The Music
The music was good, bad and occasionally even ugly. The bands ranged from reggae to ska, from freestyle rap to thrash metal, and offbeat jazz to Brazilian percussion. There was certainly something for anyone in the Wickerman's lineup. Let's rundown some of the standouts:
SambaYaBamba are a Brazilian percussion group that originally started out as a community arts project but continued after the project closed. That was nine years ago and they are still going strong. According to their website, their “repertoire of Brazilian percussion covers a variety of styles from Rio style Samba Batucada, Samba Reggae, Maracatu and other styles from the north east of Brasil through to contemporary interpretations with influences of Drum ‘n’ Bass, Hip Hop and Bhangra.” They are a fun, wild bunch to watch and listen to. And one of my favourites of the weekend.
They began their lunch time session by playing outside the Rowan World Music Tent. Their unique rhythmic sound and perfectly choreographed dance moves quickly drew a crowd outside the tent that they then played into the tent pied-piper style. With their distinctive yellow and red outfits and clever choreography that was only part of what set them apart from the from everyone else. The packed tent stayed crowded for the full hour of their energetic performance. They were a real treat.
Attic Lights are an Indie/Roots Rock band from Glasgow and they played the Scooter Tent. Their sound is a little Beach Boys mixed with a bit of Grandaddy and a dash of Frog Holler. With a slight twang, fantastic harmony, and the distinctive sounds of a pedal steel guitar they are easy to love and hard to miss. We managed to get the guys to sit for a quick interview. We also got a couple of their EPs to review and Blogcritics will be featuring Attic Lights as our very first Band Of The Week this Friday.
Big Strides are another stand out band who played the Woodward Stage (the main stage). An Indie/Blues Rock band that have an unusual mixture of blues, rock and funk. It's a sound that makes you feel good all over. We were also lucky enough to get a few minutes with Big Strides to talk about their new single “Smiling” and they will be another one of our Bands Of The Week soon.
Article comments
1 - Snarkattack
I would have been there in spirit form were it possible. You capture the feel of these shindigs so well - there's nothing quite like the seediness of partying hard for 2 days straight with people you hardly know and great music. Oh, to be there!
You made it to the VIP area, eh? Nice!
2 - duane
What, no human sacrifices? Party ... ha!
3 - Snarkattack
duane - perhaps that's why they had to clear off so early at the end, sneak in all those sacrifices. They can't do it during the festivities now, can they?
4 - A.L. Harper
Snarkattack - Thank you very much! I was indeed an amazing time. I have never had that much fun at a music festival before. The atmosphere was so laid back. And I got press passes so I was in the VIP area and didn't have to walk a mile to get to the fun.
Duane - Human sacrifices? I guess it depends on what is being sacrificed. *wink*
5 - emma
You're right about Big Strides! They're great live I saw them at Glastonbury last year. can't wait to see them again.
6 - Snarkattack
A.L. - boy am I jealous! Nah, it's good :)
Though after reading Stewart Home's '69 Things To Do With a Dead Princess', I'm more inclined to believe the whole human sacrifice thing. I can't recall whether or not he's Scottish, but that book is set in Scotland. I do recommend it if you come across it.
7 - A.L. Harper
Emma - They have new album out in September. Check out the MP3 of their new song on their site.
Snarkattack - I have not heard of that book but I will look for it. Glad your jealous! *smile*
8 - Scott Butki
Great review
9 - A.L. Harper
Thanks Scott!
10 - Anna Creech
Hm. Sounds a bit like a Brit version of Burning Man.
11 - A.L. Harper
Oh no it much more fun than that. It's not about self reliance or self expression at all. It's about getting pished, shagging strangers and maybe listening to a little music while your doing it.
Actually you maybe right - that is how the Brits express themselves
12 - Chuckstah
I've been to all the Wickerman festivals so far, apart fom last year when I broke my leg the week before(!).
It's definately getting noticably bigger each year, but as the review says still has a counterculture feel to it.
Music wise, the highlight for me was the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, mad as ever 'n tight as hell, with a real character standing in for Alex,(r.i.p.). System 7 and New Model Army both did sterling sets and there was some great stuff in the other stages/tents.
I think it was only the festival site that had to be vacated by mid-day, as we left about then and there was still hundreds of people and tents in the campsite.
Anyone going next year should remember to bring some warm clothing. After a scorching day on saturday, after dark it was freeeeezing!
13 - A.L. Harper
Hey Chuckstah - I know you! It was freezing Saturday night and it blew a gale and pissed. But I thought it was refreshing after the intense heat of Saturday. But it put Jim off! Thank God.