We didn't quite make it before the doors opened but still managed to find a seat in one of the booths. Unfortunately, not one with a view of the stage. So, for the first act, we left our jackets on the seats and watched from the sides. Two big units then breezed in, pushed my jacket aside and sat in my space. As soon as they moved, I reclaimed my seat which meant missing the end of the first set.
The Greig Taylor Band are Scottish and make a great sound, with heartfelt lyrics and a bit of fun along the way. A great start to the day.
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| The bald chap in this picture is not the giant I mention later |
Connor Selby didn't do much for me. As bland and soporific as Chris Rea. We didn't even get up to watch them and, like the people around us, spent our time scrolling through our phones. Some did enjoy them, though, and they've won an award, you know.
We skipped Beaux Gris Gris and the Apocalypse to get dinner: a curry at the Ashoka in Ashton Lane. We only saw the end of their set, but they were okay, if a little bizarre. They do have some amazing album covers.
The main draw of the event for me was to see Elles Bailey. Her music gets regular play on Planet Rock, where she has a weekly show, and I loved her last album and her recent single, Enjoy The Ride. We plonked ourselves close to the front leaving only a small gap in front of us. No one tall could slip in there, we thought. WRONG! This massive bald giant of a man confidently pushed in and stood right in front of Bob. He then invited his, granted, smaller pals to join him, squeezing them into the remaining space. Fortunately, I hadn't set down my roots and managed to shift over. He was a longtime Elles fan, cheering whenever she mentioned previous or upcoming gigs. He also had an annoying wish to film the songs, keeping his tree trunk-like arm raised in the air. He was already a head above everyone in front of him, so why did he need the higher view? Probably so he didn't block his own view of the show. Obviously, it goes without saying he had a pint in his other hand, holding the cup in his mouth to applaud at the end of each song.
I did manage to ignore his presence eventually. Elles hadn't toured for a while, so this came across like a warm-up gig for her, with everything a little bit rusty, relying on her skill and experience to carry the show. Her regular guitarist wasn't available, so she'd drafted in the guy with whom she writes some of her songs and the band was sharing Cardinal Black's equipment so that they could fly up from Bristol rather than van it. Well, except for the keyboard player who'd brought his own organ for the show.
The performance was good, her banter charismatic, and everyone loved her. She has a great stage presence, enthusiasm, and a wicked sense of humour. It was funny when she announced the band were due to start tour rehearsals soon because the German gigs were off, and then had to apologise to the bassist because she remembered she hadn't told him this info earlier. Embarrassing! He took in good spirits.
Video link: Enjoy The Ride
We witnessed a moment prior to the show where some friends in the crowd joined to take a group selfie. Elles was passing, heading backstage, and stopped to loom over them in the background, pulling a face. Only I don't think the guy with the camera took the snap because his flash didn't go off as it did with subsequent takes. What a moment to miss! Photobombed by Elles at her own gig.
The final act of the night was Cardinal Black, a six-piece from Wales. While I can't say I loved them, you've got to admire their talent, especially Chris Buck, the guitarist. His work distilled the spirit of The Edge and Dave Gilmour through an emotional blues filter. The band's repertoire has a soulful feel, but I prefer my music a bit rockier. Listening to the singer chat in his lovely Welsh accent made me miss Welsh rockers Those Damn Crows. It wasn't an unpleasant experience, though. It was weird when some fans started waving a huge Welsh flag in such a tiny space.
I still haven't warmed to Oran Mor as a venue. With the many support pillars obscuring the view of the stage from the sides, the horrendous lighting blinding the audience, and the awful sound in certain parts of the room, I can't see what's good about it, except for the artists that wish to play there.
Afterwards, I was shattered. Seven bands in three days was a lot. I wonder how I'm going to cope with my first three-day festival later this year.
Cardinal Black setlist:
Rise Up
Where Do You Go?
Tell Me How It Feels
Terra Firma
Half Way
On My Way
Ain't My Time
Jump In
Warm Love
I'm Ready
Tied Up In Blue
Ticket Price: £28 plus £3.50 Service Fee from Ticketweb.
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| Note the giant's arm on the left |
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| Chris Buck joined her on stage for the final song |
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