Sparrow and the Workshop plied their countrified-folk at midday on Saturday, kicking off the day’s music and gathering a fairly large crowd. Lead singer Jill had “never been this far north before”, and took the chance to soak up the excitable crowd’s enthusiasm. With fans like Broken Records; and Tommy Reilly spotted in amongst the crowd; this band are destined for great things.
The New Forbidden, Garden Stage
As the chants for pasta sauce began, it became obvious that Loyd Grossman’s band, The New Forbidden, were about to grace the Garden Stage. As they kicked into the first song Loyd Grossman started "rocking out” with his guitar, a slightly strange event to witness, similar to seeing your uncle attempting to play along to a “Biggest Rock Anthems” CD at a family party. However as The New Forbidden worked through their set of 70’s punk rock, you couldn't help but strangely enjoy it. As vocalist Valentine tells the crowd “we have sauce-master Loyd Grossman on guitar” it becomes apparent that they do not actually take themselves too seriously, and are really just having fun playing in their band. And fun is exactly what the crowd wanted.
Magistrates, Hothouse Stage
“People in Scotland are always more fun” claimed frontman Usher as he kicked a giant inflatable ball into the crowd. It was obvious that Magistrates were out to have fun at Belladrum, and they certainly did bring fun with their funky pop sounds. Throughout the set, Magistrates supplied danceable songs and frontman Usher continued to converse with the audience, making sure that every member of the crowd left the Hothouse Stage with a smile.
The Phantom Band, Hothouse Stage
The Phantom band, a 6-piece synth-indie rock band, filled the Hothouse tent; and along with strange percussion, melodicas and vocal harmonies, rocked the stage. With a set featuring atmospheric instrumental moments, quieter heartfelt songs, and full-on rocking, there was something for everyone, and the crowd seemed to be loving every minute of it! Many of the band members proved to be multi-instrumentalists and swapped around instruments, before lead singer Rick Anthony did a handstand to signify the end of the show.
Twin Atlantic, Hothouse Stage
Even before the set began, the cries of “Here we, here we, here we fucking go!” could be heard for miles around. It seems that Twin Atlantic’s rise to favour has been meteoric, and set opener Lightspeed sent the packed tent into overdrive, with fists pumping and bodies moving. The band played new songs like Caribbean War Syndrome amongst old favourites What Is Light? Where Is Laughter? and I Cave In, whilst members of Official Secrets Act were spotted in the crowd. Midway through the set, the band paused long enough for singer Sam McTrusty to tell the crowd that they had given him "a stitch", and that compared to last year’s set, “I prefer this one”. Presumably, because the audience last year were so excitable and rowdy that festival organisers had to ask everyone to sit down! Other set highlights included forthcoming single You’re Turning Into John Wayne, and the massive Audience and Audio which, as ever, drew an impressive set to a close.
Sons and Daughters, Hothouse Stage
Sons and Daughters were an obvious attraction as they managed to fill out the Hothouse Stage tent. As they worked through their set of loud indie pop, the delighted crowd danced along. During their set guitarist Scott told the audience “It’s Adele’s birthday today!” to which vocalist Adele replied “I’m twenty one… again”. The crowd then gave three cheers for Adele.
Sucioperro, Seedlings Stage
Sucioperro had gathered a fairly small audience as a result of their set time being changed, but the crowd that had congregated were singing along to every word from vocalist JP Reid. Bassist Spider explained “we were a little bit late… we had some issues shall we say” in explanation of their set time being moved. Sucioperro stormed through a set of songs mainly from their recent album Pain Agency and thanked the crowd for coming along to see their set even though it had been changed.
British Sea Power, Hothouse Stage
Walking onto a stage decorated by branches and flags, British Sea Power opened to Lights Out For Darker Skies, before proceeding to power through a marvellous set of their noisy conceptual rock. Unfortunately playing to a half full crowd as a result of being on at the same time as Ocean Colour Scene, it was clear that British Sea Power were deserving of a much greater crowd. Continuing to work through a career spanning set, bassist Hamilton dedicated No Lucifer to their Scottish friend Graham. Before they burst into Carrion vocalist Yan thanked the crowd for “coming to see us rather than the delightful Ocean Colour Scene”. British Sea Power then walked off the stage to the applause of the ecstatic crowd.
Ocean Colour Scene, Garden Stage
Ocean Colour Scene were, undoubtedly, the big draw of the weekend to most festival-goers, and this was reflected in the crowd: the biggest seen across the event’s two days. Opening with The Riverboat Song, the band enthusiastically played through hits from their back catalogue, along with some new tracks, debuted in Scotland for the first time ever.
Guitarist Steve Cradock played admirably, and threw out some impressive solos, especially during Go To Sea, a track from the band's previous outing, which deals with young Scots being sent to war.
During the band’s quieter moments, including an acoustic solo from Simon Fowler, lighters and hands were seen swaying side by side across the crowd; while during the more energetic tracks, beach balls were spotted being batted around by the masses.
Track Profit in Peace prompted mass sing-along feel-good vibes, as did The Day We Caught The Train, which excited the crowd. Finishing with a cover of The Beatles’ Day Tripper, as fire jugglers lined the walls of the Belladrum Estate, the band went out with a bang, being followed by a massive fireworks display.
ES, RT
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