Portsmouth
17th September 2011

Words and Photos: Richard Heaven

Another year, another Southsea Fest. Not many people can say they look forward to the ninth month with the return to school and the darkening of nights but personally I love it.  Why? Because for one day Southsea shuts its high street and the stores give their space for bands from all backgrounds to play for the public.

Opening the DIY stage was acoustic songstress Helen Chambers. After being a little unimpressed with her contribution to the 4 way split put out by Specialist Subject Records, I was pleasantly surprised that she comes across as a lot less country live. Indeed, her performance was humble and enjoyable – I’d be tempted to see her again if she played a coffee shop or small, acoustic orientated venue.

Next up was Brightons Jumping Ships. Having seen them sign to Alcopop! Records shortly after the release of their debut EP Orientation I was excited to finally see them live. Support has clearly been growing for the guys as the Edge of the Wedge quickly filled for their set. Jumping Ships played hard with a combination of songs from both Orientation and their newest EP Standard Bearer – I think that there can only be good things coming up for this band.

Jumping Ships

I headed over to the open mic stage to catch Huw Olesker and the Barebackers. Having shared a show with them on tour, I was interested to see how they tailored their performance for the all together more mellow surroundings of the local print store. By all logic, Reggae mixed with Punk and Synths should sound terrible but Huw & Co manage to pull it off. The crowd grew rather quickly, going from about ten to at least forty by the time Huw swapped his Ukelele for a bass and encouraged those watching to dance with their shoes on their hands. Because who can be down when you have shoes?

Huw Olesker

From here on I spent the rest of the festival at the Big Scary Monster / Alcopop! Records stage, only leaving to see who was playing next door at the Wedgewood Rooms. A third of Tangled Hair played next, which was enjoyable although I’ve never followed them or their previous band Colour closely so I feel that a lot of songs were lost on me.

The Melodramas were playing next door – a band that I could give or take musically – so I decided to give them a shot while Stagecoach set up. They were confident musicians but what really impressed me was their frontman – it was as if Jarvis Cocker and Ricky Wilson managed to create a love child.

After a short break Alcopop favourites Stagecoach took to the stage. I’m always surprised that these guys aren’t bigger then they are – after all, this year alone they’ve toured with Johnny Foreigner and landed support slots with Jimmy Eat World. They play a set featuring songs from both the Crash My Ride EP and Tazers EP as well as the singles Not Even Giles and Jonah Lomu. It was business as usual (and business is good!) for Stagecoach with enough singalong choruses, crowd invasions and dry humour to keep the crowd shouting for me. They never fail to entertain, although I wonder how long they can keep it up if a big break doesn’t happen soon.

Stagecoach

Now I’d heard of Talons before but I’ve never went beyond the odd YouTube search. Even as they set up you knew the next 45 minutes was going to be intense  – how could heavy instrumental rock featuring two violinists not be? I’ll keep it simple – they blew me away. Heavy, melodic and captivating? Definitely.

Talons

Due to a delayed start I would miss Johnny Foreigner so the last band of the night, for me, was The Xcerts. I’ve watched their evolution from three indie kids into an up-and-coming rock band over the last few years and tonight was a testimony to just how far they’ve come. They played a rather Scatterpop heavy set although they did delve into earlier material at the end after taking requests from the crowd. Despite having sound problems the crowd loved them, eventually causing the security to jump in and ruin the fun for the few plucky crowd surfers. They left the stage – and the crowd – sweat drenched and provided a suitable end for one of the south coasts best small festivals.

The Xcerts

 

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Leeds University
06/11/10

Words: Matt Benatan Photos: David Spickett

Damnation festival has a reputation for showcasing some of the biggest names in metal, hosting giants such as Raging Speedhorn, Skindred and My Dying Bride. This year was no exception. With a roster ranging from black metal alchemists Anaal Nathrakh to mathcore goliaths The Dillinger Escape Plan, Damnation 2010 was doomed for success.

Opening the festival on the Jagermeister stage were London-based metallers Mutant, though it took the likes of festival favourites Panic Cell to summon the crowd from their state of nonchalant lethargy. Striding to the centre of the stage, frontman Luke Bell bellowed, “Wake the fuck up people!”, and wake up they did. Now at the mercy of the band’s brutally energetic mix of thunderous grooves and storming riffs, pockets of energy began to spread infectiously through the crowd.

Panic Cell

Following Panic Cell’s ruthless sonic assault, it was hard to ignore the swelling congregation around the main stage. The room, barely at half capacity until this point, was now filled with anticipation as fans eagerly flooded in. After watching sound checks by a number of seemingly un-metal indie kids, I for one was surprised to see a young woman in red take centre stage. My surprise then swiftly turned to shock as she proceeded to launch into a shrieking, growl-fuelled vocal performance that would put most male thrash frontmen to shame. Safe to say, Rolo Tomassi had instantaneously captivated the crowd. With their elaborate fusion of chillingly atmospheric synth melodies and beautifully orchestrated dissonances, the band demonstrated effortless command of their art.  Their set also inspired the first circle pit of the festival, irrefutably demonstrating that Damnation 2010 was now in full swing.

Rolo Tomassi

Energy and enthusiasm were not however reserved solely for the main stage. While Rolo Tomassi brought the Jagermeister crowd to form, the Terrorizer and Rock Sound stages shook under the sonic force of Fen and Bonesaw. Soon after, experimental Leicester-based instrumentalists Maybeshewill geared up to face the audience. With an incredibly dynamic sound ranging from electronically augmented shoegaze to progressive metal, there’s no doubting that Maybeshewill are set to go far.

Maybeshewill

Back at the Jager stage, the crowd endured the aural revelry of deafening bassoons embellished with the iconic vocal of none other than… Kermit the frog. Embracing the theme tune from the Jim Henson classic as their intro music, Lawnmower Deth entered the scene. For a band that date back to the late 80’s, their reputation for live entertainment has grown to be legendary as the most successful parodists of the genre.  Their performance included a number of particularly ridiculous antics, including a crowd surfing race that involved a sombrero toting, poncho clad metalhead, as well as a rendition of their track ‘Satan’s Trampoline’, for which a member of the crowd was subjected to trampoline duties. All in all a thoroughly entertaining experience, and a testament to the sheer variety that the festival had to offer.

Accompanying the likes of The Mire and October File on the Rock Sound stage were Esoteric, who brought a hefty dose of doom metal to the stage. Donning what could only be described as a ‘Britney mic’, the vocalist and guitarist Greg Chandler led a brutally atmospheric performance. The crowd swayed appropriately, falling motionless at times as they submitted to the intense ambience that exuded from the aptly named Esoteric, who, though clearly masters of their genre, orchestrate a sound reserved for a select few.

Earthtone9

Following the comedic departure delivered by Lawnmower Deth, the crowd at the main stage were assaulted by an impressive display of killer riffs courtesy of Nottingham-based rockers Earthtone9. Having recently reformed to “remind everyone just how good they were” the band did not disappoint. Their blend of harsh metal hooks and Tool-esque dynamics injected pure adrenaline into the crowd, who were now moving as one single insurmountable pillar of energy. The savage ecstasy was not reserved only for the main stage, as witnessed by British hardcore metallers The Ocean. The primal vigour enveloped their crowd as they  gave a final high-octane performance, a suitably carnal finale to their tour with The Dillinger Escape Plan.

Paradise Lost

While the onslaught continued on the sub-stages, the main stage saw the likes of Paradise Lost bring a slightly more melodic tone to the crowd. The goth rockers walked on to a suitably dramatic orchestral intro, before breaking into fan favourite ‘The Rise of Denial’. Vocalist Nick Holmes was perhaps not as physically dynamic as some of the earlier frontmen, though this worked favourably, contributing a sense of modesty which aided the bands’ unfaltering connection with the crowd.

Finally, the end of the festival was nigh. With sweat dripping from every pore, and the stench of beer dominating the festival air, the festival-goers descended on the Jagermeister stage for one final profoundly intense performance. Long before the band were due to hit the stage, the crowd had been anxiously chanting in anticipation, eager to bear witness to the tonal an rhythmic onslaught that is The Dillinger Escape Plan. As the band hit the stage, the crowd exploded into a cacophonous display of cheering. As the band propelled into their first track, ‘Farwell, Mona Lisa’, they launched themselves rigorously around the stage, into the crowd, and amongst the rafters. This indomitable display of aggression formed the backbone of a visually intoxicating performance. The crowd inherited the performers’ insuperable zeal as the band hurled forth fanatical dynamism in the form of mathcore favourites such as ‘Milk Lizard’ and  ‘Sunshine the Werewolf’, as well as exploring more melodic aesthetics through the likes of ‘Black Bubblegum’. As the headliners made waste of the stage, the festival finally came to an explosive close.

The Dillinger Escape Plan Signing

With the guitar cabs ripped from the amplifiers and the drum kit in disarray, the desolate stage stood analogous to the physical exhaustion of the festival goers. Now ravished by the day’s festivities, and finished off by Dillinger’s aural and visual assault, thousands of contented metal fans made their way home. Damnation Festival successfully marches on through another year – continuing its tradition of championing diversity and eclecticism in music, and ensuring that metal fans have a damn good time.

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Jobbers Wood, Bishops Stortford
04/07/2010

Words: David Babb and Emma Bowdidge Photos: Emma Bowdidge

Now in it’s second year the Cazfest charity music festival was established in 2009 in memory of Caroline Johnstone (Caz). Caroline was a 17yr old ‘A’ level student from Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, while out with friends at a nightclub in 2008 she collapsed and despite prompt medical attention was unable to regain consciousness, the decision was made to turn off her life support 6 days later. Caroline died peacefully on 12th June 2008.
Organised by Caroline’s parents Lesley and Johnny and younger brother Ross with close family friends Cazfest is raising thousands for cardiac risk in the young (CRY). Heart failure is a condition which kills 12 young people in the UK every week.
Thanks to last years Cazfest over 200 local students were tested for signs of heart disease identifying problems in several students who received further testing and treatment proving that the testing is working.

A couple of local Bishop Stortford bands Roses In Rome and Bloodshot Summer kick start the day both with their unique sound of rock music. It’s a little quiet in front of the stage but it’s what you expect at the start of an all day festival with some top acts to enjoy later on in the evening. The next act solo artist Emily Jordan was recently in Africa at the World Cup to be exact to perform to 50,000 fans at a pre-concert for people who couldn’t get into the England Vs USA game but she’s now gracing the stage of Cazfest and treats us to her brand new single ‘Believe’ which was specially penned for the World Cup. Emily will be returning to South Africa to perform at another festival in Johannesburg’s Ellis Park Stadium ahead of the biggest match on earth, the World Cup final on July 11th.

Street Dancers

In-between change over’s throughout the day we’re treated to street dancers and other dance schools performing on the main stage which go down really well. When there’s not dancers on the stage keeping us entertained we’re reminded why we’re all here today with a rather emotional video message from Caz’s brother Ross on the big TV screen behind the stage. He talks about Caroline and raises awareness again about raising money for cardiac risk in the young (CRY).

Goldie DJ Set

Young Fathers

Back to the music Von Jergo bring their rockabilly/garage sound to the stage trying hard to pump the crowd up as front man Jonny Sumner jumps over the barriers and jumps around in front of the stage trying to get everyone who’s sitting watching the band peacefully to get up and jump about too, but to no avail. It was a shame to hear Billy Lunn of The Subways had to pull out due to ill health so the next remaining acts of the night were the one’s we’re all looking forward to seeing starting with The Holloways who get everyone up on their feet dancing and singing along to their catchy indie/punk music. While over in the dance tent Goldie takes over the decks to pump out fast drum and bass which fills the tent right up with people wanting to see the legendary Goldie in action and dance their feet off for an hour. All the way from Edinburgh and some familiar faces who played last years Cazfest are hip-hop trio Young Fathers who warm the crowd up nicely ready for the two major headliners on tonight’s bill Lemar and Tinchy Stryder to name drop.

Lemar

There’s a roar of screams as R&B sensation Lemar takes to the stage and kick starts his set with songs from his early career ‘Soulman’ and ‘Dance (With U)’. He states “This is my first time at Cazfest. Same time next year, yeah?”, the crowd agree without a second thought. Lemar puts on a fantastic set including more well known songs ’50-50′ and coming back for an encore after everyone screamed for more to play ‘The Way Love Goes’. Now it’s time for the hip-hop star Tinchy Stryder who’s not long arrived at Cazfest after playing a set at T4 On The Beach in Weston-Super-Mare this afternoon. From the start of Tinchy entering the stage the crowd whipped up into a frenzy screaming, jumping up and down waving their arms. Things really got going when he plays hit single ‘You’re Not Alone’ and treated fans to new single ‘In My System’. Other songs we’re treated to from his Catch 22 album are ‘Stryderman’ and ‘Never Leave You’.
Stryder rounds off his set with the well known N-Dubz collaboration ‘Number 1′ which he pauses during the chorus’ to listen to the crowd singing every word back to him.

Tinchy Stryder

With top acts such as Tinch Stryder, Lemar and Goldie along with many other artists and events this years number of festival goers easily eclipsed last years 2,500 visitors with final numbers expected to be over 3,000, this will result in many more students being screened this coming year and will continue to bring this condition to the publics awareness. All we can say now is roll on next years Cazfest!

For more information on CAZFEST and CRY please visit; www.cazfest.com and www.c-r-y.org.uk

Cazfest crowd enjoying Tinchy Stryder

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