Latitude Festival’s website states that the event is “more than just a music festival”. And although with the sheer amount of things going on across the site all weekend this is very true, for me personally it really is all about the music.
From the initial line-up announcement some months ago I kept a close eye on what bands / artists would be playing and making a personal timetable of where I wanted to be at a certain time on a particular day to catch as much music as I possibly could. And I was not disappointed (well slightly in one case but I’ll get to that later!) Every band / artist seen was thoroughly enjoyed, I danced (badly), sang (badly), nearly cried (again will get to that in a bit) and fell in love with live music all over again (for approximately the 7,654th time).
Here’s a brief look at what I saw.
Willy Mason – There’s not many better ways to start off a weekend of live music in the sun than with the soothing and gentle voice of New York singer-songwriter Willy Mason. The anthemic Oxygen still sounds as moving and vital as it did in 2004 and also gave way to the first singalong of the weekend.
John Grant – Bass that literally shook your body, synths that gently built up to a crescendo and heartbreakingly confessional lyrics all made John Grant’s set one of the highlights of the weekend. Once it was over I needed a sit down for half an hour to take in what I’d just seen. Spellbinding in ever sense of the word.
Beth Orton – Sadly the only low point of the weekend. Beth Orton’s fragility and hushed vocals were completely lost in the massive 6 Music tent which made for a frustratingly disappointing experience.
Villagers – Irish band Villagers second album {Awayland} is one of the albums of 2013 so far but in a live setting the songs are taken to a superbly high level. Standout song The Waves keeps building and building until you feel as if you are being lifted up by the music. A must-see and a band that will continue to grow in popularity, much like Django Django did last summer.
Ed Harcourt – After watching the always entertaining Mr Harcourt at Southend’s Village Green festival the previous week (he was excellent) his Latitude set was more of the same. Playing to a packed out Film & Music Tent accompanied occasionally by a trumpet and a brief apperance from Catherine A.D. it was a performance full of charm and songs from throughout his long career which won over even the most casual of observers and a left a warm feeling similar to spending time with an old friend.
Japandroids – One of the bands I was looking forward to seeing the most finished off the first day in style with 45 minutes of riffs, noisy guitars, thundering drums and a crowd who just couldn’t get enough of the Canadian duo’s garage rock. At the end everyone (and I mean everyone!) were wearing a massive grin on their sweaty faces. Job exceedingly well done.
Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires – Saturday began with the soulful sounds of Charles Bradley on the main Obelisk stage. The former James Brown impersonator brought out the moves and the funk to a receptive crowd and got the day off to a great start.
Maglia Rosa Group – One of the many local acts to play this year’s festival. With a rhythm section with the groove of Hot Chip / Bloc Party mixed with vocalist Daisy’s Kate Bush style performance art made for an interesting listen. Obviously thrilled to be playing and featuring tracks from their recently released debut EP Nighthawks they won themselves over quite a few new fans judging by the reaction at the close of their set.
Bo Ningen – I’m still not entirely sure what I experienced during Japanese four-piece Bo Ningen’s 30 minute set. I think they played 3 songs, the final song lasting 15 minutes or more. All I do know is that it was noisy, frenetic, insane, intense and utterly brilliant. Now I know why their live shows are legendary. A must see band.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – After managing to secure a spot 4 rows from the front out came the YYY’s. Karen O leaping around and looking like Su Pollard’s demented younger sister while guitarist Nick Zinner watches on playing it cool as the crowd adoringly watches and sings along to every word. Then there was Maps, a hauntingly beautiful song that catches me off guard and puts the biggest lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. Closing things off with Date With The Night and leaving the stage with the crowd in the palm of their hand triumphantly.
Kraftwerk – I have waited around 20 years to see Kraftwerk (I’m still more than a little bit bitter after the ticket fiasco of their early 2013 shows). They are a band that mean a great deal to me. After getting a great spot I wait for twenty minutes with butterflies like I’m waiting for a first date with the woman of my dreams. Five minutes to go and the 3D glasses go on (it’s not just your usual live show but a 3D performance!). Then..it begins, opening with The Robots for the next 90 minutes we are treated to what really is a completely immersive experience. Visually stunning and a set that covers their entire discography I am left amazed and my hero worship completely intact. That is how you put on a show!
Now that’s it all over for another year I’m left with some amazing memories and an eagerness that can’t wait for Latitude 2014. I’ll see you at the front!
