EOTR for a fifth time in six years, and a first for me, earlybird tickets purchased just after return from last and already purchased for next year. Sold out already I notice within two hours. Another first for us was that we glamped, and it was an experience that may well be repeated next year. Glamping may be expensive but thoroughly enjoyable. The double matress was comfortable and allowed for just rolling out of bed. Linen and duvet could not be faulted although we did bring along another duvet so we were snug as bugs so to speak.
And then there was the weather, strangely similar to last year, Friday was autumnal but dry, Saturday was cold and the hoped for high pressure only showed late during Future Islands set, but Sunday was wall to wall sunshine, as was the next day.
There is one major problem with EOTR. there is just too many good acts on the line up, but you cant fault excellent curation for that.
So here are my awards....
Best Performance by a Group
The Unthanks
A refined set of pure musicality, And then they started to clog dance, pushing out a percussive rhythm that was second to none.
Second Best Performance by a Group
Future Islands
Much anticipated performance from the boys from Greenville. a large crowd had gathered and the front of stage was packed by photographers, Secured ourselves a good location by the barrier and waited for Samuel Herring to get his dance act going. Within seconds of hitting the first chords he was off. The audience loved it and by the look on his face so did he. By the time they did Seasons late into the set, he looked knackered appearing to hold his right leg's hamstring. Some of the numbers got samely but the standout ones shone through with the audience certainly down the front grooving away.
I managed to shot this of Seasons Play loud. Its a 137meg file reduced from 400meg so not as great as the original...sorry.
Best Singing Performance
Meilyr Jones
Caught him purely by accident as we wandered through the magical secret garden setting up on the small piano stage before launching into four charming songs. Backed by two violinists, rudimentary percussion and a trumpet, his voice rang pure and clear.
Second best Singing Performance
Mac Demarco
Definitely a good voice especially for someone who smoked on stage. Could hold his high notes. Not sure about his crowd surfing antics though, he was out there an impressively long time.
Best Stagecraft
Best Stagecraft
War on Drugs
Just a good light show, nothing to live up to Flaming Lips show last year.
Most Engaging Performance
Diagrams
With the simple use of cheap blowup ballons distributed out to the audience there use culminated in the final number when the Tipi Tent was filled with these balloons bouncing around to then be stamped upon at the end. Everyone left with a big smile on their face.
Second Most Engaging Performance
Saint Etienne
A day later, along came Saint Etienne distributing sweets to one of their numbers and then at the end of the set, the large white globes that were sitting around on the sparse stage were launched into the audience. They were large. Some made it out of the garden stage, and there was still one bouncing around before Future Islands came on next day.
Pete Wiggs and Bob Stanley effortlessly pumped out the electronica dressed in gold lame jackets and elevated at the back with Sarah Cracknell, rather alone by herself at the front of the stage reminding us all of the Second Summer of Love. I must add that indie pop is not my favourite, but when those guys got the beats going I was hooked.
Best Rock Performance
Mark Lanagan Band
Slightly bored with Sufjan Stevens we headed over to the Garden Stage, and as the band played their opening numbers we managed to get down to the front to witness a real rock band. Hands off to the guy, reminded me of Jim Morrison, and this was pure simple rock. Didn't say much to the audience though.
National Treasures
The Unthanks
What can I say, I blubbed during their performance, sunglasses hiding my very wet eyes.
Best Stage
The Garden Stage
Can its setting be bettered?
Down at the front during Giant Sand's performance, a peacock wandered across the front of the stage unperturbed by the sound coming out from speakers only feet away. At one point it looked up quizzically, and squawked at the speaker, them ambled off. Magic.
Biggest Joke
King Khan and the BBQ Show
Why?
Other notables
Giant Sand,
The Delines
Pond
Stealing Sheep
