Glastonbury 2011 Review - Part 2

In our second part review of the ‘Greatest Party’ on earth, James Shingler looks back at his highlights.

 

The Joy Formidable

 

TJF were the band that I was most looking forward to seeing this year and they certainly didn’t disappoint. Despite some technical gremlins that delayed the start by half an hour and meant that the band had to cut their setlist short the band blasted through a breath taking set. Beginning with the forth coming single ‘A Heavy Abacus’, before giving the John Peel crowd selective highlights from their magnificent debut album ‘The Big Roar’, The Joy Formidable showed why they are one of the most thunderous live acts around.  The set culminated in a chaotic version of ‘Whirring’ which saw front women Ritzy Bryan flinging her guitar into a massive gong! Forget about headliners on the pyramid stage, this was what Glasto should always be about - energy and passion.

 

Anna Calvi

 

I must admit prior to her performance on the John Peel Stage I knew very little about Miss Calvi, only that she had a reputation as a fantastic live act and that she was someone that I would probably like. However, I wasn’t expecting to be blown away just as much I was by her seductive performance. Calvi and her backing band produced a set that will live long in the collective memory of those who witnessed it. Highlights included the brilliant ‘Blackout’ and a cover Edith Piaf’s ‘Jezebel’.

 

Eels

 

The hairiest band on planet wowed the Other Stage early on Sunday evening with their blend of lush pop and heavy rock. E and the rest of the band were on great form as rip roar through a greatest hits sets that included a frantic version of ‘I Like Birds’, the perfect Sunday anthem 'Novocaine For The Soul'  and a Beyoncé Trumpet cover!  

 

 

     

 

Glastonbury 2011 Review - Part 1

It is now a week since the end of the greatest festival on the planet, and so it seems appropriate to release our review of the extravaganza that is Glastonbury.

Matthew Evans - Top 3

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Chemical Brothers

 Without a doubt they stole the show for me. They delivered everything expected and more. The visual effects and light show were out of this world and were a perfect way to close the other stage on the Saturday night. The Manchester boys produced a masterclass in live electro dance music, a truly spine-tingling experience. After previously headlining the pyramid stage, Tom and Ed returned to the other stage performing to a massive crowd all stuck in the mud as a result of the pouring rain. This didn’t dampen the mood however; if anything it enhanced it with the crowd embracing the conditions!

As far as the individual songs go, “Star Guitar” was a real winner, as was their hybrid version of “Out of Control” and “Setting Sun”.  

You can check out the 30 minute BBC edited version of this magnificent set here.

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Chase & Status

 Light sky, night sky, special guest appearances, dancing, raving, skanking, moshing, and lots of mud and rain; this set had everything. The collaboration kings played to a packed crowd at the West Holt’s Stage on the Friday evening at the festival.

The field was filled with excitement as the London-based group opened with the single “No Problem”. This had a brilliant backdrop which was chemical brothers-esque as well as a wonderful lights show. It was a superb way to begin, it really got the crowd jumping and singing-along. Guest stars such as Tempa T, Milo, Liam Bailey came and went but the highlight was the single “Time” featuring Delilah which sent the crowd into pure ecstasy. Raving it up, splashing in the mud with the rain lashing down watching top quality music live right in front of you, it doesn’t get much better than that.

You can also re-live this set here, but this half hour showing doesn’t do the set justice censoring out the two stand-out songs mentioned previously. Chase and Status epitomised everything that’s good about Glastonbury, dedicating to good music and good people!

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Nero

 Nero are a drum and bass/dubstep duo who are actually signed up to Chase & Status’ record label MTA Records. I seen these guys a couple of years ago in a tiny venue when they were relatively unknown, and it’s amazing to see how far they have come since then. Their live set at Glasto confirmed this. They headlined the Wow! Stage at 2am Saturday night/Sunday morning in front of a packed crowd. The tent was nowhere near big enough to contain the rowdy ravers. Their set ended with the appearance of Alana Watson, vocalist for many of the duo’s tracks. It was a perfect way to end with such hits as “Me & You” and “Innocence” proving favourable with the lively crowd. However the stand-out song was undoubtedly “Guilt”. The song sent out a magnificent vibe circulating its way around the tent building on the already electric atmosphere. I look forward to seeing these guys again sometime soon!

I must point that none of these three acts were in my “Top 5 to watch” highlighting the vast array of music on offer at the the festival. Other note-worthy mentions go to The Joy Formidable, Pendulum, Biffy Clyro and Foster the People for some wonderful performances.

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Matthew Evans