Underworld – A+
Most likely to…teach the new kids a lesson.
This wasn’t going to be “PG” by any means; the families parked at the Obelisk Arena swiftly exited before the start to avoid the piercing bombardment that ensued. It was an intense hour of continuous bass, unbelievable sounds and incredible dance moves. A fantastic Latitude moment.
P.S. “Born Slippy” is one of the greatest songs of all time, don’t even deny it.
The Comet Is Coming – A
Most likely to…play in the school orchestra
If jazz, techno and punk had a baby it would form this 3 piece. The sax draws you in whilst the synth pushes you away, and drum fills sort of glue it all together right nicely. The hour just sailed by, I was stuck in a trance of uninterrupted attention for most of it. Their set was a journey through darkness and discovery with 3 incredibly talented musicians, it perfectly filled the late Sunday night in the woods.
Crows – B+
Most likely to…flip the classroom tables and walk out.
Crows nailed it. The Sunrise Arena became a cloud of dust as their muffled vocals and thrashing guitars incited an absolute riot. The lead singer spent most of the time stirring up the young’uns and over 50s in the mixer, who responded surprisingly well to a searing display of give-you-goosebumps-rock. Mayhem. New ear drums required.
Working Men’s Club – A
Most likely to…sneak out early.
The lads put on quite a show, with a mix of songs with a drum machine, and songs with a drummer, along with funky bass lines and an impressive swagger. They were effortlessly cool from start to finish, very well dressed, and created a sort of disco-cum-post-punk, separating them from the rest of the drab. The kind that gets your toe tapping in the mud.
Life – B+
Most likely to…be friends with the older kids
The topless lead singer orchestrated the performance, supported by possibly the most talented bassist seen all weekend. She drove the songs to an anthemic sound, with lyrics reflecting a big middle finger to the twats we call our world leaders. Utterly unhinged yet brilliantly coherent in what they wanted to convey. Nadine Shah as a special guest also did not go amiss, modern-day legend.
Loyle Carner – A
Most likely to…be the teacher’s pet
I was always sceptical whether Loyle Carner could fill the main stage, but how wrong I was. He performed a mix of old and new material, delivered in his typically brilliant and friendly style, connecting himself with the audience and making him instantly likeable.
Kero Kero Bonito – D
Most likely to…be in bottom set.
Dwarfed by the scale of the BBC Sounds Stage, Kero Kero Bonito’s electro-pop failed to get the audience jiving along. Weak vocal delivery coupled with random synths and guitar riffs created a lack of any notable sound or tunes, it almost seemed like they hadn’t rehearsed. The lead singer then recited the “God of Rock” prayer from School of Rock. Promptly, interest was lost.
Black Country, New Road – C+
Most likely to…be put on suspension and get a call home.
The self-indulgence and lack of direction of this band’s live performances have oddly seen them praised, but, they lacked any real ‘punch’ really. The performance had no underbelly, no fire, just a couple of void musicians chipping into a rather bland sounding musical meander, cohesion amiss. I’m not really sure how many songs they played, or what they were about, or where they went, or what any of it was. You get the picture?
