Review: Leeds Festival, Saturday 25 August 2007

review

Expecting a shed load of vomit-spouting revellers, lank hair wannabe guitarists, ball-suffocating jean wearers…(err, actually exclude the jeans comments) Leeds fest was surprisingly a tranquil spot to absorb the modern Rock escapades. Away from the muddy depths of Reading (phew) we admire the fashion-stained Dazed & Confused luvies and gather our bearings to douse ourselves into the fresh blood of Indie mayhem - Topman Unsigned Stage. (within may I add comfortable distance of the Jack Daniel’s bar.)

Grasping just mere snippets of The Aeroplanes, we bide our time with Hayashi and the Pixie Slits. All intriguingly unique with their manic riffs and road rage attitudes. Now nuzzling for the unknown cum superstar band we move across to the Nokia stage - an open stage arena for off-the-cuff performances. A recipe for disaster, if you consider the amount of stray beer cups scattered along the field.  However, for these savoir- faire types it meant business and opportunity. Fumbling with wires and guitar straps they were impressive, namely Natalie Mcool and the not so consistent The Buzz Kills.

From amateurs to the big guns we hit the main stage watching Beth Ditto in her virtuous discipline of prances and dances - sweeping the throng with Standing in the Way, an Aaliyah rendition and ‘Mangled Heart’. Remaining on the main stage - Razorlight take off, and a bare-chested Borrell reels out sharp classics - Before I Fall to Pieces and America amongst many. From Jack Penate, The Enemy, Albert Hammond Jr, Get Cape Wear Cape Fly…Leeds Festival proved relentless in line up, atmosphere, and most importantly in sunshine …