Saturday started with a bang. Well rain actually, and it continued for quite some time. On the plus side, the ground seemed to be sand based so unlike other festivals, it didn't get too boggy. On the way into the arena, it was apparent that the cider tent was offering 'Rockaoke' (Karaoke but with a full band) ...note to self, return at 7.00 to fulfil a lifelong dream and play a festival slot. And so to the real music!
Emmy the Great appeared on the Uncut Arena (it was a planned appearance – she didn't just appear out of thin air), and showed us what we have all been missing. Not a huge amount it seems. After showing so much potential, she seems to have run out of original ideas and the set is sluggish and well, slightly dull. She sings with passion and has a decent sound, but the lyrics are relatively tame and there is no real bite or anything to get excited about. Its just okay...
White Lies have an evening slot on the Obelisk Arena. After receiving a lot of praise from the media, especially NME etc., you could be forgiven in thinking that White Lies were heir to Interpol's throne. Their dark, moody soundscapes are reminiscent of Joy Division and Interpol and they certainly are heavily influenced by the two, but unfortunately, are streets behind in terms of quality. Singles 'To Lose my Life' and 'Farewell to the Fairground' are greeted with huge applause from a very young but certainly adoring crowd, but I can't help feel that these youngsters just haven't heard Interpol or Joy Division, as they would find it hard to be in love with White Lies if they had, or maybe its just me.
So far, a pretty disappointing day of the music front, Saturday was turning into a bit of a let down. However, after mesmerising my audience in my much coveted festival slot in 'Rockaoke' (okay, ruining a Johnny Cash classic), I was reassured that classic festival slots were alive and well, and so to Doves. Wow. What a surprise. Don't get me wrong, I've always appreciated Doves and really enjoyed their first couple of albums, but have recently gone off them. Well, they completely changed my opinion once again. A fabulous set of old and new and the crowd were dancing, singing, cavorting…you name it, the crowd were doing it. I thought I rocked in Rockaoke but apparently not! Well, not compared to this lot anyway! 'Kingdom of Rust', 'Catch the Sun', 'Pounding' and ending with 'There Goes The Fear'. The sun was out, and this was really brilliant - What a festival set is all about!
Later on that night I stumbled across the Poetry Arena and caught the highly offensive but extremely funny Jessica Delfino. Its hard to go about reviewing this without causing offence but its certainly recommended to check her out. A low-fi acoustic set with hilarious lyrics and excellent stories that really made it a surprise highlight. This girl from New York is very good at what she does. However, if easily offended, please stay clear. You've been warned!
Jeffrey Lewis, for those that don’t know is an anti-folk legend stemming from New York. Signed to Rough Trade, he tells stories in his songs whilst also being a comic book fanatic. He often brings the two together to tell stories whilst using a flip chart of a comic that he has created to go with the song. His songs however, are very heartfelt, and although amusing, are also very beautifully crafted folk which shows an unrivalled song writing ability. This special slot at Latitude was at 1.00am in the Poetry Arena and was a chance for him to try out songs that 'have never been played before' and 'might never be played again'. He's an impressive live performer with lyrics that really make you think and it brings to end a day that started disappointingly but got progressively better. The Sunday had someone rather big performing rather early, and so, probably too sensibly, it was time to get some all important rest.
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