Belladrum, 9 August 2008

The Wallbirds

ON WAKENING up on Saturday morning to the sound of rain hitting my tent roof, my first thought was ‘Typical Belladrum weather.’ After being treated to glorious sunshine the day before, where not an hour went by without someone commenting on the lack of rain that is normally associated with the August festival, it was only to be expected, really.

However, as the first bands opened the second day of music, the sun started to peak through the clouds, and the Bella crowd were in for another day of sunshine and fabulous music.

Of course, it’s not all about the music at Belladrum – variety is what this festival is all about. Whether that is the weather, the music, the children’s activities or the food on offer, Belladrum is one of these festivals that has something for everyone.

My first musical encounter of the day was on the HAIL Seedlings stage. This stage was home to a host of young unsigned bands throughout the weekend, and was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the weekend – if you could find it! Hidden away from the rest of the stages and tents, just beside the main entrance to the arena, the tent always seemed to have a good sized crowd enjoying the music performed by the young acts.

After catching a few bands here, it was time to make my way over to the other side of the arena to the Garden Stage to catch Attic Lights. However, the route took me past the fabulous Argyll Fine Foods tent (a permanent feature, it seems, on this year’s festival circuit) [and a big favourite with our reviewers, it seems – Ed.].

With fresh produce galore, festival goers can choose from seafood, to organic burgers, to cheese on toast – which makes a refreshing change to the normal selection of ‘cardboard’ burger vans available at festivals. After much deliberation, the stovies won over the organic beefburgers.

Unfortunately after being waylaid by the food tent, I missed most of Attic Lights, so sat enjoying my stovies in the now glorious sunshine while waiting for the next band to come on the main stage. After checking my programme, I discovered next up was Salsa Celtica. Although hugely popular, the band are not to my musical taste at all.

However, by the reception they received from the late afternoon crowd, I was definitely in the minority. So after listening to a couple of songs while I finished eating, I made a hasty retreat back to the Seedlings stage.

I was just in time to catch what became one of my highlights of the festival, as Dundee based act Alto Elite had just taken to the stage. Having recently supported Belladrum headliners ‘Scouting for Girls’ on their UK tour, the 5-piece band’s energy and enthusiasm shone through in every song, their lyrics catchy and infectious, with the crowd joining in the chorus despite the vast majority only hearing the songs for the first time. Here’s hoping we hear more of them in the near future.

On heading back towards the rest of the arena, I was intrigued by the Bollywood sounds coming from the Hothouse Tent. Upon entering I was greeted by the madness that is Kissmet. Although the band hails from Peterborough, they have strong Asian influences, with the two founding members being Sikh brothers.

The band fuse together Western rock with the music of their heritage and the result is totally unique if a little crazy. The band had the crowd jumping around, waving their hands in the air in a style that really wouldn’t look out of place in the latest Bollywood blockbuster.

After escaping the madness of the Hothouse tent, it was time to take a wander around the rest of the arena. As mentioned earlier, one of the main attractions of Belladrum is the sheer amount of variety on offer. So if there are no bands on you want to see, you can catch a debate (the theme this year seemed to be centred on the viability of Fair Trade produce).

Or see a poetry reading. If you have kids in tow, there is plenty to keep them occupied from face painting to puppet shows. Or perhaps if you’re feeling energetic, jump on a bike and blend your own smoothie using pedal power. Or in your reviewer’s case, simply wander around the arena and take in all the sights and sounds.

A visit to the Black Isle Brewery Grassroots Tent proved to be another highlight of my festival, catching The Wallbirds in fine form. Having seen them supporting the Pigeon Detectives on tour last year, I was keen to see the 3-piece band again.

They opened with their latest release ‘The Avenue’ and the catchy tune set the tone for the rest of the set – a set that also included lead singer Walt standing on the drum kit and almost giving security a heart attack by coming off the stage down to the crowd! Even during slower songs such as ‘8 o’clock Blues’ the band still had the crowd bouncing around and the vast majority singing along with them. Having entered the tent just before the band took to the stage, I got a spot right down the front – so was surprised upon leaving to find it packed out!

After venturing back out into the sunshine, news was starting to filter through that Sons and Daughter were stranded in London and would no longer be appearing at the festival. Disappointed, as this was one act I was really looking forward to seeing, I decided to call it a day and end my festival on a high note, still buoyed by the fantastic set from The Wallbirds.

So although on the drive home I was looking forward to a shower and my own bed, I was still felt sad that Belladrum was over for another year, and that the festival season is nearly over. So roll on Bella 2009 (complete with 2008’s sunshine!)!

© Elizabeth Sinclair, 2008

Links

• Tartan Heart Festival