Festival Review: KnockanStockan 2011

Within seconds of arriving at KnockanStockan, it's clear that I'm in for a different kind of weekend. Shunning the nondescript sea of endless land that befalls many of the larger festivals, KnockanStockan instead takes place on a downright beautiful site overlooking the Blessington Lakes. As the night looms, Friday's eager punters are treated to a stunning sunset worthy of a thousand postcards. Punchestown this most certainly aint. 


Sadly, such beauty also comes with a price. The picturesque location means the car park is located a reasonable distance away from the campsite itself. This would be perfectly fine if there were enough buses available to shuttle people up and down but on Friday there wasn't. The choice was to either wait on a bus - for what transpired to be well over an hour - or to take your chances on the walk while weighed down with camping gear. Such an unnecessary predicament can often be the precursor to a torrid festival experience but thankfully, it proved to be nothing more than an initial blip on an otherwise top-notch weekend.

Now in its fifth year, KnockanStockan has developed and grown through a commendable independent and DIY ethos, serving as a vital cog in the unsigned Irish music scene. A cursory glance at the stage times shows no mention of the Black Eyes Peas but beyond the fireworks and extravagant light-shows that would accompany such big hitters, there lies real talent and depth on show here. Enemies note-perfect post-rock workings were the highlight of the Friday night, dominating the Moon stage with an admirable confidence, while Scarecrow Disco blew the roof off a packed Circus Tent after sadly announcing it was to be their final gig. The arena itself was perfectly balanced, with the large Circus Tent and two outdoor stages ensuring there was always something to catch, with little noise overpsill evident. The real master-stroke however was the addition of the Faerie Fields. Similar to the other-worldly environs of Body and Soul, this little haven was adorned with chill-out areas, sanctual teepees and a performance area that played host to numerous DJs, hoola-hoopers and jaw-dropping fire performers. As well as offering another area to immerse oneself in, it also balanced the site perfectly, serving as an idyllic sanctuary away from the main stage and hectic confines of the camping area.  

Ghostbusters: Moon Stage

Sunshine and Irish festivals are normally mutually exclusive beings so it was no surprise that the scorching heat of Saturday raised the collective spirits. Ghostbusters were the perfect soundtrack to such a sunny disposition, treating us to an array of 80s guilty pleasures such as 'Gold' and 'Footloose', before The Gorgeous Colours lived up to their name with a smashing, uplifting set on the Sun stage. Come On Live Long were among my most anticipated acts of the weekend and they didn't disappoint, delivering a host of anthems with a slight folk-touch and a lovely use of synths throughout. Sun Stage headliners The Hot Sprockets also excelled, justifying their headline status and delivering a solid run-through of their alt-blues hits, which got the sizeable crowd going.  

Come On Live Long

The good weather may have disappeared come Sunday but that didn't stop Attention Bebe from having a ball. Specialising in funky reworkings of 90s cult hits, the 15 (I may have lost count...) of them opened the final day with a memorable bang. Leaders Of Men were also impressive and having reined in the sound issues which blighted their debut Workman's gig, the Tallaght lads now possess a handful of powerful numbers worthy any festival. Later on, The Young Folk were a revelation. Part O Emperor and part Fleet Foxes, the sterling vocals were the pinnacle of a set bursting with a rousing underbelly that demanded attention - this is a band more than capable of making a big breakthrough. Before The Stoney Brokes took to the stage the MC referred to front-woman Amy Kelly as having "one of the best voices in Ireland" and within minutes it's clear she wasn't mistaken. Kelly's powerful vocals propelled an energetic set that was brimming with catchy tunes and despite their youth this five-piece already have a number of radio friendly hits bubbling under the surface - a set that ensured smiles galore amid the exiting crowd.

Kudos must be paid for the reasonably priced alcohol (not to mention the ability to carry your own as you see fit), the diverse food selection, the designated family camping area and the general organisation and commitment from the team of volunteers (and the bands themselves) - none of whom get paid. It may seem trite to continually flaunt the organic, wholesome ethos on which KnockanStockan is based but when it is so undeniably palpable it really is hard to ignore. There are no haughty restrictions, nor heavy handed security, just a reasonable, balanced attitude towards having fun while catching some great, great bands. In a world of rising ticket prices and generic superstar names, KnockanStockan occupies an enviable, untainted little niche; one devoid of corporate pull or spin and one which proves the cliché of 'being in it for the music' is more than worthless hyperbole.

As word of mouth regarding this friendly, relaxed vibe gets out, more and more will undoubtedly flock to Wicklow to sample it. Never the less, the organisers should resist the temptation to grow too big. Its main strength lies in its intimacy, with a larger scale only likely to present logistical headaches that would ultimately deviate from its core values. As it stands, with the current locale, size and set-up, KnockanStockan has found the perfect mould and it's one that makes it the best kept secret on the Irish festival circuit.

The arena towards the Circus Tent

Fire Performers: Faerie Fields

The Stoney Brokes

KnockanStockan 2011 Preview: Full Timetable and Ones To Watch

Now in its fifth year the KnockanStockan festival returns to its picturesque site overlooking the Blessington lakes this weekend - primed with another batch of the country's finest underground bands. As you can see from the final timetable below there's a mammoth amount on offer so to help ease the 'who-to-see' conundrum here's a selection of artists that come with the STL seal of approval. Naturally, this kind of festival is all about being blown away by someone you've never heard of before but these acts are a good place to start and as ever, recommendations are welcome...

___________________________________________________________________________________

Enemies - Friday @ 11pm :: Moon Stage 

Superb post-rock workings from a ferocious live force. As supremely tight a band as you're likely to see all weekend.  

  Coco et Moi by Richter Collective  



The Hot Sprockets - Saturday @ 12.30am :: Sun Stage 

Accomplished blues-rockers with the songs to match their gusto and swagger.





Ross Breen - Saturday @ 7.30pm :: Sun Stage 

A burgeoning singer-songwriter from Kildare who I caught in a random pub in town a while back. Expect lashings of clever melodies and a strong, distinctive voice.

  When I Met The Devil (sample) by Ross Breen 



The Gorgeous Colours - Saturday @ 3.30pm :: Sun Stage 

Recent single ’It’s OK To Be Normal’ is the finest work yet from an outfit who specialise in expansive creations decorated with beautiful stirring melodies.

  It's Ok To Be Normal by The Gorgeous Colours 



Sounds of System Breakdown - Saturday @ 12am :: Moon Stage 

Strident electro-funk with a catchy underbelly. The perfect soundtrack to the beginning of the late night adventure.

  Colour by SOSB


Come On Live Long - Saturday @ 7.30pm :: Circus Tent 

Introduced on STL a short while back, I fell for this 'folk-tronic' outfit from the off. A brilliant mix of misty synths and guitars, which reward repeated listens.

  Animal by ComeOnLiveLong 


Bipolar Empire - Sunday @ 9pm :: Sun Stage

These lads are festival veterans at this stage and always deliver an anthemic, rousing set filled with the finest cuts from their recent debut album.

  Feel That You Own It by Bipolar Empire 



I Draw Slow - Sunday @ 8pm :: Sun Stage 

When I interviewed G-Star from the festival recently he chose I Draw Slow as the act he was most looking forward to seeing this year -  and when you consider the beautiful single ‘Goldmine’ it’s easy to see why. Mature country roots propelled by a delectable voice.




We Cut Corners - Sunday @ 5pm :: Moon Stage 

Promising two piece with a knack for a pop hook and bundles of clever harmonies. 

  dumb blonde by we cut corners  


Leaders Of Men - Sunday @1pm :: Moon Stage 

Interesting new Dublin creation whose debut tracks hinted at something special. Intelligent indie with a keen eye for building things up nicely.

  Up Against The Wall by damaged_audio 


The Stoney Brokes - Sunday @ 10pm :: Circus Tent 

Emerging Tallght five piece whose lovely debut track ‘You Don’t See Me' bodes well for their debut EP which is out next month.


Stoney Brokes - You Don't See Me by RisingStars 


The Young Folk - Sunday @ 8pm :: Circus Tent 

Acclaimed Dublin band whose thoughtful, layered Americana vibes have seen them gain much praise recently.

  The Young Folk - Way Down South by RisingStars 


The Altered Hours - Sunday @ 6pm :: Circus Tent  

Their bio says they aim for an ‘altered world’ and these Cork natives are true to their word, dipping a toe into a mish-mash of haunting styles. There’s a lot to take in here but the overriding theme is a psychedelic fusion that augurs well for a compelling live experience. 

  Daydream Parade by The Altered Hours by alteredhours 


Attention Bebé - Sunday @ 12pm :: Sun Stage

A sprawling collective bound by a love for reworking 90s cult hits and bringing a smile to the faces of those lucky enough to catch ‘em live. The perfect way sounds to kick off the final day.

  Ice Ice Bébé by Attention Bébé



Full Timetable: 

Friday:
Sun Stage:
00:30 – 01:30 – King Modo
23:30 - 00:30 - New Secret Weapon
22:30 - 23:30 - Hassle Merchants
21:30 – 22:30 - More Tiny Giants
20:30 – 21:30 - Kasper Rosa
19:30 – 20:30 – The Forbidden Itch
18:30 – 19:30 – The Deadly Mechanism

Moon Stage:
00:00 – 01:00 – The Whipround
23:00 – 00:00 – Enemies
22:00 – 23:00 – Saiga
21:00 – 22:00 – Noise Machine
20:00 – 21:00 – Glyder
19:00 – 20:00 – Shoctopus
18:00 – 19:00 – The Cold 100

Circus Tent:
00:30 – 01:30 – Scarecrow Disco
23:30 – 00:30 – 9 Bars
22:30 – 23:30 – Mutefish
21:30 – 22:30 – Gypsy Rebel Rabble
20:30 – 21:30 – John Fairhurst
19:30 – 20:30 – Nico Fitz & The Smelly Beggars
18:30 – 19:30 – Stefan Galt

Faerie Field:
00:00 – 01:00 – Miles Iwes (chillout dj)
23:00 – 00:00 – Adi (live electronic)
22:00 – 23:00 – Pixie Trix V Dark Mockery (UV acid hulo hoop)
21:00 – 22:00 – Alien Angel
20:00 – 21:00 – Barry Krishna (digital religion)
19:00 – 20:00 – Marka (trip hop acid jazz)
12:00 – 18:00 – Qpop Welcome Mix

Saturday:
Sun Stage:
00:30 – 01:30 – The Hot Sprockets
23:30 – 00:30 – The Cujo Family
22:30 – 23:30 – Blind Yackety
21:30 – 22:30 – Spook of the 13th Lock
20:30 – 21:30 – Veroa
19:30 – 20:30 – Ross Breen 
18:30 – 19:30 – Wyvern Lingo
17:30 – 18:30 – The Gandhis
16:30 – 17:30 – Saint John The Gambler
15:30 – 16:30 – The Gorgeous Colours
14:30 – 15:30 – The Rambleers
13:30 – 12:30 – The North Sea
12:30 – 13:30 – Love Notes & Ashes
Moon Stage:
00:00 – 01:00 – Sounds of System Breakdown
23:00 – 00:00 – Indecent Cigar Emporium
22:00 – 23:00 – The Amazing Few
21:00 – 22:00 – The Barley Mob
20:00 – 21:00 – Fitzafrenic
19:00 – 20:00 – CFIT
18:00 – 19:00 – Zealots
17:00 – 18:00 – Siv
16:00 – 17:00 – Rebecca Collins
15:00 – 16:00 – James Guilmartin
14:00 – 15:00 – Sons of Gingerbread
13:00 – 14:00 – S.O.S
12:00 – 13:00 – The Ghostbusters
Circus Tent:
00:30 – 01:30 – Absolutely Curtains
23:30 – 00:30 – Jifubuki
22:30 – 23:30 – The Hundred Flower Campaign
21:30 – 22:30 – Mescalito
20:30 – 21:00 – Son of a Beast
19:30 – 20:30 – Come On, Live Long
18:30 – 19:30 – Cold Comfort
17:30 – 18:30 – Markas Carcas
16:30 – 17:30 – Rhiannon & The Face Collectors
15:30 – 16:30 – Adela & The Meanits
14:30 – 15:30 – Pete & The Purehearts
13:30 – 14:30 – Jack & The Band
12:30 – 13:30 – Bob Glynn
Faerie Field:
01:00 – 02:00 – Psy Am (dubstep dj)
00:00 – 01:00 – Ghost Timez (spoken word hip hop)
23:00 – 00:00 – Sophis D Kate
22:00 – 23:00 – Saucy Jack & The Dimewhores (burlesque)
21:00 – 22:00 – The Side Up
20:40 – 21:00 – White Noise (beatbox)
20:00 – 20:40 – Razor Ball
19:30 – 20:00 – Dene Downes
18:30 – 19:30 – Oltremara
17:00 – 18:30 – Anunita w/special guests
16:00 – 17:00 – Arrow In The Sky
15:20 – 16:00 – Hypergiants
14:40 – 15:20 – Andy Earley
14:00 – 14:40 – Fear Of Folk
13:00 – 14:00 – Auto Psy
12:00 – 13:00 – Mixile (ambient electronic)
10:00 – 12:00 – Morning Chill

Sunday
Sun Stage
22:00 - 23:00 – The Candidates
21:00 – 22:00 – Bipolar Empire
20:00 – 21:00 – I Draw Slow
19:00 – 20:00 – Raglans
18:00 – 19:00 – Enda Reilly
17:00 – 18:00 – The Gentlemens Club
16:00 – 17:00 – Nursery Crimes
15:00 – 16:00 – Spirit Riders
14:00 – 15:00 – Chayka
13:00 – 14:00 – Groove
12:00 – 13:00 – Attention Bebe

Moon Stage:
23:00 – 00:00 – Spellbound
22:00 – 23:00 – Lotus Eater
21:00 – 22:00 – Rocket Surgery
20:00 – 21:00 – Tongue Bundle
19:00 – 20:00 – Liz Is Evil
18:00 – 19:00 – Kill Goliath
17:00 – 18:00 – We Cut Corners
16:00 – 17:00 – Fox Jaw Bounty Hunters
15:00 – 16:00 – The Salad Circus
14:00 – 15:00 – El Hombre Jokes
13:00 – 14:00 – Leaders Of Men
12:00 – 13:00 – Mr Sands
 
Circus Tent:
23:00 – 00:00 – Fox. E + The Good Hands
22:00 – 23:00 – The Stoney Brokes
21:00 – 22:00 – Difference Engine
20:00 – 21:00 – The Young Folk
19:00 – 20:00 – Louis Barabbas
18:00 – 19:00 – The Altered Hours
17:00 – 18:00 – The P Affection
16:00 – 17:00 – Surfing Champions Of Mexico
15:00 – 16:00 – Fiach
14:00 – 15:00 – Lisa McLaughlin
13:00 – 14:00 – Tom Cooney
12:00 – 13:00 – Eric McGrath

Faerie Field:
23:00 – 00:00 – Elekrodouche
22:00 – 23:00 – gKb
21:00 – 22:00 – D3x (chillout Vibes)
20:00 – 21:00 – Zyme (retro futuristic data jockey)
19:00 – 20:00 – Wassa Wassa (african tribal drum + dance)
18:00 – 19:00 – Matt Creedon & The Bad Men
17:00 – 18:00 – Aisling Quinn
16:00 – 17:00 – Wicker Bones
15:20 – 16:00 – Pattanga
14:40 – 15:20 – Dave Clarke
14:00 – 14:40 – Pater Space Invasion
13:00 – 14:00 – Psytori
12:00 – 13:00 – Fortune Lynched
0:00 – 12:00 – Morning Chill out pop

Review: Forbidden Fruit Festival :: Homegrown Talent Shines

So, the inaugural Forbidden Fruit Festival has come and gone and beyond the discussion over drink (or lack thereof) and waiting times for the toilets (not so lack thereof), there was the small matter of some bands playing. From the outset, much was made of the organiser's coup in attracting some international big hitters such as Flaming Lips, Aphex Twin et al. And yet, as the heads eased, and the moans about queues heightened, I can't help but feel this was a festival in which the local talent soared highest.

Bitches With Wolves' glam-disco-pop kicked things off with a bang, while Jape's new songs enlivened a particularly reserved Saturday afternoon crowd - with 'Please Don't Turn That Record On(?)' and its Smiths-esque riff, sounding particularly essential. It was the The Lighthouse Stage that really shone, however. Comprised solely of Irish bands (bar the invited Richter Collective pals Tera Melos), the smallest of the three huts proved anything but the weakest. As Aphex Twin were glitching the audience to sleep and Wayne Coyne was shouting "C'mon, C'mon Mutha-Fuckers!" for the twentieth yawn-inducing time, the best the country has to offer were playing out of their skin. Particularly commendable was a Not Squares outfit whose bristling tunes came alive with an unmissable mountain of energy and ingenuity, which deservedly attracted a healthy crowd. 
 
The Cast of Cheers meanwhile, stole half of Aphex's crowd and then blew them away with a jarringly emphatic performance, with each of the new tracks scaling Chariot's mightily impressive peaks. This was the point where the Dublin outfit became one of Ireland's most important bands - as if they weren't already. Spies meanwhile, on their first festival appearance and biggest gig to date, exuded a confidence worthy of festival veterans. Assured and passionate, they rose to the occasion with a performance that should secure them a healthy and well deserved spurt in their fan base and profile. Elsewhere you had Land Lovers' melodic pop hooks, or Bipolar Empire's thudding driven anthems, to cater for your needs and that's not even counting Enemies, Kid Karate, Ham Sandwich, Solar Bears and much more, all of whom received glowing report cards.

Of course, it would be illegitimate to deny the quality of some of the others acts on show. Caribou's vigorous creations were a tremendous riot, with the final mass chants of 'Sun!' surely standing as the closest many will get to a satanic ritual experience. Wild Beasts' sophisticated new tunes, though more suited to the calm of dusk, also shone in the evening heat - their decadent, swirling structures and goosebump-inspiring embraces marking them out as an important, intelligent modern band. It was undoubtedly the home-grown heroes that shone brightest, however. Those of the blogging variety have been championing these bands consistently for years, believing this to be something of a golden period. Here's hoping that such a prominent outing for local talent will see an even larger pool of punters fall under their collective spell. In a post-Cast of Cheers haze, a random Australian man, who knew nothing of the band, excitedly proclaimed that they were the best band of the weekend. And you know what - he wasn't wrong.

Jape

Main Stage Hill

Spies

Wild Beasts

Land Lovers

Flaming Lips...Style > Substance

Flaming Lips

Caribou

Bualadh Bus ar fad!

More additions to the Forbidden Fruit Festival

Not content with already boasting one of the best festival line-ups this side of Glastonbury, Forbidden Fruit has added another batch of names for their inaugural June Bank Holiday soiree.

 
On Saturday June 4 the likes of The Flaming Lips, Bombay Bicycle Club and Wild Beasts will now be joined by mental beat-boxer Beardyman, Belgian electro-heads The Subs, and London producer Rory Phillips. 

On Sunday June 5, joining Caribou, Battles and Aphex Twin will be Carte Blance (DJ Mehdi and Riton), French electro pair Logo and Brooklyn's Favourite Sons, while The Trinity Orchestra will open proceedings with a full orchestral performance of Daft Punk’s Discovery (amazing video below).


While it's obviously great to see such mega international names on board, you also have to give the organisers credit for showcasing the very best in Irish talent at the same time. Kid Karate, Ham Sandwich, Bipolar Empire and Spies are all playing the Lighthouse Stage on the Saturday, while The Richter Collective will be curating the same space on the Sunday bringing the likes of The Cast Of Cheers, Enemies and Squarehead with them, while I also can't wait to finally catch Solar Bears' live show.

FF takes place in the grounds of the Royal Irish Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin and tickets priced €49.50/day or €90 for the weekend are on sale now. Full line-up and tickets: http://www.forbiddenfruit.ie

I plan on doing a proper preview post on the pick of the line-up soon but for now have a listen to some of the acts below:



  Beardyman live @ Reading Festival 2010 by Beardyman  

  Wild Beasts - Albatross by DominoRecordCo  


  The Subs - Mitsubitchi by THE SUBS 


  Safe For All Seasons by FavouriteSons

  Spies - Barricade by spiesdublin  

  Solar Bears-Primary Colours At The Back Of My Mind by demiliv 
  Tip Of My Tongue by Bitches With Wolves music  


  Pass Out (Tinie Tempah Cover) by Kid Karate 

  Feel That You Own It by Bipolar Empire

Introducing: Avalance Ammo

Stemming from the mind of one Anthony Boland, Avalanche Ammo is Kildare's answer to the high strung instru-mental-ness of trend setters Enemies and The Redneck Manifesto. My general love of all things vocal means I'm generally in two minds with instrumental acts, but laden with hooks and a frenetic energy throughout, there's enough verve and ingenuity to make this debut Animals EP worth your time. Similar to a vocal-less Cast of Cheers in parts, it's an exciting, feverish racket, with 'Owl Speak' emerging as an undisputed highlight.

Get it now fo' FREE from Bandcamp. 

Find AA on Facebook // MySpace

Free download - Enemies EPs

Enemies, the band giving The Redneck Manifesto a run for their money as the country's best instrumentalists, have made their first two EPs available for free download.

Head on over to their Bandcamp and sample their respective delights for yourself and while you're at it you can grab yourself their acclaimed debut album We've Been Talking for the grand auld price of a fiver. See, this reccesion aint all bad...

Have a listen to both EPs - Alpha Waves and Bits Of Parrots // Feed Me Seedless - below.

Enemies play The Workman's Club on Febraury 25th. Full details anseo.