Category: Live Reviews

Wembley Arena
24.09.06

Jay Z is the greatest mainstream rapper alive. It’s as simple as that. So when he plays a show in London, you know I’m going to be there. Having seen him before, I knew he’d put on a great show, but nothing could have prepared me for what lay ahead. After having seen Kano rep for the UK and then seeing the crowd go crazy for latest up-and-comer Lupe Fiasco, DJ Green Lantern dropped a nice medley of Jigga songs to warm the crowd up before the man himself stepped on the stage with a casual demeanour which was his own way of swaggering.

Joined on stage by his hype man Memphis Bleek, Jay Z belted out What More Can I Say, Hola Hovito, IZZO [Hova], and even dropping AC/DC’s Back In Black as he rapped his huge hit 99 Problems. The crowd was pumped already, enjoying the music and the man himself as he split the arena in two, the people on his left being instructed to say “Jigga What” with us on his right shouting “Jigga Who” as that classic blasted out.

Personal favourite Dirt Off Your Shoulder was followed by Is That Yo Chick, with the Missy Elliott sample firing up even more cheers, and the old classic Can I Get A… brought the house down. Basically, Jay Z’s laid back flow and his calm interaction with the crowd was perfect amongst the pyro and shooting pillars of fire coming out from behind the stage. But something was coming that no-one was ready for and as soon as it happened, the volume was cranked up that bit higher.

Enter Nas. The rapper that famously had beef with Jay Z, but has since patched it up with the man who is now his boss, stepped out on stage and for a second there was silence as no-one could believe their eyes, but soon order was restored and the noise was deafening. If I Ruled The World, Hate Me Now and Made You Look were peppered at the baying thousands, before the highlight of the night happened – Jay and Nas teaming up on Dead Presidents.

After the heartfelt Song Cry, we had another special guest, with Jay Z’s current squeeze Beyoncé stepping to the stage to perform Crazy In Love, gyrating against her man during his verse. With Hard Knock Life gaining a sing-a-long, Jay performed a medley of tracks to celebrate the lives of Tupac, Jam Master Jay, Eazy E, Aaliyah, Left Eye and Biggie and ended with his encore of Big Pimpin’ and Encore. As glitter fell down on the crowd and pyro shot down from the ceiling, Jay Z told a male fan wearing a pink shirt that “you gotta be strong to pull that off”. He is a born entertainer and everyone left the Arena that night knowing that they got one hell of a show.

Abjekt

Cargo
20.09.06

Cargo is busy at the calmest of times, but when I walked into the venue just before Kid Koala stepped on stage, I knew exactly how Japanese commuters feel when they get crammed into their high speed trains. Sardines have more breathing room than this. Soon after DJ Sparky had done his thang, Kid Koala stepped on the stage to huge noise from the crowd as a siren sounded out, beginning what is a rare occurance – A Kid Koala live show in the UK.

I was excited to see what he’d do, seeing as his stuff on record is a lot of fun as he scratches up and jumbles all sorts of samples. His set began with some nice twanging guitars and harmonicas but the problem which carried on throughout the set occurred almost immediately – the bass was far too loud and often covered up the scratching he was doing on stage.

Playing a sample which said “bridging the gaps”, Koala did just that, playing big swampy bluesy numbers and mixing them in with hip hop vocals before his piece de resistance – the blues mosquito. Manipulating his equipment, he made a noise that sounded like a mosquito’s buzz before changing the pitch so it sounded like it was humming the blues. It was original and cool but the music he did it over didn’t fit and it sounded a little bit out of place.

Playing Spank Rock and De La Soul was a big crowd pleaser as was his Skanky Panky track which turned everyone in the crowd into a Jamaican, but still I felt a bit disappointed. He hardly scratched, the mixing sounded a bit lazy and as I said before, the bass blasted out a fair few of the tunes. Still, everyone else in the crowd seemed to be enjoying themselves, so it seems as though Kid Koala can still raise many smiles to many faces.

Abjekt

Camden Barfly
07.09.06

It’s a general misconception that the Gym Class Heroes clan should by default be another pop punk rock band due to the roster their label boasts. Fueledbyramen is the original home of Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco and The Academy Is…, but it’s safe to say that this group of misfits don’t fit into any of the genres in which those bands could be pegged. There’s no two ways about it, Gym Class Heroes are straight-up commercial (albeit slightly wacky) hip-hop. They’re too cool for school.

When GCH were last here a few months ago, they opened up for Fall Out Boy to dubious ears. Some threw bottles and got impatient and some cheered along, the fact that the artists were friends with their bigshot labelmates being enough to charm their little ears off. Now they’re back for a solo headlining tour, playing the same venues they did earlier in the year – although the crowd seem much more enthusiastic this time around. This is probably due to the fact that they’re showcasing new songs for the first time from hotly-tipped new album ‘As Cruel As School Children’, a record which will no doubt project the quartet into Academy hotspots on their next visit.

But back to tonight. The Barfly is sold out; a feat that is usually only achieved by true rising superstars. And packed in like well oiled (read: sweat-ridden) sardines in a can, the atmosphere is hard to resist. Soaking in the audience’s attire, it’s somewhat fun to note that a lot of people here aren’t dressed like emo punksters – they’re wearing backwards caps, low-riding pants and those unafraid of getting beaten up are even daring to flash a bit of bling. Already it’s evident that GCH have garnered their own audience, which is pleasing as previous to this visit they only had Fall Out Boy fans to rely on.

By the time Gym Class hit the stage, there’s already an impatient buzz filling the air. Weaving to the back in fear of passing out, suddenly you’re hit by a mass of industry people. Island Records have made an appearance, presumably due to the label link (Fall Out Boy are now on Island while the rest of the FBR bands are divided by their original indie label and Atlantic), as have, interestingly enough, a few talent scouts. Could this mean big things?

Due to the band’s top-notch performance, that’s quite likely. Opening with new single Queen and I, an intelligent first release from the new record considering most fans will probably presume it’s dedicated to the heritage of our country, it’s clear that GCH feel squashed. The Barfly stage is, for some reason, smaller due to a huge curtain sectioning off the back area. On about 3×10 sq ft of floor, they somehow manage to fit two guitarists, lead singer, drummer, keyboard/electro dude and, er, a touring back up rapper. Safe to say, there’s no room for movement. Although it doesn’t really matter as all frontman Travis McCoy seems to enjoy doing is bopping up and down as if on a pogo stick.

The sound system could be better, but is as expected for such a small space. Perspiring at a rapid pace, McCoy takes off his hoodie and suddenly this action causes a flashback – eyesight swiftly moving down his body, it’s apparent that we’ve entered the 90’s. Huge, unlaced, neon trainers? Oh yes, the Fresh Prince is most definitely back.

Unlike most other hip-hop artists, McCoy and gang don’t rely on tracking and iPods. Where electronics are used they’re mostly created there and then by their touring keyboardist, but centrally the instruments that hold the songs together are standard guitars and drums. This factor gives off a slightly more rock vibe than we’re used to – plus Travis mixes between singing and rapping (to the extent that, on the new album, there are songs in which he doesn’t rap at all). Slated as “the pioneers of indie hip-hop”, after this show I’m inclined to agree.

Perhaps one of the highlights of the night occurred towards the end. Guitarist Disashi started the intro to a Panic! At The Disco song (that band need no further introduction) and Travis yelled – “So who here knows this?”. To which there was an utterly surprising silence. No raised hands, no yelling, nothing. No-one knew. That little stint just goes to show that Gym Class Heroes are in a world of their own. They might be friends with punk boys, they might play with them and they might even get them to sing on their records but at the end of the day, the fact that they’ve managed to grow a thriving fanbase on just their second visit here speaks for itself. Expect big things to come, I know I can’t wait.

Cathy Reay

Manchester Academy 2.
16/09/06

Halloween in Manchester has arrived early. The queue outside Academy 2 is like a scene from Night of the Living Dead, and no-one dare be seen in anything but black and the occasional red stripe. Pasty faces, ghoulish make up, it can only mean one thing. Yes folks, Wednesday 13 is back in town.

Inside, Academy 2 isn’t the best venue in the world and when it’s only half full, it’s grimmer still but is probably largely down to the fact that media darlings Billy Talent are playing the main Academy next door. Still, Wednesday 13’s brand of tougue in cheek, deathly glam is still a draw and they have clearly built up much of a following.

It’s nearly a year since Wednedsay 13 played round these ‘ere parts, but now signed to a new record label and with an impressive second album under their belts, not to mention a snazzy little line up change, they are ready to unleash themselves again.

The atmosphere is charged and at 9.45 the familiar face of Racci Shay (ex-Dope /ex- The Rejects), minus dreadlocks leads the band into view of the awaited crowd. As Wednesday saunters onstage clad in skin tight jeans and leather jacket the few hundred fans here make enough noise for the people that are absent.

“Thank fuck for Jack Daniels and Manchester” shrieks Wednesday 13 halfway through his bands set as he thrashes and kicks his way through a well balanced set-list drawn from Transylvania 90210…and new album Fang Bang. Murderdolls tracks ‘I Love To Say Fuck’ and ‘197666‘ are also slung in for good measure.

It’s easy to get lost in the whimsical side of Wednesday 13. They are a band who know their appeal and know how to play the crowd, even if Wednesday himself does seem a little awkward when trying to conjure up audience participation. But, they are also a band who rock like a mother of fuckness. With Eric Griffin now playing his six string of choice, Nate Manor on bass and Raci “Sketchy” Shay now beating the tubs, the level of cohesion is stunning. Witnessing a band so in to what they are doing is infectious and the fact that they are a shit hot rock n roll band shouldn’t be overlooked. Moreover, Raci Shay is one of the best drummers to come out of the scene in recent times.

As ‘Last Night I walked With A Zombie’ and Murderdolls crowd fave ‘RAMBO‘ turn the floor into a pit it’s a feelgood, flawless performance and Wednesday 13 couldn’t have disappointed even if they tried. Everyone leaves sweaty, smiley and enthused by what they just witnessed, and that my friends demonstrates everything that is right with rock music today.

Jane Hawkes

Hammersmith Palais
10.09.06-11.09.06

The 2006 DMC World DJ Championships took place in London and once again didn’t disappoint. With 3 titles up for grabs, the competition was fierce from all across the globe and the crème de la crème brought their A games for the crowd this year.

First up was the World Supremacy crown, the battle event of the weekend. DJs each had two mini-sets to try and defeat the opponent and there were some serious fireworks in this event. The semi finals saw Japan’s DJ Coma edge out the British entrant Switch and France’s DJ Troubl’ saw off the challenge from Sweden’s DJ Ego in what was an entertaining viewing. The final itself was extremely close and it could have gone either way but when Coma dropped in some DnB and slightly better techniques, it swayed in his favour.

However, this was just the beginning for France’s entries as they powered they way through the two remaining contests. Before the Team Championship, we were treated to a bit of breaking, which saw Tenacious D take on Lil Tim in the final, which the almost constantly airborne Tim one, but huge big ups to D for the best character and unfaltering smile throughout!

The team event threw up some amazing routines and started off brilliantly with Taiwan’s Noise crew donning their 1980s power dress jackets and serious concentration. Dangerous Combination threw up some great guitar-effects with a guitar shaped turntable whilst dropping Nirvana before a masked team threw up some nice jazzy combinations.

With Canada’s Stylists bringing the raw hip hop flavour, America’s Animal Crackers throwing in some Korn and the UK’s Disablists coming so close to winning the crown, it was left to the 3 time champions C2C to once again wow the crowd and take the title for a 4th year in a row. No-one could argue with that, the best style and sound going.

Then on the Monday we had the main event – The World DJ Championship. The top DJs came up towards the end and we were treated to some real amazing styles. Sweden’s Kid Sid hit us with some huge basslines mixed up with electro and disco tracks before actually setting fire to his vinyl. Fred Funk brought some old skool steez to the plate, with his early 80s dress and awesome style and techniques, spinning around, hitting the crossfader with his nose and such.

Rafik from Germany was up next and delivered a flawless routine ending in Smells Like Teen Spirit before handing over to Japan’s Yasa. His routine was brilliant, showing great styles, even bettering Funk and really catching the imagination. He would’ve won if it hadn’t been for France’s DJ Netik throwing up some unbelievably heavy house sounds which he cut up and floored brilliantly. After his routine, he threw his arms in the air and paraded himself in front of the crowd, who seemed to think he was the winner.

And so it turned out, Netik picked up the $10,000 and golden stylus for first place, Yasa coming second and Rafik filling in the bronze positions. It was a perfect advertisement for turntablism and even those that didn’t place in the top 3 were worthy of all the applause they got. A brilliant weekend all in all.

Abjekt
[Photos by Jen Saul]

The Coronet
13.09.06

Ah how the tide has turned. After The Libertines disintegrated, Pete Doherty couldn’t blink without it making front page news, Babyshambles were the band du jour, a deal, an album and a supermodel girlfriend followed. But Carl Barat was biding his time. Fast forward a year, and of the two ex-Libertine leaders, one of them is riding the wave of success following their album Dave Sardy produced album ‘ Waterloo To Anywhere’ and is playing yet another sold out show after a hugely successful year- and the other one’s not even allowed out of The Priory after dark…

On this miserable September evening, Carl Barat and his Dirty Pretty Things are playing in support of the ‘Make Roads Safe’ campaign, after a spate of road deaths involving young people. The show tonight was partly in memory to three teenage girls, two sisters, Claire and Jennifer Stoddart, and their friend, Carla Took, who died after a crash in Suffolk on their way home from a Dirty Pretty Things show.

It’s down to the rakish Russell Brand, the swine, to introduce the fashionably tardy band, throwing a signed packet of rice (most of it ended up on Crossfire’s snapper’s top ….bad aim Mr Brand) , a plate signed by Paul Weller and half a bread roll to the unfriendly crowd. All of it is lobbed back at him, before he’s tackled by Didz Hammond as Dirty Pretty Things saunter onto the stage. Hammond is the only band member without a Libertines’ past, frontman Carl Barat and drummer Gary Powell were mainstays of the Albion’s finest, whilst guitarist Anthony Rossomondo stood in for Doherty on the Lib’s last tour, notably at Reading ’04 where the ‘will he won’t he show’ drew in the crowds on the main stage.

With their tight leather jackets, tousled hair and wild eyes, they launch into their set, with ‘You Fucking Love It‘ roared out from the crowd, and Barat’s right, they really do fucking love it. On stage the guys are frenetic, constantly spinning, the energy between them palpable as Barat twists the crowd around his little finger. ‘Dead Wood’ pushes the crowd to fever pitch, downstairs they press themselves closer to the stage, ‘The Enemy’ and the wonderful ‘Gin and Milk“, with Barat spitting out the lyrics ” No one gives a fuck for a values I would die for, not the faceless civil servants, not the rudimentary crack whore.” A highlight is an appearance from Paul Weller, which is worthy of Barat shrugging on his tight leather jacket again “I need to be wearing leather for this…” he grins.

‘Bang Bang You’re Dead’ tops the bill, with Rossomondo breathlessly eeking out the trumpet intro. In losing his partnership with Doherty, Barat seems to have streamlined his writing, the tracks on display tonight are all exciting, addictive and upbeat – they have that certain haunting charm that the Libertine’s material had, and as Barat has said in the past, the differences between the two bands are merely ” logistical, not philosophical.” Tonight’s show is pumped with adrenaline, the band are hiding high on their success and unleashed on the stage tonight the energy and passion is arresting. And despite ending with The Libertines’ ‘We Get Along’, they are a band in their own right, and whilst they’ll never shake off the Libertines ghost, they’re really coming into their own today.

Dee Massey
[Photos by Niki Kova’cs]

Brixton Academy
09.09.06

It was over two and a half years ago that Long Island emo-upstarts Brand New played a subdued show at The Astoria. Non-stop recording and touring seemed to have taken its toll, and tracks in the second album ‘Deja Entendu’ showed their discontent with touring. ‘My secrets for a buck. Watch me as I cut myself wide open on this stage. Yes, I am paid to spill my guts. I won’t see home till spring. Oh, I would kill for the Atlantic, but I am paid to make girls panic while I sing’ were just some of the tired lyrics written by Lacey.

Fast forward to Brixton Academy, September 2006. The venue sold out in days, the queue winding back on itself around the outside of the venue, skaters at Brixton Beach watching the trashed emo kids with bemusement. The long queue mean the kids have all the time in the world to get off their tits on White Lightning before being frisked at the door, meaning a few of them miss the show altogether, instead spending their night spewing in the gutter. Due to ‘planned engineering works’ on the northern line, we’re too late for the much hyped Say Anything, but from the moment Jesse Lacey and Co slide onto the stage to the intro of “Tautou‘, all disappointment is forgotten.

From the off set it’s clear, Brand New have reclaimed the passion and energy that seemed to elude them last time, but it’s a darker more intense sound. Lacey keeps his hood up for the opening tracks, silhouetted against the blood red backdrop, a sinister figure bereft of smiles for now.’Okay I Believe You But My Tommy Gun Don’t’ spits with arrogant lyrics ‘ I am heaven sent, don’t you dare forget’; Jesse Lacey’s deadpan vocals so hard and unbreakable, that juxtaposed next to the fragile ‘The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot’, it seems like he truly is ‘spilling his guts’ on the stage.

‘Guernica’, ‘ Me Vs Madonna Vs Elvis’ and ‘ I Will Play My Game Beneath The Spin Light’ are all sublime, the latter two’s lyrics again highlighting their malcontent with touring. Vinnie Accardi is like a wind up toy, going demented on bass, swirling and swirling on the side of the stage as Lacey finally breaks into a smile, and waves to the upper circles .’ How are you guys doing up there in the Highlands? You look fantastic’ he smiles coyly.

The new tracks debuted tonight are heavier, more progressive than the previous album, which was in itself a huge step forward from their debut ‘ Your Favourite Weapon’. Lacey has in the passed made efforts to distance the band from their old sound, and tonight they disappoint some by playing only three tracks from that album. ‘Seventy Times Seven’ retells how they fell out with Adam Lazarro of Taking Back Sunday, the line ‘ Is that what you call tact? You’re as subtle as a brick in the small of my brick’ is lyrically echoed in the TBS track ‘There’s No I In Team’.

‘Sic Transit Gloria’s thumping bassline rings out and the rest of the band leave Lacey churning out feedback and effects on stage, the red light catching his guitar, making it appear a red hot ember in his hands. It’s clear who the star of this act is. Two encores follow with Lacey alone on the stage at first for a rare outing for ‘ Soco Amaretto Lime’ is followed by stunning acoustic rendition of ‘ Jude Law And The Semester Abroad and finally ‘ Play Crack The Sky’, a somewhat depressing choice to end their triumphant night with, but then, Brand New are anything but run of the mill.

With their third album due out on Interscope on November 21st, it will be interesting to see where Brand New take us next. The show tonight reinforces our belief that Jesse Lacey and his band are supremely talented, and even if they alienate some fans by stepping away from their emo roots, they are sure to be winning over many more with their intensive, darker sounding new material. It’s good to have them back in the fold, here’s hoping they don’t leave it so long next time.

Dee Massey

It’s been a while since I have been excited about a Metalcore show. Now don’t get me wrong; I enjoy a wide variety of metal to hardcore. It’s my head banging, air guitar squealing, driving-while-double-kicking, throat callusing, wish-I-was-a-rock star music. But I’m not going to lie when I say that lately I have enjoyed getting back to my metal roots by listening to everything from Iron Maiden to Guns & Roses.

I have also been listening to some new indie projects that are combining much of melody I love with the technicality I crave. All that to say it had been far too long since I had the chance to shake my hips in the pit. Upon hearing about the SolidState/Ferret Music Silver Bullet Tour at the Key Club on Sunset in Hollywood , I was nothing short of excited.

Just when you thought there couldn’t be another great metalcore band on the scene, along came Destroy The Runner. Hailing from San Diego , California , this five piece power house was recently signed to Solid-State records. They meld technical guitars with powerful breakdowns, burly growls with high screams, and melodic vocals over a tight rhythm section. Make sure to arrive in time to see these guys. Their stage presence accompanied by their palpable love for what they do will make you and your friends kick of the show on the right foot. Keep an eye out for these guys as their first album drops on September 12th.

Next up was Ferret’s Legeia out of Massachusetts . To be fair, let me preface this by saying that its been a while since I have really liked a new hardcore band. So my first reaction was that of disappointment in their sound as they seemed like organized noise in strange time signatures, which is not usually my preferred cup of tea. Nevertheless as their set continued I was able to break down the barriers I put up (especially the reinforced concrete barricade that was constructed upon first glance of the lead singer’s backwards Boston Red Sox hat and inked biceps that would crush my head) and was able to enjoy their stop and start song layouts with their naughty breakdowns. Add a little stage presence and I didn’t doubt that their hometown shows throw down. Ultimately I was able to be challenged by the bands ambiance and reminded why hardcore exists. Legeia is a solid east coast hardcore band pretending to be nothing else, and that, above all, deserves your respect.

The venue had filled to near capacity and it was now a struggle to maintain your square foot of standing space as August Burns Red took the stage. Talk about an unassuming group of guys, dressed in shorts, loose jeans, and flip flops they definitely let their music speak for itself. From extremely technical guitars and bass following suit to the powerful break downs and blood curdling screams, I wouldn’t be surprised if these guys recorded their CD in one take. Their overall showmanship coupled with the smiles and genuine good time feel was definitely positively experienced by the crowd. If you like your metal tough and your breakdowns rough, ABR got more than enough.

It was a nice change of pace when Scary Kids Scaring Kids out of Phoenix, AZ took the stage. They are a high energy band with a live show to reckon with. Picture this: a keyboardist running around stage pounding his chest to the beat of their anthemic post-hardcore songs while the drummer kicks out his left foot when keeping the high hat open as both guitarists shred while exchanging back-up vocal parts and the lead singer shakes from side to side with his eyes close. Probably not doing their live show justice but may be worth picturing while listening on their Purevolume page. With harmonious vocals you can understand and the cherry on top of a powerful scream, this was a band that has mastered a very full sound while not sounding too crowded. Their set went a little long but by and large won me over.

By now it was late and I was tired of fighting the crowd. As the lights went black I knew the time had come for the main event. Not a soul had left the room. With a mellow blacked out intro, the tours headliner Haste The Day took the stage. The long time favorites in the Hardcore/Metal community know how to get the job done. Due to the dancey breakdowns and catchy lead and backup vocals, these guys exuded a confidence a passion for what they do. With the high energy stage presence and some amazing, dare I say perfect, musical performance they stole the hearts of every Metal lover in the crowd.

They even played my favorite song, “Blue” off their first disc released on Solid-State titled “Burning Bridges.” Most notably was the bands ability to sound near album quality. Haste the Day has been doing it strong for Solid-State and, by the looks of it, will continue to do so for a long time. This was the best show I have seen in ages. If you like metal check out The Silver Bullet Tour on www.solidstaterecords.com and check these bands out.

Words and photos by Shayne Garcia
www.shaynegarciaphoto.com

By Dee Massey and Alex Gosman

Friday

Dee’s Friday:

Ah Reading. It seems to come round all too quickly, and before you know it you’re dragging out your tent from the cupboard, wondering what the strange smell coming from the bottom of your rucksack it, hoping to god your inflatable mattress hasn’t sprung a leak (invariably..it has), and you’re off down the M4 again.

Stumbling onto the site on Wednesday afternoon it’s clear this year is going to be somewhat crazy. With Glastonbury having a year off, it seems every man and his dog have descended on Reading, and by Thursday morning the site is totally rammed, and there’s an unnerving amount of punters who’ve just come to the festival to cause carnage in the campsite, without tickets or any intention of seeing a band. But more of that later.

Friday dawns sunny, and although some of us are slightly feathery we do manage to crawl out of the campsite in time to see Charlie from Busted’s ‘Fightstar’ slink off the stage, having had a healthy amount of bottles thrown in their direction. Dashboard Confessional’s Chris Carrabba looks so damn smooth in his shades that the crowd forget to throw bottles of piss and really get into their set. His upbeat brand of emotive writing seems to hit a note, new single ‘Don’t Wait’ rings true and clear across the arena, and with ‘Hands Down’ you seem to forget the fact you were woken by some twat from Eastbourne pissing on your tent at 5am and relax into the festival vibe.

Panic! At The Disco don’t fare so well as Dashboard, and frontman Brendon Urie is the unhappy recipient to a bottle to the face within seconds of their opening number. It knocks him squarely off his feet and he lies prostrate on the stage. Kudos to this 18 yr old for having the guts to come back on stage, the shakiness of his voice and the angry red bruises on his cheeks testament to how shaken he must be. Singles ‘ I Write Sins not Tragedies’ and ‘ But It’s Better If You Do’ are sung back note perfect, and Panic can leave the festival safe in the knowledge they’ve gained respect from the difficult crowd.

The Subways played mid afternoon on a smaller stage last year, and they seem a little dazzled by their main stage audience, but by the time they reach ‘Oh Yeah’ and ‘ Rock n Roll Queen‘ they’ve getting into it. Frontman Billy Lunn and bassist Charlotte Cooper curl themselves around each other, the tension tangible until the last chord falls. Fall Out Boy follow, and they completely win over the crowd, their bubblegum punk pop seems to placate the rowdy audience, ‘Sugar We’re Going Down’ and ‘Dance Dance’ have the crowd spinning, Peter Wentz is charming and witty, it’s a pity most of the crowd have seen pictures of the less than impressive ‘Little Pete’ on the internet.

Over on The Carling Stage, The Twlight Singers, featuring Greg Dulli of The Afghan Whigs and Mark Lanagan of The Screaming Trees fame, are an absolute pleasure, (resulting in this reviewer going on a spree in Fopp earlier today!), and after the OD of american pop punk storming off the main stage, they’re a pared down, simple pleasure, combining the best of both bands. Meanwhile The Kaiser Chiefs kick off on the main stage, cocky swaggering guitars and Ricky Wilson’s wonderful arrogance really work, and their set goes down a stormer, literally – it starts pissing with rain about mid way through.

Torn between Bedouin Soundclash, Primal Scream and Franz Ferdinand for Friday headliners, we end up dodging the rain in the caberet tent and missing all three. The ‘Stars in Your Eyes’ karaoke is better than all the bands, and kudos to the Girls Aloud girls, who got more bottles than Panic at the Disco and still told the audience where to go.

Alex’s Friday:

We’re not really in the mood for anything too challenging or cerebral at this early hour, so it’s pretty handy that Towers Of London are here to kick off proceedings on the Main Stage. Donny Tourette and co.’s punk n’ roll posturing is entertaining enough, but their spirited renditions of ‘Fuck It Up’ and ‘On A Noose’ are also potent reminders to the designer-wellies brigade that festivals are, ultimately, a chance to revel in your own filth. Amen to that.

Over on the Lock-Up stage, Send More Paramedics mission to swell the ranks of the zombiecore massive has been thwarted by a power-cut. No wonder that when they finally restart, vocalist B’Hellmouth looks hungrier than ever as his band rip through a venomous ‘Zombie Vs. Shark’. Today, the smart money is on the undead. Municipal Waste may be lacking their customary boogie-boards and beer-bong, but their party thrash anthems are still a welcome treat, as the likes of ‘Unleash The Bastards’ and ‘Mind Eraser’ incite a non-stop circle pit down the front.

Today is Lightyear’s second-to-last gig, so it’s understandable that vocalist Chas decides to do the whole set naked, in a remarkably successful bid to make his band’s live experience even more memorable than usual. Truly, these guys will be missed. The insanity continues with Gogol Bordello, who are not so much a band as a riotous, colourful gypsy-punk carnival. Unsurprisingly, they play to a packed Second Stage tent, with the crowd dancing, whooping and hollering along to ‘Not A Crime’ and shoulda-been-a-hit ‘Start Wearing Purple’. Awesome stuff.

Back on the Lock-Up stage, Rise Against are giving a typically impassioned performance, but are let down by sound problems that render Chris Chasse’s guitar almost inaudible. Things don’t improve much for the Bouncing Souls who nevertheless delight the crowd with a selection of old favourites and a clutch of excellent new tracks from their recent ‘The Gold Record’ album; ‘Lean On Sheena’ is quite possibly the best song they’ve ever written.

The prospect of seeing Ice-T this side of the Atlantic again has prompted much excitement over Bodycount’s appearance on the Lock-Up stage; but underneath all the band’s macho posturing, there’s precious little to get excited about. ‘KKK Bitch’ and the infamous ‘Cop Killer’ are rare highlights of a set largely made up of generic, uninspiring rap-core that genre leaders like Suicidal Tendencies and Biohazard would surely balk at. The main man’s bark remains as loud as ever, but on tonight’s evidence, his bite is sorely lacking. Still, it was sweet of him to bring his son onstage for the finale. Bless.

Saturday

Dee’s Saturday:

Saturday sees the rain clearing, although metaphorically speaking it’s cloudy in the campsite. Note to self, never camp next to people whose sole intention for the weekend is to snort, inject and pop every narcotic known to man, and think it’s ok to crap outside their tent. Fair enough the new long drop loos aren’t so pretty but come on people! Yes it’s a festival but that doesn’t mean it’s ok to be completely neanderthal. Following one festival goer losing an eye at Leeds, and a Reading camper losing a very delicate part of his anatomy (read it and wince boys), the emphasis this year is on a calmer campsite, with a stronger police presence, fire marshals and camp site attendants – but to be honest, I’ve never seen it so volatile.

Security at the main gates is lax, and the security team seem happy to let their mates in with without passes, and there’s even a tent protection racket going on. The rumours of kids being mugged on the campsite and other having their tents burnt down to the floor when they’re refused to pay local chavs protection money puts a dampener on the proceedings.

Anyway, back to music. Sadly Paramore have bailed, due to a throat infection, so Sonic Boom Six open on the Lock Up Stage, followed by the irrepressible Captain Everything who really milk every minute of their set, with their screamo, fast paced punk stylings. Milburn take to the NME Stage and are a bit of a disappointment, sounding like a lesser Artic Monkeys, but The Automatic are actually pretty damn great live, with ‘Raoul‘ and ‘Monster’ resounding around the packed out tent. They’ve shrugged off accusations of being manufactured, and this storming set will have done a lot to silence their critics.

One of the highlights of the weekend is The Spinto Band, who’s new album ‘Nice And Nicely Done‘ really sums up their set. ‘Mandy’ and ‘Did I Tell You’ are sublime, these indie boys are a total pleasure to watch, if only their set was longer that the standard thirty minutes. It’s catching bands like this that make Reading worthwhile.

We stumble over to the main stage to catch the last remnants of Dirty Pretty Things, with Carl Barat proving there is life after The Libs, and cradling a broken collarbone from a bike accident. Feeder take to the stage, Grant Nicholas looking genuinely delighted to be there. Swinging through all their hits, from ‘Come Back Around‘, ‘Buck Rodgers’ and ‘Just A Day’. The performance is flawless, Feeder just get better with age.

Coheed And Cambria bring big hair and big riffs over to the NME stage, their long experimental solos seem at times a little self indulgent, but it’s the perfect backdrop to lie back on the grass and just let the progressive guitars drift over you. Back to the mainstage for the headliners Muse, and they take the Reading crowd by storm. Matt Bellamy is quite simply breathtaking with his guitar wizardry, rolling over tracks ‘Feeling Good’, Hysteria’, ‘Time is Running Out’, ‘Plug In Baby’ and the like. Every intro has the crowd buzzing with excitement, and despite playing to a backing track, they sound amazing. Bellamy has had a chaos button engineered into all his guitars, the result being heartstopping solos and waves of extreme sound tearing across the crowds. Keeping the small talk to a minimum the band Muse show they are so very a home in front of thousands, and are the perfect headliner to the middle night.

Alex’s Saturday:

Saturday morning heralds two nice surprises: not only have mediocre American emo-poppers Paramore pulled out at the last minute, but they’ve also been replaced by the far superior Sonic Boom Six. Clearly delighted by the huge crowd that greets their Lock-Up stage appearance, Laila and the boys are a blur of energy as they rip through their potent fusion of dub, ska, hip-hop and hardcore. The sight of the whole tent bouncing to the closing ‘Monkey See, Monkey Do’ speaks volumes; watch out for this lot.

Flogging Molly are playing twice today, but their early Main Stage slot is the finer of the two; not least for a heart-stirring rendition of ‘Whistles The Wind’ that provokes a mass sing-along from all present. There’s a real sense of self-belief and honesty to Dave King’s crew; a common touch that ensures that even the most hungover punters are half-heartedly attempting a jig by the time ‘What’s Left Of The Flag’ kicks into gear. One of the finest folk-punk bands around, no less.

Wolfmother have been making big waves since their first visit to these shores earlier this year, although I personally prefer the Datsuns in terms of Aussie bands with a punked-up Led Zep fixation. Still, singer/guitarist Andrew Stockdale’s huge afro provides a great focal point, and their Sabbath-esque riffage is a fine accompaniment to a cold beer on a sunny afternoon.

With a tap-dancer in place of a drummer, Tilly And The Wall shows are always a spectacular affair, and their Carling Stage appearance is deservedly well-attended. Some thoughtful punter has brought a lot of balloons, which bounce around the crowd as the band play their sweetly mischievous folk-pop songs. ‘Nights Of The Living Dead’ has blossomed into a true anthem; an ode to drunkenly kissing your best friend under a starlit sky, and being unafraid as to what might happen, just enjoying the moment and…oops, sorry, lost myself for a second there. Sigh.

Back on the Lock-Up stage, Against Me! have packed out the tent and are doing a fine job of proving their doubters that, despite their recent major-label signing, they’re still the same band; passionate, satirical and sounding better than ever these days. Hell, the sing-along to ‘Pints Of Guinness…‘ is one of the loudest of the day. Millencolin are comparatively less exciting to watch, but they’re certainly not lacking in the tunes department; with the likes of ‘No Cigar’, ‘Bullion‘ and automobile anthem ‘Fox’ greeted like old friends by the crowd.

Sunday:

Dee’s Sunday:

Sunday morning. Oh my god we made it to Sunday. Having avoided more campsite malarkey by sleeping in a car (for future reference VW Golfs are super comfy), it’s Metric who ease us into the last day with some drawling pop.

Taking Back Sunday woo the crowd, Adam Lazarro’s wonderful campness and quirky vocals seem to win over the crowd, and it’s another stunning performance from these Reading regulars. Their set fizzles with intensity, and they win over the crowd who genuinely get into the set. Less Than Jake are hilarious, causing the best chicken fights ever seen, piggybacked couples racing at each other. The ska punk lifts the mood and you can’t help but grin at their on stage antics, they’re not out to impress anyone, they’re here for a good time.

But in stark comparison My Chemical Romance get an ice cold reception from everyone but their fans, and Gerard Way does nothing to help himself, baiting and antagonising the crowd. The actual set is great, when he’s not talking up a shit storm about The Daily Mail or daring the crowd to throw all they have at him. Did he not hear about Panic?! The most exciting thing about Placebo’s set is the technical problems that lead to ‘the boobie cam’ coming out. The best part being the guys getting in on the act, I’ve never seen so many hairey nipples in my life.

And so to the Sunday headliners, Pearl Jam. The years have been kind to Eddie Vedder, and his wonderfully familiar drawl, the way he clasps his mic stand, the way he flutters his eyelids when hitting a note, it all comes tumbling back. Having avoided festivals since their 2000 tragedy in Denmark’s Roskilde festival, when several of their fans died after being crushed, he pleads with the crowd to look after each other, but he seems nervous, and it takes a good few minutes before he begins to look at ease on the stage. Picking and choosing the best of their many albums, they even add in ‘Chloe Crown of Thorns’ from Mother Love Bone. ‘Better Man’, ‘Ever Flow’, ‘Jeremy’ and ‘Alive’ are topped off with an excessively long encore with The Who’s Teenage Wasteland being the pinnacle. It’s a pleasure to see Pearl Jam back where they belong, and long may it last.

And so Reading draws to a close again. With so many British bands on the bill it’s good to see the UK music scene is so vibrant. But music aside, the powers that be need to sort out the situations in the camping sides of things, before someone really gets hurt.

Alex’s Sunday:

By Sunday morning, we’re all feeling very much the worse for wear; a fact that Mastodon clearly couldn’t care less about as they give our eardrums their toughest test yet. Mixing bizarre, off-kilter dynamics with some thunderously heavy riffs, Troy Sanders and co take advantage of their extended set time to treat us to some new material from their forthcoming ‘Blood Mountain’ album, which could well be their strongest to date. We nervously salute them.

Killswitch Engage are not only one of the better metalcore bands around right now, they’re also one of the funniest; mainly thanks to lead guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz introducing every other song in a mock death-metal growl. Even at this early hour, the soaring choruses of ‘When Darkness Falls’ and ‘Rose Of Sharyn’ sound utterly huge.

If there was ever a band suited to the Main Stage on a sunny afternoon, it’s Less Than Jake. Whether organising a ‘chicken fight’ for the reggae-esque ‘The Science Of Selling Yourself Short’ or whipping the crowd into a bouncing mass for the shout-along chorus of ‘Gainesville Rock City’, Chris, Roger and co. simply cannot fail today, bringing great tunes and good-natured silliness in abundance. Come back next year, guys!

We wander off to the bar whilst Bullet For My Valentine provide a lesson in how to ruin some perfectly good riffs with too much unnecessary emo-lite whining, resolving not to return to the pit until a proper metal band arrives. Cue Slayer. Kicking off with a teeth-rattling ‘South Of Heaven’, the US thrash titans are on blistering form today. Tom Araya may not speak much between songs, preferring to let the crowd’s chants of ‘Slay-uh! Slay-uh!’ ring free, but who cares when thrash classics like ‘Seasons In The Abyss’ and ‘Disciple’ still sound as vicious as ever? Oddly, we don’t get ‘Angel Of Death’ this time, but the closing ‘Raining Blood’ ensures many a bemused/distressed face among the Kaiser Chiefs fans. Good work, lads.

Dee Massey and Alex Gosman.

Taking some time out to travel to America is great anyway, but when I do it and get to go to the best underground hip hop festival in the world, it makes it that much better. Words might not be able to do it justice but check out a selection of photos taken from my time there and think about jetting out there for the event in 2007 – you won’t be disappointed!

Left: Welcome to Annies! This is the place where all the magic happens, follow the horse. Right: Akrobatik kicks it off in style with some heavy shit.

Left: One of the reasons I was so looking forward to the event was the appearance of the Juggaknots, they didn’t disappoint. Right: Pigeon John rounded the Friday off with some typically fun styled hip hop. Digging that hat!

Left: Big Bad Fat Ass Muh’fucking Brother Ali walks with a swagger and a smile. One of the highlights without a doubt. Right: Murs, complete with nappy hair and pink trainers did a wicked job hosting the Saturday and his set was the shit too.

Left: Glue bust out the jams with some amazing new material and take the entire festival by storm. Right: The judges [including Illogic, Adeem, Pumpkinhead and Luckyiam.PSC] get ready to witness the famed MC Battle.

Left: Hangar 18 get the crowd jumping and even bust out some moves like Carlton from Fresh Prince. Booya! Right: The view from our hotel – From beautiful sun in Minneapolis where we stayed with our friend to this London-esque Ohio climate. Great!

Left: Before the event started, eager to get on with the hip hop. Right: After the 12 hour car journey back to Minneapolis. The faces say it all.

On the way I picked up about 20 free CDs, 4 free t-shirts, had conversations with untold rappers and generally chilled with great people and amazing music. Seeing Brother Ali, Glue, Murs, Pigeon John, Hangar 18, Juggaknots, Jel, Mr Dibbs, Akrobatik, Ernie Rhodes, Luckyiam.PSC, Big Daddy Kane, and some incredible battles all in one place was like walking into paradise. Like MC Hammer says, you can’t touch this!

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