In what can be described as vaudevillian style pop the Carnival draw one of the bigger crowds of the afternoon. ‘Long Long Time’ is a great pop song that gets the crowd clapping and dancing along. The strength of Katie’s voice is perfectly suited for their sound and with the help of her talented band they put on quite a show.
Highlight ➜
During the play of their latest and possibly best single ‘Dinosaur (A Little Fool to You)’ with its irresistibly catchy charms, the band is joined on stage by a collection of unicorns. Not to mention the giants drums that boom across the mountain as they are played.
[Review ➜ Robert]
SILHOUETTE
One of the most talking about bands of the year for their part in the TV ads for NI, there is an impressive crowd for Shauna and co. While they put on an energetic live show it seems that Shauna’s voice is struggling to keep up today, even mentioning how out of breath she is towards the end of the set. However it does little to damage the mood of the crowd as they enjoy ‘Volume Destroyed’ and ‘Running against the Wall’ and the numbers in front of the stage continues to swell.
Highlight ➜
You know you’re doing something right as a musician when you have hundreds of people singing along to your songs at gigs and ‘Can’t Keep Up’ draws a massive sing-a-long’ to what is one catchy track.
[Review ➜ Robert]
RUNAWAY GO
By the time I make my way to the G Sessions tent it is packed full of RunawayGo fans eager to see one of the most hotly tips bands play their Glasgowbury set. A set filled with their usual staples of ‘Alligator’ and ‘Electric’ off their EP they throw in a few new tracks including ‘One to Six.’ David’s enthusiasm is infectious and the crowd reaction to their set is without a doubt the best of the day with the band nearly drowned out by their fans when they run through the pop gem ‘Delicate Man’.
Highlight ➜
I would have said the fan reaction originally due to how immense that was BUT the announcement that new track ‘Slow Heart’ was for all the “dirty wee jumpers” seemed more appropriate. Trust me their debut album is going to be great.
[Review ➜ Robert]
RAMS POCKET RADIO
Another one of the most hotly tipped bands in the Northern Irish scene with Peter McCauley recently having taken his band on tour with Snow Patrol. The tent is pretty full as they launch into ‘Dogs Run In Packs’, which is a great piano driven piano ballad. It is probably all too easy to compare their sound to Gavin DeGraw but there is more of an edge to Rams sound. New song ‘Aria’ which features both Shauna and Peter helping out on the drums in what is an electro influenced track is a breath of fresh air.
Highlight ➜
‘Love is a Bitter Thing’ is the standout track of the set as Peter strips it all back to just a piano acoustic. I suspect a few girls may have shed a few tears in the front row…
[Review ➜ Robert]
PSYCATRON
As the festival reaches its final stages, Psycatron stand out as the alternative for Therapy?’s headlining slot. The circus tent that houses the G Sessions stage is transformed into a rather muddy clubnight. Whilst initially the capacity is barely half full, revellers slowly begin filtering through and can’t help but get caught up in the music. It’s a blinding set completely lacking in filler, and punctuated by a generous helping of strobe and laser lights.
Highlight ➜
Remixes of 80s anthems by New Order and Dead or Alive go down a treat with high spirited campers.
[Review ➜ Grace]
FIGHTING WITH WIRE
Fighting With Wire have a job to do, and they launch straight on to the mainstage with no frills. An older crowd filled with dedicated fans and newcomers alike gather to watch this Derry trio perform. Hit songs such as “Everyone Needs A Nemesis” are received as happily as new material, but I can’t help but wonder whether the festival goers have hit an early evening lull as they tend to remain static through the set.
Highlight ➜
Got to be lead singer Cahir O’ Doherty’s new non-hipster haircut.
[Review ➜ Grace]
LAFARO
The tent is packed out with LaFaro’s league of loyal fans as they rip up the stage. This is one of the more heavy acts the festival will see today, and it’s obviously appreciated by everyone in attendance. By this stage the moshpit has evolved from slightly-sticky-mud to swampy quagmire and claims quite a few unwitting crowdsurfers before the set is over. Every riff, beat and yell is delivered with a ferocity befitting LaFaro. The band claim not to have rehearsed “The Ballad of Burnt Dave”, but it sounds great nonetheless – as does personal favourite “Tupenny Nudger”. The only problem with this set is that is isn’t long enough. You can blame a pesky kick drum mic for that and Alan Lynn preparing to take the stage with Therapy?
Highlight ➜
Some entertaining banter involving miming golf swings.
[Review ➜ Grace]
MOJO FURY
Fresh from headlining Pigstock it is clear the band is eager to kick on and get some momentum going. ‘Colour of the Bear’ showcases Mike Mormeecha’s vocals as well as some drumming from the main man himself. Rather than playing it safe with their tried and tested material Mojo provide us with an insight into their next record which is already sounding great. Although we do get treated to ‘Origami Bird’ a personal favourite of mine.
Highlight ➜
Whenever the crowd hear the opening of ‘We Should Just Run Away’ there is a mighty cheer before the crowd really start moving and joining in on the rocking chorus. Plus the bonus of not getting drenched like at Pigstock!
[Review ➜ Robert]
JAPANESE POPSTARS
While I did watch the majority of their set I must point out that electronic music is not generally my cup of tea and therefore I thought it was a bit unfair to give them a proper review. The one song I did recognise was opener ‘Let Go’ which caused many people to run to the main stage to get in on the action.
Highlight ➜
The Japanese Popstars draw the biggest crowd of Glasgowbury 2012 as Eagle’s Rock turns into a massive rave where everyone seems to be having a good time.
[Review ➜ Robert]
PADDY NASH
If you were into something more upbeat than the heavy LaFaro or the electronic ‘Japanese Popstars’, the Eagle’s Rock Tent was the place to be. One of the surprises for me where the pure folky goodness of Paddy Nash and the Happy Enchiladas. The tent was so crowded that they opened up the side to let more people in. ‘Rubber Bullets’ an upbeat song despite its darker context being about a child during the troubles features a delightful kazoo. If only some other bands didn’t take themselves so seriously!
Highlight ➜
Seeing the entire crowd dancing about to ‘Works of Art’ a song about life, a chippy van and bingo, what more could you ask for?
[Review ➜ Robert]
THERAPY?
Not many bands can boast a back catalogue of 13 complete albums but tonight we are treated to a good selection of Therapy’s best tracks as they close what has been a fantastic Glasgowbury 2012. Even the rain which threatened to pour from the heavens just before they take to the stage suddenly vanishes. Newish tracks ‘Living In the Shadow of a Terrible Thing’ and ‘Before You, With You, After You’ go down well with the crowd but the die-hard fans are here for the older material and I even talked to a few people who came just to see ‘Therapy?’ which is very dedicated considering they were only on for just over an hour. They aren’t left disappointed as the band rattle through all the old classics like ‘If It Kills Me’and ‘Teethgrinder’ all getting a run out. However it must be said that the audience go mental with the odd moshpit or two breaking out through the crowd during ‘Screamager’ and then they jump right in to help the band on the unforgettable chorus from ‘Potato Junkie.’
Highlight ➜
A massive disappointment that regular drummer Neil Cooper is unavailable tonight but good news is that he is welcoming a new addition to his family. In his place though is Alan Lynn from LaFaro who are only just off stage themselves. The talented drummer puts in a cracking performance behind the kit. Also the cover of Joy Division’s ‘Isolation’ is an unexpected highlight.
[Review ➜ Robert]
EMPTY LUNGS
It’s barely afternoon, but Empty Lungs launch into their set with enough gusto to rival any headline act. Their unlikely pop-punk-meets-folk sound is a definite hit with a crowd more than happy to dance, sing, shout and generally do whatever lead singer Kevin Jones requires of them. The addition of a new guitarist to the line-up has certainly added strength to their already trademark anthemic choruses and powerful riffs. It’s great to see a band have as much fun as the audience do, and this is definitely the case with Empty Lungs!
Highlight ➜
Even Jones’ announcement that he was quitting being vegetarian after 8 years didn’t stop disgruntled animal lovers from loving the set.
[Review ➜ Grace]
MASTER AND DOG
Master and Dog take to the Small But Massive main stage with a mountainous backdrop more than fitting to their folk inspired songs. Under their new incarnation (previously John Shelly and the Creatures) they don’t draw the biggest crowd, but those who do attend are definite fans. Three part harmonies, copious guitars, glockenspiel and mandolin (and that is just a few of their many instruments) are used to great effect in a set filled with well written, tightly performed songs. Perhaps their greatest hit to date, “Long May You Reign” is well received, as is their latest single “Canada”. This set was let down only by a bad balance of instruments, with the lead guitar tending to dominate at times.
Highlight ➜
Without a doubt the performance of “Canada” – beautifully written and instantly catchy, in a perfect setting as well.
[Review ➜ Grace]
THE DEAD PRESIDENTS
This is the first time The Dead Presidents have graced the stage at Glasgowbury, and they take to it like a fish to water. Northern Ireland doesn’t see an awful lot of bands combining heavy funk with soul and rock, but The Presidents happily tick all the boxes. Not the type to do things by halves, this raucous troop gives a sense of occasion to the proceedings in matching grey suits and waistcoats. Charismatic frontman Matthew Wilson pads his way through each song with fantastic vocals and some equally impressive hip gyrations. Seriously funky bass lines coupled with a mean brass ensemble left no-one standing still from start to finish of a very impressive set.
Highlight ➜
Great interaction between band and audience, with the crowd singing back responses and dancing enthusiastically. This reviewer nearly got overturned by a crowd surfing Wilson, who unfortunately lost his “cowboy tie” in the scuffle!
[Review ➜ Grace]
WONDER VILLAINS
If you’re after a bit of a dance and a hop about, then Wonder Villains certainly provide with their set. Poppy and light-hearted as ever, they blaze through their catalogue of upbeat shouts and memorable riffs, including tracks such as “Baby Don’t Look Sad” and “Zola”. Each song comes with its own story: “Marshall” is (of course) written about Marshall from How I Met Your Mother. The Villains attract a younger crowd and cater especially for the family orientated element of Glasgowbury.
Highlight ➜
The combination of a Megadeth t-shirt and neon floral tights might not sound good in theory, but lead singer Eimear Coyle positively rocks it in practice.
[Review ➜ Grace]
POCKET BILLIARDS
Arguably one of the best acts to perform all day, it’s a wonder why Pocket Billiards don’t appear further up the running order. Consisting of a squad of musicians which makes even the main stage look poky (I start to lose count at 11) they take the festival by storm. Pocket Billiards charm lies in their life-loving attitude, and it is clearly contagious looking round at the sea of people jumping along to the ska/reggae rhythms. The set gains momentum, tops come off, and it all gets a bit moshy as Wonder Villains’ Eimear joins the stage to sing “Stick Around”.
Highlight ➜
Some pretty catchy keyboard playing, plus a semi-clad drummer – just for the ladies.
[Review ➜ Grace]
AXIS OF
Axis Of have just embarked on an ambitious tour of Ireland’s 32 counties, and this appearance at Glasgowbury is one to tick off their list. They are known for their energetic and raucous performances, and they certainly don’t fail to please this time. Their third year at the festival, they soar through favourites like “The World’s Oldest Computer”, “Lifehammer” and “Mendelssohnstrassa” (affectionately known as “bap ba, ba da da da da da da”).
Highlight ➜
Health and safety gets shown the middle finger as the crowd enjoys a shower of cava, courtesy of Empty Lungs, Pocket Billiards and More Than Conquerors. This reviewer will be more prepared for the front row next time with a cagoule and safety goggles.
[Review ➜ Grace]
KOWALSKI
A poppy and uplifting set from Kowalski is always sure to dispel an afternoon slump. The band is on form as they bounce out hit after hit, dotted here and there with new material including track “Let’s Start Over”. The sound is superb; Kowalski’s skill and experience comes across in a series of perfectly executed songs which could easily pass as recordings. “Get Back” stands out in all its shimmery summery freshness.
Highlight ➜
“Navigate November” – particularly when it breaks into a great synth-ridden, danceworthy beat towards the end.
[Review ➜ Grace]
MORE THAN CONQUERORS
It takes a little while for the crowd to wander over to the G Sessions stage from Silhouette, but when they do they are treated to a mind blowing performance from this Belfast based act. Fresh back from tour in the UK, it is clear that they have honed an honest and dynamic style. The band’s connection with their fans is palpable despite the barrier between stage and audience. Not least when frontman Kris Platt climbs into the middle of the pit – embracing mud and moshers alike!
Highlight ➜
New track “Jaw” sounds incredible, and it’s always a pleasure to see a musician who doesn’t shy away from double denim.
[Review ➜ Grace]
ROBERT
1. RunawayGO
2. Katie and The Carnival
3. Therapy?
PETER
1. More than Conquerors
2. Pocket Billiards
3. Lafaro
PATRICK
1. Mojo Fury
2. Rams’ Pocket Radio
3. Pocket Billiards
GRACE
1. The Dead Presidents
2. Pocket Billiards
3. More than Conquerors