secret fireworks' guide to glasgowbury 2009
This Saturday sees the return of the famous Glasgowbury festival to Draperstown and due to the recent revival of local music it promises to be brimming with quality music. And So I Watch You From Afar are set to headline the event (in their own words, their biggest ever show) with numerous bands such as General Fiasco and Cashier No 9 creeping further and further up the billing each year. With four stages, less than 24 hours and just under 50 bands playing I've selected a number of bands that have caught my eye over the past couple of months. There inevitably will be some clashes, but c'est la vie.
This band need no introduction, but just for the hell of it, I'll give them one. Instrumental balls to the wall rock doesn't sound like everyone's cup of tea, but their debut album has gained huge acclaim not only from the usual suspects but mainstream media as well. With truly magical live performances and a seemingly limitless amount of energy, ASIWYFA can turn geeky girls into rock chicks within 30 seconds. A band that were born to play festivals.
And So I Watch You From Afar (11pm-12am)
This band need no introduction, but just for the hell of it, I'll give them one. Instrumental balls to the wall rock doesn't sound like everyone's cup of tea, but their debut album has gained huge acclaim not only from the usual suspects but mainstream media as well. With truly magical live performances and a seemingly limitless amount of energy, ASIWYFA can turn geeky girls into rock chicks within 30 seconds. A band that were born to play festivals.
General Fiasco (9:45pm-10:15pm)
It's rare for a band to be lauded by serious music magazines like AU and Hotpress and to be able to make thousands of teenagers swoon, but General Fiasco seem to have that magic formula. Nothing complicated about them: just good old pop punk with insanely catchy melodies and great drumming from Leaky. Even if you're not a big fan the guys can put on a lovely show Owen is one of the best live vocalists I've ever heard, so this performance certainly won't be a damp squib. Potential crowd singalong for Rebel Get By.
LaFaro (7:15pm-8:00pm)
Dirty rock with more than a hint of punk, LaFaro have been turning heads in the months leading up to their debut album release. I had the chance to see the band in Oh Yeah Music Centre and they created this amazing atmosphere in the place despite the fact there were only about 15 people there: with a fully stocked crowd and good weather, we could be in for something really special. The new material from the album sounds strong and there's rarely a dull moment in the set, plus of course there's the track of this generation, Tuppenny Nudger.
The Good Fight (2:10pm-2:40pm)
There's a touch of Coldplay about this band, there's no denying that. Good for some people, not so good for others. The Coleraine bunch have been getting plenty of press recently for being the first support act announced for General Fiasco's Ulster Hall gig. With an ear for a good tune and an cracking track in "Landslide" (available free on NI Chart, but it's not great quality) they could be one to watch. I'll be interested to see if Ben can pull off those crazy high vocals live on stage, and that's my one fear about their slot.
Here Comes The Landed Gentry (9:15pm-10:00pm)
It will be my first time seeing the band but from the rave reviews I've heard of live performances this should be something special. A band that combine blues and country with a dose of old school rock Here Comes The Landed Gentry provide are one of those bands that you should go and see even if you haven't listened to them before. Fingers crossed we won't be disappointed. David Roy famously described the band as "a riot in a prison chapel": surely even the least inquisive person amongst us will want to find out what that sounds like.
The Q (4:30pm-5:00pm)
I thought this Derry band were robbed in the ATL Rock School competition, but they're still going strong. Armed to the teeth with hooks, lively guitars and witty lyrics the Q have turning heads over the past few years with Neil Hannon and Stu Bailie self proclaimed fans. Think of the Jam and the Undertones blended together with a dash of modernity and a shot of energy and you'll be halfway there to understanding the Q.
Kowalski (1:10pm-1:40pm)
It's time for Kowalski to stand up and be counted. Things have been pretty quiet from the band recently but apparently we'll see some new material at Glasgowbury. A fun band to watch and they've been promising for years but a new EP is important. Look out for "Japanese Waterfall" which the band are really excited about: will it stack up to earlier material? I hope so. We need Kowalski to kick ass.
A Plastic Rose (12:50pm-1:20pm)
Great live performers and super songwriters, A Plastic Rose have made shoegaze and passionate rock just that little bit more acceptable. With some of the nicest harmonies I've heard in a long long time and energetic drumming it's possible to be beautiful and devestating at the same time. Kids Don't Behave Like This is one of my favourite tracks of 2009, a song that builds and builds before exploding beautifully in a cavalcade of shouty vocals and crashing cymbals. One of the most exciting acts I've seen so far.
The Best Of The Rest...
The Jane Bradfords: no new material, apparently, will be featured but always a great act to see live. Deci Gallen's vocals have improved tenfold and everything seems to be clicking into place for the band.
Edit: I've been told that the guys will be playing one unreleased song that they've been playing for the past few months. This will probably be the end of The Jane Bradfords Mk 1: the acoustic gig in QUBSU with The Tallest Man On Earth will be the dawn of the JBs Mk 2, playing the new record and featuring an expanded lineup. Cheers!
Cashier No 9: not everyone's cup of tea, but the folk rock electronica shenanigans are always fun and the lads always deliver a stonking performance.
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Skruff: if only to listen to This Is Not OK. What a song.
Yes Cadets: if the weather is good and you don't mind missing the start of A Plastic Rose's set, check these guys out. They don't provide a wall of hugs, but their sugar coated dancey indie pop sound will be a great way to kick off the festival weather permitting.
Joe Echo: one of the strongest local singer songwriters I've heard over the past couple of years, Ciaran's proved that there is life after Leya. Risky experimental pop is his game and an incredible cover of If I Were A Boy reinvents the song completely. An eagerly awaited set.
Dutch Schultz: the pole dancers may not be taking part in this performance but these boys are a talented bunch of rockers. They haven't quite settled on a sound yet, but there's still plenty of time.
Inishowen Gospel Choir: probably best known for their Urban Hymns performance, this could turn into a wonderful happy clappy gig. And that's fine by me.
Pocket Promise: releasing their debut album and with one of the singles of 2009 Pocket Promise could be the surprise of the festival.
Haha, happy clappy sounds good. "Can't fully wait!" I hope it's good, my mum's decided to tag along...
ASIWYFA should be mind-blowing; glad you covered the JBs, I promised Deci I'd go and see them. Really hoping I get there in time to see Pocket Promise though, I've never seen them live.
(wot, no Cutaways?)
Laura
Well, I mean, it's not like I have beef with Cutaways, just my friends are still a little bit scarred from the last Cutaways gig I dragged them along to in Urban Outfitters. They're not for everyone.