Archives for August 2010

Belsonic 2010 - David Guetta

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ATL | 14:03 UK time, Tuesday, 31 August 2010

guetta2.jpgDescribe in a tweet: OMG the crazy French man has arrived, David Guetta is in the 'House'.

What happened: David Guetta's entrance on stage was anything but low key. Dwarfed by a colossal video screen, Guetta's opening visuals read 'Ireland, are you ready?' Armed with his impressive repertoire of hits, he announced that "The party had arrived", cuing his current hit 'Getting Over You'.

This was the energy Custom House Square lacked, and the intro was followed by 2 hours of continuous crowd pleasing party music. Not only did Guetta dish out his own heavy bassline anthems, he also dropped Justice's 'We Are Your Friends', Dead Prez's 'Hip Hop' and his own edit of Snap's 'Rhythm is a Dancer', just for good measure. He was brilliantly received and displayed immense charisma for a man who is constantly travelling and who has clocked up more air miles than a lost Ryanair flight.

One Love: Guetta treating lovely Belsonic to an extended 2 hour set.

One Hate: Not getting to see the onstage robots that Guetta brought along to Oxegen.

Belsonic rating: 9.5/10

Belsonic 2010 - The Japanese Popstars

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ATL | 13:55 UK time, Tuesday, 31 August 2010

Describe in a tweet: A hamster is trapped inside The Japanese Popstars CD deck.

What happened: There's still a fair amount of daylight in a rammed Custom House Square at 8pm as local legends Japanese Popstars kick off their set with new track, 'Destroy'. It's a minimal start to a progressive performance - no fancy visuals, or on stage production, just a small rectangular LED screen propped on top of the turntables brandishing 'The Japanese Popstars' name, and a collection of high octane tracks . Amongst those was Green Velvet's 'Let go' and 'Rise of the Ulysses'.

The energy and atmosphere onstage amongst the crowd is immense, with hands in the air and stray bog roll flying through the sky. Onstage, the keyboard player busts some serious dance moves, and at one point threatens to smash his Roland following the aftermath of 'Rise of the Ulysses.' Crowd appreciation is at a high, as the 'Japstars' exchange wry smiles following the build up of a breakdown. Blistering through the stacked speakers lining each side of the stage, the live performance was deafening but incredibly pleasurable.

Far Out From The Far East: Seeing Manchester United's Jonny Evans walk past during the 'Japstars' performance.

Not Far Out Enough:The repetitive terrace chanting from the crowd. 

Belsonic rating: 8/10

Belsonic 2010 - Fake Blood

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ATL | 13:42 UK time, Tuesday, 31 August 2010

Describe in a tweet: High expectations, resulting in an 'ok' performance. Was he missing a piece of his jigsaw?

What happened: In an uncharacteristic display from a man with some monstrously heavy productions to his name, the opening track by Fake Blood floats by on an unexpectedly minimal beat, leading into a basic first half that had people dancing, but not fully fired up. Despite playing 'Stuck on Repeat' and 'I think I like it', Fake Blood left out the likes of 'Mars', 'The Dozen' and 'Fix Your Accent', putting a big grey cloud over the performance.



I Think I Like It: Lapping up my favourite Fake Blood record 'I think I like it'.

I Don't Think I Like it: The misery of not getting to enjoy Fake Blood's other records.

Belsonic rating: 6/10

SuggestiON-AIR: Who do you want to see at Electric Picnic?

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ATL | 15:34 UK time, Monday, 30 August 2010

The Summer is ready for shut down and Autumn is advancing like a rusty whirlwind. That means festival season is nearly over for another year, leaving us to hibernate in our attics with our sunglasses and deck chairs until another plethora of festivals roll around.

We do, however have one huge Irish festival left in the form of Electric Picnic. This weekend thousands will descend on Stradbally Co.Laois with the intention of getting their well oiled heels rocked. Who do you want to see at this years festival?

Let us know your pick by shouting us here, on our facebook or on our twitter and we will give y'all a shout on the show tonight...

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Belsonic 2010 - Biffy Clyro

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ATL | 15:11 UK time, Monday, 30 August 2010

eBiffyClyro15.jpgDescribe in a tweet: The biggest rock band in the UK prove exactly why they're the best.

What happened: This crowd is here for Biffy - it's a fact. The second the Scottish trio bound on stage (accompanied by an extra guitarist) the entire crowd seems to go crazy... and stays that way for the rest of the performance.

In a way, despite the brilliantly energetic and professional performance delivered by the band (these guys have been around long enough to know how to give us the goods), the true star of the evening was the crowd. Unlike the usual sedate audience one might come to expect, particularly on a cold and wet night, Biffy's crowd sing along with every word, they pump their fists in the air, they hold each other and scream, they cheer like their lives depend on it, and they give the band the perfect platform upon which to take it to the next level.

All the hits are paraded out, and the crowd eats them up, hungry for more. The band give them everything they've got, and still the crowd demand an encore.

"Belfast, you've always been good to us!", exclaim the band from the stage. They're not wrong.

Sir Sean Connery: THIS is what a rock gig should be like! Everything is perfect, and we stop noticing the fact that we're soaked. Mon the Biffy!

Wee Jimmy Krankie: There's very little to fault, really. Perhaps Simon Neil's new bleached blonde hair and beard combo make him look a little "General Custer", but even that's sort of cool.

Belsonic rating: 8/10

Belsonic 2010 - Lost Prophets

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ATL | 14:55 UK time, Monday, 30 August 2010

Describe in a tweet: Support band attempt to give headlining performance. Fail.

What happened: It's perhaps an indicator of the changing shape of the musical landscape that two years ago, Lostprophets would have been the headlining act tonight - their stadium sized brand of emo rock seemed all conquering, riding at the very top of the Brit-rock pack. Things have changed though, and tonight Lostprophets deliver a tour de force in how to lose an audience.

Pompous, anonymous, directionless - these are all terms that could be levelled at the band, with one over-inflated melodramatic rock epic blurring into the next. Frontman Ian Watkins does his best to engage, but it largely falls flat, easily defeated by the wind and the rain. Behind him, the band plough on, whether anyone wants them to or not.

But by the end of the set, somehow they manage to turn it all around. It's a completely unexpected turn of events, but after the initial endurance test, the audience ends up being caught in mass singalongs, and it starts to feel like a proper concert again. With a bit of pacing, this could have been far, far better than what we all had to go through in the rain.

Prophecies of Nostradamus: by the end of the set, the band have really managed to establish that connection to the audience, with Ian Watkins wearing a plastic pauncho in solidarity with the soaked throng. Which was nice of him.

Prophecies of Mystic Meg: For the most part, the band just rattle along, a thumping drone that seems to melt into one anonymous note.

Belsonic rating: 4/10

Belsonic 2010 - Fighting With Wire

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ATL | 13:39 UK time, Monday, 30 August 2010

Describe in a tweet: new material passes the litmus test.

What happened: After a fairly triumphant performance at Belsonic two years ago, Fighting With Wire return to the stage with a new album under their belt, and everything to prove.

So perhaps it's evidence of a certain nervousness that the set is padded out with some of the older, more familiar material, whilst the new songs are hesitantly paraded in front of the audience, taking their first clumsy steps like Bambi in the forest.

They needn't worry though: sounding like a mixture of Nirvana and classic Weezer, one gets the impression that Fighting With Wire's new album is going to take them to some very interesting places indeed.

Fight Club: Whilst the old songs still pack a punch, the crowd are hungry to hear new material. Perfect time to get a new album out there, don'tchathink?

Down To The Wire: Last time they played Belsonic - it rained. This time - it rained. Sort it out, guys!

Belsonic rating: 7/10

Belsonic 2010 - Twin Atlantic

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ATL | 13:36 UK time, Monday, 30 August 2010

Describe in a tweet: If you weren't singing 'Lightspeed Lightspeed!' in a Scottish accent for a good half hour, there's something seriously wrong.



What happened: Twin Atlantic mounted the stage relatively early, which didn't give any late arrivals at Belsonic a chance to see the band in full swing. This is a pity as Twin Atlantic - fresh from the city of Glasgow (if you already haven't guessed by their strong recognisable accent) - are in full flight. 'Lightspeed', their most well known track, was electrifying to watch, definitely one song they know how to play well. Other songs including 'What is Light? Where is Laughter?' and 'Human After All' gave the band good foundations for their debut appearance in Belfast. One good thing to do to make sure you go down well with the Belfast crowd is to interact with us, or else we'll find going to find a curry chip more interesting than watching, and Twin Atlantic did a fair bit, but a bit more communication would have connected us a lot more. But how can we resist those Scottish accents? Every more reason to love the Scots



Yes Please: There is something pleasing to the ear hearing a scottish accent sing catchy rock songs. Both lyrics and music are cleverly threaded together, and I'm putting my neck out to say that these guys are going to get bigger and bigger. Good luck to them!



No Thanks: Play a longer setlist and write more songs and I think you'll find you're onto a winner



Belsonic rating: 7/10

Belsonic 2010 - Paul Weller

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ATL | 12:52 UK time, Saturday, 28 August 2010

ePaulWeller2.jpgDescribe in a tweet: Age certainly hasn't slowed down the Modfather.

What happened: From the get go, Weller turns proceedings up to eleven, as he cavorts and goose-steps all over the shop for the guts of 2 hours. His voice is in sterling condition, belting out tune after tune in his renowned gravely register. 'That's Entertainment' and '22 Dreams' both go down a storm. At the midway point, he steps behind an amply sized piano situated at the back of the stage, where he spends a suspect amount of time, with only his blond bonce visible to the crowd. It makes the experience a little distant, but no less astounding.

That's Entertainment: Witnessing a music legend in his absolute prime is a privilege in itself, but a gorgeous performance of 'You Do Something To Me' has the goose bumps standing to attention.

That's A Bit Wick: The random appearance of a special guest guitarist adds nothing to the set. Also, was he really playing that piano? Hands were we can see 'em, Paul!

Belsonic rating: 9/10

Belsonic 2010 - The Courteeners

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ATL | 12:48 UK time, Saturday, 28 August 2010

Describe in a tweet: Conveyor belt Britpop snore fest keeps the front row warm.

What happened: Standard issue really: 5-piece Mancunian band brandishing songs all cut from the same indie rock cloth: constant foot pedal intro, jangly guitar, brash delivery. You know the drill. At times the band create great moments with big crescendos, primarily with the help of keyboards, but they can't help but delve back into the exhausted swagger of brattish 21st century brit pop that we have grown to know only too well. Strangely enough, the front of the audience lapped up every drop of it.

Bobby Dazzler: When the keys take precedence, they actually begin to sound great. Get the drawing board out, chaps.

Bobby Davro: Sunglasses at night are not cool.

Belsonic rating: 5/10

Belsonic 2010 - General Fiasco

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ATL | 12:43 UK time, Saturday, 28 August 2010

Describe in a tweet: It's ok to be shy sometimes.

What happened: There's no doubt the band's crowd are a fundamental element to their live display; but faced with a considerably older crowd than they are used to, proceedings are a lot less explosive than a usual General Fiasco show. Frontman Owen Strathern seems uncharacteristically nervous for the first half of the set, but once he takes centre stage with 'Sinking Ships', he begins to really open up. Then when the band return to the stage the momentum receives a much needed gear change.

HMS Fiasco: As always, Strathern's vocals are pristine, as perfectly demonstrated on 'Dancing with Girls', and a riotous rendition of 'Rebel Get By' ends the set on a high note...

Sinking Ship: ...but it seems nerves got a hold of them too early, and the lacklustre first half sadly set the predominant tone for their performance.

Belsonic rating: 6/10

Belsonic 2010 - Cashier No.9

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ATL | 12:39 UK time, Saturday, 28 August 2010

Describe in a tweet: Jackie shines in the face of adversity.

What happened: Tumbleweeds blow across Custom House Square when Cashier No.9 arrive on stage. A lesser band would just phone this one in, but these guys aren't a group to do things by halves; they kick off the evening with 'Gold Star', and spend the ensuing 20 minutes constructing their own brand of prog rock architecture and art rock bombast.

Gold Star: The band's lush, delicate melodies are hammered into your skull with seismic drum activity. How can a band sound so big and so humble all at once?

Black Mark: There was no-one there! Ok, not literally, but the distinct lack of crowd meant the atmosphere felt half-baked. A crying shame really.

Belsonic rating: 7/10

Belsonic 2010 - 2manydjs

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ATL | 15:52 UK time, Friday, 27 August 2010

2manydjs.jpgDescribe in a tweet: Taken away by men in white coats.

What happened: Beginning as the stage was still being constructed before our eyes, 2manydjs take us on a hedonistic journey of genre and song mashing, with nervous apartment owners looking on from overhead, hoping their buildings are safe. Good times were had by all.

2manyhighlights: Almost too many to mention. Opening with their version of 'Hey Boy, Hey Girl', closing with 'Love Will Tear Us Apart'. They hammer us with clichés (New Order, Zombie Nation, MGMT) and guilty pleasures (Queen, AC/DC, John Paul Young) among the electro (Mr Oizo, Justice), all given their twists. And the messed up visuals re-imagining the sleeves of the songs is still genius.

2manylowlights: It ended before sunrise. Possibly a little bit of lag in places. And they may make white suits cool again. Yes, I'm nit-picking.

Belsonic rating: 2/10. No, not really. 9/10

Belsonic 2010 - Two Door Cinema Club

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ATL | 15:46 UK time, Friday, 27 August 2010

eTwoDoorCinemaClub2.jpgDescribe in a tweet: The boys are back and all growed up.

What happened: As much of a cliché as it sounds, the truth will out: these local lads on the line-up make a triumphant return. Initially, it didn't look good for them as the crowd dispersed and temperature dropped. Then they started, and the doubts disappeared. Roll on the December gig.

Knocking On Heaven's Door: What we remember as a scrawny bunch of lads have disappeared off and become a proper festival outfit and a formidable live act. They belong here and they know it. The crowd dances, sings along and generally eats it up with a big spoon. 'Come Back Home' is going to be a staple on our playlists.

Shown The Door: Us. For doubting you lads. We were worried about what might happen to an indie band stuck on a relatively dance line-up. We hadn't realised what the last year had done to you.

Rating: 8/10

Belsonic 2010 - Major Lazer

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ATL | 15:26 UK time, Friday, 27 August 2010

eMajorLazer2.jpgDescribe in a tweet: Reach for the lazers.

What happened: We all sat around and sang acoustic folk songs. Nah, just kidding, we got dirty and nasty to the dancehall beats while being cajoled, directed and abused by a couple of nutters on stage, who still found time to quaff their champers with pinkies raised.

What U Like: The podium diving and dancing. A frantic, messy audience bouncing and waving shirts. Even Diplo joins in the fun, taking off his jacket and shirt and climbing onto the decks to salute us.

What U Don't Like: What happened with that ending? And did we really need to be told every 30 seconds that it was Major Lazer on stage?

Belsonic rating: 6/10 

Belsonic 2010 - Soulwax

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ATL | 15:10 UK time, Friday, 27 August 2010

eSoulWax2.jpgDescribe in a tweet: You know you got Soul.

What happened: Some people need to unwind a little before the main event, and dressed like a lounge act, Soulwax decide to get a little loosened up before their exertions later on as 2manydjs. It's still early enough that the crowd is being drawn towards the music, rather than being up there already, but those that are ensnared don't regret their decision.

KracK: 'E Talking' and 'We Love Animals'. The former builds nastier and dirtier than it should be allowed to be, calling us in with the disembodied vocals. The latter makes a very convincing case for animal rights, a beautiful mess of beats and bass.

Proverbial Pants: Right, who do we complain to? You're not allowed to be that talented. It's not fair on the rest of us with you being part of too many successes. And we really could have done with this being properly after dark and more people here.

Belsonic rating: 8/10

Belsonic 2010 - Kids On Bridges

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ATL | 14:52 UK time, Friday, 27 August 2010

Thumbnail image for KidsOnBridges.jpgDescribe in a tweet: Belfast bridges not likely to fall down as a result.

What happened: A bunch of lads got onstage and gave it their best. The early slot means it's largely music for drinking and meeting up with people, and as a result of this, their attempts at gang-indie-dance are only really noticed by the kids at the front.

Highlight: The man on synths has an impressively bouncy hairdo. 'High Definition' is fun. It's all pleasant enough...

Lowlight: ...but not exactly ground-breaking or memorable. Nothing particularly wrong, but feels like a time-slot filled.

Belsonic rating: 5/10

SuggestiON-AIR: Band Break Ups

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ATL | 16:07 UK time, Monday, 23 August 2010

The sad news reached us this week that Panama Kings and Stand Up guy are to call it a day. It got our mind grapes in action, what band break up have you been most gutted about? What acts have been taken before thier time?

Let us know your pick by shouting us here, on our facebook or on our twitter and we will give y'all a shout on the show tonight...

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Belsonic 2010 - Stereophonics

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ATL | 14:42 UK time, Sunday, 22 August 2010

eSterophonics9.jpgDescribe in a tweet: When they're good they're very very good, but when they're bad they're horrid.



What happened: Four Belsonics, four massive crowds. It's kicking off this year, and Stereophonics end week one with a reasonable bang. Strange how this lot have a dodgy enough reputation and are somehow regarded as being very uncool. Strange... and kind of unfair.



Have A Nice Day: It's simple - some of these songs are brilliant. We'd forgot about 'A Thousand Trees' and 'Local Boy In The Photograph' - two absolute gems from what seems like a different band. 'Bartender And The Thief' is arguably the finest tracks played on this stage this week, while 'Dakota' wraps things up nicely.



It Means Nothing: Then there's the other side to this band. The likes of 'Just Looking' and 'Have A Nice Day' are trudging, whingey snooze-fests. And while it's predictable that a reviewer would slag off 'Mr. Writer', it really does seem like the longest, dullest song we've ever heard in our sorry little lives. You'd think these songs would get a little boost when performed live, but they still sound beige. Having said that, they're lapped up by most. Kelly's in weird form too, seemingly going through the motions with nothing vaguely relevant to say to us. Oh, and the new stuff is bobbins.



Belsonic rating: 6/10

Belsonic 2010 - Kids In Glass Houses

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ATL | 14:39 UK time, Sunday, 22 August 2010

Describe in a tweet: Go go gadget arms!

Kids_In_Glass_Houses.jpg

What happened: They get stuck in straight away these Kids In Glass Houses, with an extremely lanky and very bendy frontman flinging himself about the stage, kinda forcing us to get involved.



Kids In A Sweetshop: Proper festival stuff here - big tunes, lot of banter, call and response, big time showmanship - all of that. It works.



Kids In Detention: It's fun and thus we shouldn't be mean, but this type of emo-pop really is an acquired taste...



Belsonic rating: 6/10

Belsonic 2010 - Joe Echo

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ATL | 14:33 UK time, Sunday, 22 August 2010

Joe_echo.jpgDescribe in a tweet: Some voice on you bai.



What happened: An hour after gates open, a healthy crowd are gathered down the front for Joe Echo, one of the more underrated acts from these shores. They seemed a strange addition to this bill, a dodgy fit. But seems a good song is a good song and their entire set is lapped up by an increasingly frisky gathering.



Joe Lindsay: The sound is pretty much spot on. Nerdy enough of us to point that out, but when it comes to a voice as strong as Ciaran Gribben's, you want things to be loud and clear. Heads turn, everyone pipes down and takes it in. 'The Heart that Knows Desire' soars, while forthcoming single 'Sink Your Teeth In' is proof they're not running out of those big choruses anytime soon.



Joe Stalin: Keyboardist Matt Maginn's dodgy t-shirt is the best we can rustle up with regards to a complaint.



Belsonic rating: 8/10

Belsonic 2010 - Florence and the Machine

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ATL | 14:44 UK time, Friday, 20 August 2010

175T5239.jpgDescribe in a tweet: Wispy woman warbling in the wind.



What happened: It is now very wet. One doesn't want to say that spirits have been "dampened"... but they have been. Noise swells up, the lights flare, and a huge curtain falls down to reveal Florence, clad in white, twirling around.



Except that the curtain gets stuck and refuses to fall, causing two roadies to run on-stage and pull it down. Florence, ever the professional, steps over the curtain, to an ocean of camera-phones and a roar of cheers.

And so begins an oddly subdued and emotionally uninvolving performance, Florence taking centre stage and howling into the wind, while her machine rattles on behind her. Perhaps it was the increasingly strong wind, but the sound of the band was just swallowed up, leaving Florence's voice and a solitary drumbeat as the only audible noises coming from the stage.



But it doesn't really seem to matter. 'You've Got The Love' gets a big response, as does 'Rabbit Heart', temporarily re-energising an otherwise sedate audience. Then it's back to talking amongst yourselves, and occasionally looking at the stage to see if it's still going on, while the woman bellows into the night sky.



Welcome To The Machine: The backdrop to the stage is awfully pretty, and ATL would like one for the living room, please.



Rage Against The Machine: For all her visual posturing and preening about, Florence is actually kinda... boring...

Belsonic Rating: 5/10

Belsonic 2010 - Babeshadow

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ATL | 14:26 UK time, Friday, 20 August 2010

Babeshadowcopy.jpgDescribe in a tweet: Summery afro-pop in the middle of a hurricane.



What happened: Despite the fact that appears that we've bypassed the end of summer, and gone straight through to midwinter, Babeshadow plough on regardless, jangling and bopping along, like there's no tomorrow. That Vampire Weekend-esque brand of guitar based afro-pop is very much in vogue right now, but one wonders how much more room to manoeuvre there can be with a sound as rigidly genre based as this.

No matter, as they do it quite well, and at least go some way to convincing us that we're not getting pneumonia.



Moonlight Shadow: Some of those intricate guitar melodies would bring a smile to Paul Simon's face.

The Shadow of my Lung: At times, it all gets a bit anonymous. Paul Simon would be sad.

Belsonic Rating: 6/10

Chattering Classes #20 - Joe Echo

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ATL | 16:07 UK time, Thursday, 19 August 2010

joeecho313.jpgJoe Echo, the work of ATL's pal Ciaran Gribben, is a staple of the local scene and our playlists the last couple of years. Ahead of festival appearances at Belsonic and Electric Picnic (and a new single) Rigsy caught up with the man himself to talk armpits, Crimewatch and dodgy dancing...

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Belsonic 2010 - Paolo Nutini

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ATL | 15:08 UK time, Thursday, 19 August 2010

Describe in a tweet: Paolo saves the day.

ePaulo_Nutini4.jpgWhat happened: Belsonic, like a builder in a business suit, is pumped and ready for Paolo Nutini. The waning crowds for Heathers and the train wreck that was Carly Connor is all forgotten and forgiven now as the raspy reveller kicks into '10/10'. Tracks such as 'Candy' and 'New Shoes' test the vocal capabilities of the 5,000 in attendance at Custom House Square while 'Growing Up Beside You' and 'Tricks of the Trade' take the square to a more contemplative place.

The Scotsman ambles around stage in a manner fitting his voice, a 70 year old delta blues come Paisley man. He's never been known as the most enigmatic frontman, there are no Van Halen star jumps or Mick Jagger peacock walks, but what we do get is an extremely earnest, honest songwriter who has struck a chord in the hopeless romantics of the nation. He wraps up tonight's proceedings with a cover of 'Time to Pretend' by MGMT, it certainly delights the crowd but is obviously a bit of fun and not meant to be taken seriously. Good work wee man.

I'll Take The High Road: 'Candy' was a moment for the romantics.

You Take The Low Road: He was half an hour late on stage.

Belsonic rating: 8/10

Belsonic 2010 - Carly Connor

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ATL | 14:34 UK time, Thursday, 19 August 2010

eCarly_Connor4.jpgIn a tweet: Should have gone for a walk.

What happened: There's definitely something going on tonight. The average age of the acts couldn't be more than 20. You wouldn't want to be self conscious about your mortality now would you? Carly Connor doesn't break the trend, the 18 year old Glaswegian singer songwriter wheeling out a type of rock that would be classified under G for 'Genericana'. It is so ridiculously formulaic and boring that I have to call into question why and how this person got on such a prestigious bill.

On closer inspection we discover she sings just like Cassandra, the hot girlfriend from comedy film Wayne's World, the main difference is nobody is laughing. Their brand of rock is closer to that type of 80s hair metal everyone had hoped had died and would never come back. Paolo Nutini can't come on soon enough.

That's so rad: It was meant to rain but it didn't.

Aww dude: Their set bored me to tears.

Belsonic rating: 2/10

Belsonic 2010 - Heathers

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ATL | 12:45 UK time, Thursday, 19 August 2010

Paolo_Belsonic.jpgIn a tweet: Two Girls, One Acoustic.

What happened: The first thought that pops into ATL's head on arriving at Belsonic and spotting Dublin based acoustic duo Heathers is "how did those fans get on stage"? As I look around the front of Custom House Square I am finding it hard to differentiate between the ladies on stage and the sea of sweet young female Paolo Nutini fans. The one thing that sets them apart from the great unwashed is their soaring candyfloss voices.

'Remember When' is a stand out moment for ATL. It's a perfectly crafted pop song set into the mould of the typical Irish singer song writer, all big melodies and more heart than a European butcher's window. Their live show isn't exactly The Flaming Lips, with the two girls, one acoustic sound/aesthetic leaving me wanting some stage invader to land up and get that kick drum pounding. It's a minor criticism in an other wise good set.



Yeah I'm Cool: 'Remember When' makes me feel like a frolicking teenage girl again.

Say Whaaaat: A change in dynamic would be nice. By the end I was finding it got a bit samey.

Belsonic rating: 6/10

Belsonic 2010 - Kasabian

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ATL | 00:18 UK time, Wednesday, 18 August 2010

ek20.jpgIn a tweet: The Stone Roses for the Soccer AM generation.



What happened: There was barely a moment to pause from start to finish. The Kasabian formula isn't the most complex in the world but dearie me, do we love it. The first track 'Shoot The Runner' draws the crowd in and from that moment on they're slaves to the absolute will of Tom Meighan. Kasabian have an almost legendary reputation for live performances and it's clear to see why - the choruses are constantly huge, the transitions from song to song are barely noticeable and there's constantly an almost tribal drumbeat from percussionist Ian Matthews. Tracks like 'Underdog' have iconic riffs and big blues-laden distorted numbers doff a cap in the direction of The Jam or The Clash and are utterly memorable.



The band's repertoire varies little in style but significantly in terms of quality. Granted, you can't play nearly 2 hours worth of singles but the masses traversing towards the bars during the set spoke with their feet in regards to certain tracks. 'Thick As Thieves' was an unusual choice for the set - a softer, almost folksy song that wouldn't be out of place at a Colin Meloy concert - and it seemed to come out of the blue compared to the upbeat rock we'd experienced for six straight songs previously. 'Track The Doberman' is a clinker of a track, rising and falling with some simply immense drumming. It feels like a show closer, but this reviewer's first impressions were misleading.



We're at the final bend now and Kasabian are flying. It's simply hit after hit, and the crowd are loving it. The arms are waving, oohing and aahing, singing and dancing. Meighan struts and parades around on stage, fully aware that the entire audience is captivated. And then boom. L.S.F. starts, and the audience erupt. Quite simply there are few British bands that can match this act in terms of a stadium performance.



Happiness: The bassline in 'Fast Fuse'. Although it's roughly halfway through the set, it's this reviewer's track of the night.



Where Did All The Love Go?: The instrumental introduction to 'Club Foot' was nearly three minutes long. There's building up to a song and there's simply putting time in.



Belsonic rating: 8/10

Belsonic 2010 - Ash

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ATL | 23:50 UK time, Tuesday, 17 August 2010

ea8.jpgIn a tweet: Downpatrick stars bringeth the rock to Custom House Square.



What happened: It's been over 14 years since Ash released 1977, which makes the headline act tonight mere adolescents in comparison to Tim Wheeler and co. With Bloc Party guitarist Russell Lissack brought into the lineup for their latest A-Z tour, it's a slightly different band that take to the Belsonic Stage, but once the first drumbeat kicks in it's business as usual.



Starting things off with A Life Less Ordinary and diving headfirst into their illustrious back catalogue, there really isn't a lull or a dull moment to speak of. Some of the older tracks such as 'Kung Fu' get a surprisingly poor response from the crowd - perhaps it's due to the low average age of those close to the front - but the band's sheer showmanship keeps them interested as they mix things up on stage, extending guitar solos and occasionally showboating.



The newer material such as 'Dionysian Urge' isn't quite up to the same standard as the classics, but the frankly epic 'Return of White Rabbit' shows that the lads can crank out a showstopper when they need it. It also seems that the old wives' tale in regards to Tim Wheeler is no longer true: his voice is surprisingly strong these days and for the most part flawless. It's an absolute stormer of a set and it's a real reminder that Ash are still a force to be reckoned with.



Oh Yeah: Finishing with 'Burn Baby Burn'. A real gem of a pop punk tune and a great guitar riff.



Meltdown: In regards to sound the first half of the set wasn't quite right. The drums were overpowering Wheeler's vocals and the rhythm guitar was almost inaudible at times from a fairly central position. Towards the end of the set, however, things were rectified.



Belsonic rating: 7/10

SuggestiON-AIR - Furthest Distance for a Band...

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ATL | 15:07 UK time, Monday, 16 August 2010

With Belsonic happening on our doorstep this week, it's got us thinking about the times we haven't been so lucky, instead climbing moutains and crossing rivers (ie. grabbed a train, plain or automobile) to catch some of our favourite bands.

Let us know how far you've traveled to catch your favourite band by shouting us here, on our facebook or on our twitter and we will give y'all a shout on the show tonight...

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Chattering Classes #19 - Mojo Fury

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ATL | 16:08 UK time, Wednesday, 11 August 2010

Mojopress09.jpgThey've been threatening an incredible debut album for several years and it's finally ready for the world to deal with.

But before Mike Mormecha from Mojo Fury does anything else, there's the small matter of an online chat with our Rigsy. Strange one this, with chats about the merits of Warren G and Rigsy's internet short circuiting much to Mike and the band's amusement...

(Please note: the conversation is printed exactly as it happened so all spelling mistakes and typos are entirely down to Rigsy being a fool...)

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SuggestiON-AIR: Musical Bust Ups!

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ATL | 15:27 UK time, Monday, 9 August 2010

In honour of our special 'I Am Fighter' guest on air tonight, ATL are all about the inter-band fights and music bust ups for tonight's suggestiON-AIR.

Let us know your pick by shouting us here, on our facebook or on our twitter and we will give y'all a shout on the show tonight...

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Forfey Festival 2010

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Amy McGarrigle | 01:24 UK time, Monday, 9 August 2010

IMG_6207.jpgForfey Festival has built it's name over the last five years, as a unique experience in the local summer music festival calender. With a few hundred people descending on a small family farm outside Lisnaskea in Co. Fermanagh, it's not the most obvious location for the likes of Adebisi Shank, Axis Of, Lafaro or Not Squares to be playing. But mixed it all with acoustic acts, DJ sets, art exhibitions, culinary workshops and film screenings, and you've got one of the most diverse and relaxing weekend's entertainment about.

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Festival Flashbacks #4 - Paul Weller

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ATL | 18:56 UK time, Wednesday, 4 August 2010

In another of our nods to lost gems set to reappear at a summer festival this year, ATL looks forward to what should be a 'moment' this August in Belfast...

Sunflower.jpgACT: Paul Weller

TRACK: Sunflower (1993)

FESTIVAL: Belsonic

CHANCES OF HEARING IT: Good - one of his biggest solo singles (but with such a huge back catalogue to pick from, very few songs are totally guaranteed to appear).

'Real' Weller fans may dismiss this as (at best) one of many standouts during a long solo career or (at worst) an overly poppy single to launch the album 'Wild Wood'. But we reckon it's his finest moment to date.

It's got the kind of opening riff that guarantees no spoken introduction is required, for a start. Always a good thing at a festival. Then there's a basic, singable chorus and a proper ending. Sounds like faint praise, but performed on a warm evening at a festival this one has 'moment' written all over it.

SuggestiON-AIR: Best Cover Versions

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ATL | 15:47 UK time, Monday, 2 August 2010

NI Chart are about to release a special compilation of local bands covering, well, other local bands called 'We've Got It Covered'. So with that in mind, Team ATL got thinking about some of the best cover version our wee ears have ever heard.

Let us know your pick by shouting us here, on our facebook or on our twitter and we will give y'all a shout on the show tonight...

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