The Big
Beach Ball is one of the best things to happen in the Aberdeen music scene for
some years. Founded last year, it has expanded from its predominantly-electronic
beginnings and this year boasted a number of top indie and rock bands from across Scotland in its
line-up. With a diverse range of music on offer, all that remained was for the
sun to shine over the festival site – the illustrious Beach Ballroom – which it
did in abundance. Here’s what we saw at Aberdeen’s only inner-city music
festival...
Marionettes, Red Bull/Lyle & Scott Stage
Although
the festival kicked off an hour earlier than Marionettes’ set, it was up to the
Aberdeen five-piece to get things started from a live music perspective. And boy,
did they deliver! Beginning with the exuberant Shrinking Violets, their set was packed with catchy danceable tunes
including new track The Garden Song,
which is due to be released as a single soon. The small crowd who had braved
the festival early doors enjoyed their fast and spiky music, and I’d be
surprised if they didn’t win over a number of new fans.
Kathryn Sawers, Chivas Peace & Jam Room
Among
the vintage tea sets and local designer clothes on offer in the Peace & Jam
Room, Kathryn Sawers played to an enraptured crowd early on in the day. Her
hypnotic songs, accompanied by sparse piano work, were incredible to listen to and provided a nice relaxing beginning to proceedings on the second-floor indoor stage.
Amy Sawers, Chivas Peace & Jam Room
Anyone
who knows anything about Aberdeen music will have heard of Amy Sawers. Back by
a full band, the previous winner of Cafe Drummond’s Two Grand Tournament rocked
hard for the appreciative audience. Playing through a number of songs
recognisable to her many fans, Amy played a fantastic set that really energised
the early hours of the festival.
Cats in Capes, Chivas Peace & Jam Room
Despite
some dubious dance moves from some of the members during their set, Cats in
Capes put on a really impressive show. With a tight indie-rock sound, they
powered through their set and indulged in copious amounts of banter with the
audience. Launching themselves into the crowd for the final song, Cats in Capes
made to sure to leave a lasting impression on all who saw them.
Miaoux Miaoux, Red Bull/Lyle & Scott Stage
Originally
scheduled to appear much earlier in the day, Miaoux Miaoux faced some drum
problems that delayed his set by two hours. When he finally arrived, though,
flanked by two new bandmates in matching sky blue t-shirts, he played some
exquisite electro-indie. Jumping between synthesizers and guitars, it was an eclectic
sound, but one that the crowd really got into – there was much dancing to be
seen in the large outdoor tent. Not bad for a line-up that only saw its second outing at the Big Beach Ball!
Auntie Flo, Red Bull/Lyle & Scott Stage
One of
the pitfalls of electronic music, for me, is that in a live setting it falls a
bit flat due to essentially being records played on a turntable. That was
certainly not the case with Auntie Flo, however, who created their beats live on
stage: electronic bongo drums and a myriad of samplers and synthesizers created
an awesome spectacle, and definitely made me rethink my attitude towards live electronic music.
Three Blind Wolves, Chivas Peace & Jam Room
Playing
a number of songs from their new album, Sing
Hallelujah for the Old Machine, Three Blind Wolves were on fine form. Their
guitar-based indie-folk sound – augmented by hints of Americana and supreme
vocal harmonies – went down very well with the mid-afternoon audience. Old
favourite Emily Rose was,
unsurprisingly, a set highlight and showed the band off at their best.
Randolph’s Leap, Red Bull/Lyle & Scott
Stage
Eclectic
indie-folk outfit Randolph’s Leap are an intriguing prospect: boasting more
members in one band than in many full gig line-ups, I was interested to see
what they sounded like. Although the set had its quieter moments, perhaps more
suited for earlier in the festival, when Randolph’s Leap really let rip they
were a joy to behold: the crowd danced through their trumpet-fuelled upbeat numbers with gusto,
and really got stuck in.
Nevada Base, Chivas Peace & Jam Room
Nevada
Base were a new find for me, but I’m glad I made the effort to climb up the
stairs to the indoor stage on which they played. With a really interesting
electro-indie sound, they quickly had the crowd up on their feet and dancing
away (although I’m sure the alcohol might have had something to do with it
too).
The Little Kicks, Red Bull/Lyle & Scott
Stage
Having
just returned from a two week European tour, The Little Kicks took to the stage
tighter than ever. Opening their set with five or six tracks from their
forthcoming third album, they showcased a new direction to their music: a
progression from the synth elements on their sophomore effort into a full-on
electro-indie sound. The Little Kicks were the first band of the festival to
really command the large outdoor stage, drawing a big home crowd with their set
which also boasted favourites like Anti
Work Song and Call of Youth.
IndianRedLopez, Chivas Peace & Jam Room
IndianRedLopez
suffered from an unfortunate scheduling clash and deserved a much bigger crowd
than they got. Those who did attend, however, were blown away by the technical
ability of the Aberdeenshire group. Showcasing a number of new tracks alongside
firm fan favourites, including Ropes,
the band masterfully combined pulsating electronic sounds with screaming indie
to put on a stunning show, augmented as ever with custom visuals projected over
the stage.
The Xcerts, Red Bull/Lyle & Scott Stage
Always a
hit when they return to their hometown, The Xcerts put on a blinding
performance at the Big Beach Ball. Despite an unusual lighting choice by the
stage designers, which left the band practically as silhouettes against the
bright lights, they played well and pleased the eager crowd. Songs like early
hit Do You Feel Safe? and sing-along anthem
Aberdeen 1987 really struck a chord
with the band’s local audience, and proved why they are much loved by music
fans across the land.
We Were Promised Jetpacks, Red Bull/Lyle &
Scott Stage
One of
Scotland’s finest indie rock groups, We Were Promised Jetpacks closed the live
music portion of the festival in style. Despite a number of festival goers
choosing instead to check out Octave One on the Snafu Main Stage, We Were
Promised Jetpacks managed to pull an impressive crowd. Erupting onstage, they
played through a set of hits including Quiet
Little Voices which saw the crowd passionately singing along. Ending with
the utterly epic It’s Thunder and It’s
Lightning, the band left to thunderous cheering and an audience baying for
more. A brilliant end to a brilliant day.
Full
photo gallery by Hayley McMann coming soon.
ES
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