Guilfest 2011 Review

It took a while, but here is With Guitars account of our Guilfest experience 2011, we saw some great reggae, indie, ska, pop and punk and that was just on that first Friday!

Guilfest proved a family-friendly easy-going festival managing a balance between passionate performances and audience excitement with a laid back experience around the festival site. From packed punk performances in the Vive Le Rock tent, to eclectic mainstream pop acts from today spanning back three decades and beyond drawing huge crowds from across society, it strangely gelled together. As a 40-something who has enjoyed the best of pop with a few forays down other left-of centre streams music-wise over the years, it was the motley selection that made it all the more interesting. A separate child-only area looked interesting, but without my child with me obviously I was not able to explore it – adults without children are not allowed inside – that’s definitely one to look forward to for a time when I can bring my son. The festival site is well contained in a manageable area without the stages being so cramped together that they distract from each other and the stewards were among the happiest, friendliest and most eager to help I’ve experienced.

Strange to think that this award-winning three day festival, began with just one stage, one tent, lasting just the one day, with a crowd of 500, Today looking around the festival site, we have counted two big outdoor stages – the main stage and the Good Time Guide Stage with a further 4 main tented stages, the bigger two being the Big Cheese and Vive Le Rock tents, they are each capable of holding around 350 or more, mostly more, then there is the Funky End Dance Tent, Cosmic Comedy Tent and the Kidzone. In Other words, there was lots to take in.

Friday

All four of the With Guitars team did what every crew of writers and photographers do – buy a programme, find four pints of Brothers, a spare patch of grass, at least, I think it was in that order. All hands are suitably armed with disposable biros hovering over the few listing pages of the programme, deciding our strategy of just where and when we should be. It is at this point that the various ticks next to band names and group conversations intensified, after numerous excited positives died down, we look at the centre page listings, one thing was decided. Although there were great bands on the main two stages like Adam Ant, Echo And The Bunnymen, The Rifles, Erasure, PIL, The Farm, Go Go Bots, Kate Rusby, and Razorlight it would be, along with the with the odd must see band at The Big Cheese tent, most of the festival would be spent, if only by the line up of punk, reggae and ska mix of the Vive La Rock Tent was irisistable. The line up was also a very good mix of new and older bands; like On Trial UK and New Town Kings compared to the experienced Neville |Staples and bands like 999, UK Subs, Anti Nowhere League and The Lurkers.

So with fresh Pear Cider pints we wander to the West down the slight slope of Stoke Park to the white Vive Le Rock Tent, couldn’t have timed it better…

We walk in as On Trial UK take to the temporary stage. No fear, in part, seems to sum up their performance as, a blistering, energetic assault with engaging arrangements. Jonny on vocals, complete with a demonic smile on his Addicts-like made up face, if your still in the dark, think of the Joker in Batman, less the hat and costumes of course. The whole effect is impressive. On Trial UK are  the first band to grace the stage, had me grinning from the start. On Trial UK should also be playing festivals like Rebellion, Reading / Leeds and T-In The Park as well. They made such a strong impression 7/10. The smile did not wear off for three days, here’s why…

Avondale 45, come on next, I look back from the pit fence looks like half of the crowd have rushed off to get a drink. As the band start to soundcheck, and more of the audience return. fellow punk Pipa AKA Ian informs me that "they played last year’s festival and I he really liked ’em" after their opening song, I give him a nod and a smile, Avondale 45 are robust solid punk, there is plenty of diversity although just at times they seem a little caught up in a 4/4 time signature. I look over to Ian, as he leans in to shout over another the next song’s guitar intro "That’s what they are a solid good punk band" I agree with him, Avondale 45 are performing from a solid base of punk, there is just part of me that would like just a fraction more invention. Avondale 45 play, it seems, on most stages over the weekend, second time round they are even stronger, but I have to give them a worthy mark for their Vive Le Rock slot 6.5/10

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels play energetic punk, which is really out there and with passion. Young lads with energy that matches their music, they also show they are a dab hand at reggae, which makes a good connectionn with the gathered crowd 7/10

It is 8.15 and over on the main stage Echo And The Bunnymen, as they open a sparkling set I already know vocalist Ian McCulloch and guitarist Will Sergeant are on form as they have been rehearsing their ‘Ocean Rain’ Tour for this Autumn, and them crazy festival organisers have given the Liverpool band, good PA and a main stage – ill advised – As the songs keep on coming Crocodiles, Seven Seas; ‘The Killing Moon’, ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’, ‘Silver’ we have no option but to celebrate the band that originally kicked The doors In for others to follow." Echo And The Bunnymen on good form 9/10

Department S are doing their thing back at the Vive Le Rock Tent. . Who they? I hear you ask. Well Department S are a new wave band, who are probably best known for the single ‘Is Vic There?’ (Look it up on iTunes or You Tube) which is a great song. However I have just heard the first handful of new wave songs and It is all very likeable, it’s alternative, its avaunt gourde worthy of more investigation. 6.5/10

The Energy, crowd and bands continue after enjoying most of the Lamberttas (6.5/10) set which feels more mellow in comparison to the first two bands With Guitars encountered, thus making the crowd even busier, the tent is swollen even further by the curious, as their sound was said by some to be more accessible, I nearly had time to agree but an interview opportunity with The Lurkers frontman, Arthuro took me away (Video interview with The Lurkers soon on WG).

Just in time Arthuro takes to the stage as original frontman of The Lurkers (he will also headline playing bass for tonight’s headliners 999. But first to the trio, Arthuro is ably supported by Steve on guitar and Nelly on drums from The Hi-Fi Spitfires. Is it just the rich patter in-between songs or the vigour of their delivery, it is the best I have seen the Lurkers, with all respect to Gaz and Esso, their set seems brighter and a little more immediate, as a result it goes down very well. We all head for food the dash back to face a busy crowd milling around the Vive Le Rock Tent. The Lurkers I hope are playing near you. 8/10

By contrast Nick Cash flies through several classics by 999, with a simple "Thanks" or "Alright" compared to Arturo’s laid-back entertaining between song monologues, Nick seems just a little uptight, a spoken word verbal minimalist. But the great songs keep on coming, it’s hot, intense and I have to say it is always good – this 999 headline gig is no exception, as we head for The good time Stage which is a few minutes up the slight hill, just enough time for me to hum the first two verses and chorus of ‘Homicide’ still one of my favourites singles by the South West band. 8/10

So we have hot footed it to see Adam Ant, before travelling to Guilford and Guilfest I had been told that Adam had looked back to some of his earlier punk beginnings (think ‘Dirk Wears White Socks period) just how would his pop career that severed up ‘Stand And Deliver’ and ‘Prince Charming’ work now in 2011? How would Adam Ant be? Was a subject of conversation, as we made the six hour car journey South.

As we swoop by Rodger Daltry one thing is clear. The crowd for Rodger Daltry is more reduced than With Guitars expected, still healthy though, as he performs songs from the classic Who album, film and rock opera ‘Tommy’. Considering the festival has between 25-30, 000, a lot of people are either in a tent, at Big Cheese catching the end of a Funeral For A Friend set, or where we are heading for Adam Ant on the Good Time Stage up yet another grassy slope…

Adam Ant – He was buzzing with showmanship and beaming like a Cheshire cat – as were most of the audience as they came to life to all the old favourites, a wide selection from across his most popular hits.

Recalling the car conversations, we need not have worried, the sound is great Adam Ants delivery is excellent, I am still not sure if he is totally at ease tonight, as he says nothing for the first three songs, but by the time he introduced two more than able backing singers for a more direct and powerful rendition of ‘Deutscher Girls’ it is at this point my expectations rose even further, it beats the original single it has even more gravitas here and now. The hits just flow – ‘Kings Of The Wild Frontiers’, ‘Ant Music’, ‘Stand & Deliver’, ‘Prince Charming’ ‘Goody Two Shoes’. Adam tells the large crowd "That this is only his third festival, the first one was L the time he leaves the stage the crowd force me into yet another cliché err, they want more, Continuing Live Aid and that was shit… (laughs) I could get used to this" as the crowd cheer their approval. By the alternative feel of the night, I guess Adam has pulled a song from the ‘Dirk Wears White Socks’ era as his entertaining and original set ends I look around a sea of fans, Could not have done better.
The crowd were ready and willing before he took to the stage and it took no prompting to get the choir of at least two generations in full song and his banter finally came in after a few songs of pure Ant strutting and posturing. A good mix of tracks from across his glory years. 9/10

So ends Day 1, some Friday night!

Saturday

Saturday started at a bustling Vive Le Rock tent, this is our lunchtime call – early memories of bands like The Little Bleeders, Accident Gallery and The Hype all did well that Saturday early afternoon, this is what we have…

The Little Bleeders – Great use of instruments. The drummer has some fab face expressions and needs a number of drum sticks at the end of each song. He does a quirky stick throw, but does not catch the stick but it all adds to the drama. Energetic drummer 6.5/10

Scurvi definitely entertain. Formed in Brighton. Been together for three years. Playing for two years. Liam and Jimmy watched a UK SUBS gig. Figured they could do this shit asked on Gumtree who wants to play, met with The Perryscope and Drummer Wiggles and hey ho……………Scurvi were born. Last year they had Scurvifest, a local festival for the like minded and these guys are clearly out to have a laugh. 7/10

Pleased to report that former Ryko Disc artist is booked in for a 5pm slot on the Good Time stage, there is a healthy crowd to listen to the mercury nominated singer. With Kate Rusby engaging contemporary folk songs and entertaining interplay, she has been describes as a ‘superstar of the acoustic scene’, this may well be so, but I Think deep down she does not give a monkeys, like today the she will just let the music and lyrics do the talking. 7/10

Next up on the same stage are The Farm. Have you shelved your mid-90’s prejudices? Stripped of the old school indie ‘flower power 90s revival’ that surrounded The Farm back

then. Free of that image the band are loads better for it. A little reshuffled and cleaned up sound, free from manic production – The Farm impress in 2011. They are a good indie-rock band with some irresistible grooves. 8/10

Meanwhile, DC Fontana’s Fusion of Soul rock punk is still appealing. Beautiful voice with accentuated by the backup of the wind instrument section (?) Tonight in the Vive Le Rock Tent DC Fontana are a 9 piece band. They blend together to make the tunes run through your soul. A music overload! It’s loud, vibrant and warm, making you feel at home. Whether you are listening to these guys in the bath, bedroom or at a venue you will know that music is alive. 7.5/10

After a quick wander past stalls, face painting and tented stages, we find a good food vendor and restock before we return to the packed out Vive Le Rock tent, it is raining lightly and The Sex Pistols Experience have drawn a large crowd. It is 10-12 deep outside a full tent, it would be the same for tonight’s Neville Staples show and Sunday’s UK Subs headline . The songs by The Sex Pistols Experience are heavyweight – ‘Bodies’ then ‘EMI’ then God Saves The Queen’ all sound good – back to back, all meet with an amplified cheer. 7.5/10

Missing Andy sound good, but With Guitars are hard at work sorting interviews and catching up, as we come to our collective media senses – Anti Nowhere League take to the stage, I chastise myself for making the mental case that Anti Nowhere League are brighter, somehow more focused and tighter as a result – problem is the always were the three previous times I them seen them. There assault is solid and powerful but not overblown. Still like A.N.L. 7.5/10

Got to be honest, I missed the last third of Anti Nowhere League set – shanghaied to The Big Cheese Tent and subjected to an enjoyable interview with Sonic Boom Six. I watch their set afterwards, there is a mob of say about 50 kids at the front that move to every beat, break and call to arms. I am doing my best mere-cat impression from stage left as it is a full house; I am looking over at arms above heads. The Dark tent interior is lit by the stage lighting that looks busy and effective, whoever decked out this tent deserves praise, and mind you the organisers of the Vive Le Rock deserve a pat on the back for their error free production, openness and downright good taste in music.

If you’d heard Manchester’s Sonic Boom Six in 2004 you could easily have written them off as some strange hybrid of bubblegum punk, party hip-hop and knees-up ska, and some did just that. However the band have just got better and better, as their infectious sound gets the crowd moving song after song. Earlier SB6 talked of their new album, (it in the can, ready for release) playing some of the new songs, – they all go down great along with former singles like ‘Sound Of A Revolution’ or ‘New Style Rocka’ and the current release, ‘Sunny Side Of The Street’, this is not bubblegum, I like the fusion, it is upbeat, hook laden sound clash of Punk, Metal, Ska and Hip Hop, it all works! 8/10

Half of the With Guitars that have the wonderful new invention – a lighted wrist watch – mobiles are powered down, this is our third day – battery life it not what it used to be! As we meet Skindred for a minute backstage, just as they are about to go on, the roar which greeted their appearance onstage was loud and stretched until the first guitar intro, a few seconds of recognition, like a collected breath being drawn, before another roar of acknowledgement. Watched the first two songs, Skindred are always a tour de force live and now on record too. 8.5/10

We arrive back at Vive Le… for Neville Staples. We are back to three, me, Klaire & Lucy. Three quarters of the With Guitars crew enjoyed a fantastic trip through some of Ska’s classics and The Specials t best moments. As Neville’s and bad Manners guitarist Andy told me Neville and the band thought it important to play their own versions of The Two Tone missives, the songs and Neville’s and his bands delivery – sparkles. Not sure if I have tried to dance as much, as hard. Very popular and deserved headline in a packed Vive Le Rock tent. 8.5/10

So ended another cracking day.

Sunday

With plans for Beverley to cover the sets by The Saw Doctors, and Erasure. We walk the well trodden path to the Vive La Rock tent sorry to get predictable. By for With Guitars a good mix of reggae, ska and punk is too much for us to ignore.

We arrive towards the end of I Know Kung Fu, they sound pretty good, but this is the first I have seen of them, what’s that phrase? They made a goof first impression. I am still sorting my mp3 recorder and checking the stage listings in case I have missed something when Levi Roots takes to the stage playing a 60’s inspired Reggae, more laid back and softer than when Mr Perry, MR Tubby or the Wailers collective revealed a beefed up ‘solid’ style. Afterwards Levi explained it was the music he listened to as a child – his grandmother’s record collection making a lasting impression. Liked his daughters vocals, they work well, Levi does well, although a few people thought ‘Reggae, Reggae Sauce’ may have been mentioned a little too often, mumbling something about cooking sauces and music should be kept separate. But like most thing Levi Roots does, he does it well and you can’t really separate his life into little boxes, he is who he is. 6.5/10

A Little delayed taking with Levi, but a do catch a chunk of The New Forbidden – their brand of speed up rock n; roll is an appealing brand of music, think more toward early New York Dolls or Rocket From The Crypt, although they are no clue to their influences, The New Forbidden do share the same left field. Lloyd serves (sorry) up an engaging punk style, arched back and sheered vocals, the American rocks, it should be no surprise – but it is. 6.5/10

Just cooling off backstage at Vive Le Rock sucking on a bottle of water when a dreaded what I guessed to be a percussionist carrying in a pair of bongos and stand, further enquires reveal he is part of that nine piece New Town Kings, that’s the album played 10, 12 times to any writers, photographers it is a great album entitled ‘M.O.J.O.’ I cannot recommend this CD enough. New Town Kings original blend of reggae and Ska is inspiring, honestly it is that good.

Ten minutes later I am in New Town Kings dressing room, you will read what we were chatting about, but 25 minutes or so later I see the Colchester based band, take to The Vive Le Rock stage, it’s around 4:15 the tent is as usual busy and I stretch before the band finish a short soundcheck, there is no way I will not be dancing in the words of Mick Jones , "Just play that music" The 9-piece play an original style in part from the late 60’s Ska’s and early 1970;s reggae with an up-tempo beat, I am in heaven. I think the band some up their style better than I, simply describing their sound as "Music Of Jamaican Origin" can’t say fairer that that. NTK have been enthralling festival and venue audiences since 2006, so |I feel a little late to the party find ‘Games That People Play’ I would say that is a good starting point, of a great music adventure. 9/10

Meanwhile over on the Main Stage,The Saw Doctors – First time I’ve seen the Saw Doctors and it was love at first hearing. I was won over by their bursting personality and their obvious passion for what they do. Heart-lifting stuff and perfect for the sunny afternoon setting. The Saw Doctors were back for the 20^th anniversary of Guilfest after playing the first ever festival there in Guilford. 7.5/10

Erasure – Andy Bell was ready for action the second he arrived on the stage and never let up. A mixed crowd were a little slow to join in but by they mid-point in his set even those waiting for James Blunt or still in the audience as fans of Ziggy Marley or the Saw Doctors couldn’t resist the infectious Erasure sound and they were as once bouncing along with the fun – pulled in by Andy’s on stage antics and enthusiasm. 8/10

Sorry to lump both Random Hand and The Skints together at a tent down the grassy road. But I have to make a case for a new breed of punk, with a strong ska or reggae influences. Both bands are on the money, I hope that festival organisers take note if you want a punk band that bats a little out of the box, is full of energy, highly entertain take note. Random Hand are from West Yorkshire, the quartet play a heady mix of punk, ska and metal, the band have have already played at Reading and Leeds, the UK, USA and Russia, here at Guilfest they are on Great Form. 8/10

The Skints play more of a solid punk reggae dub mix coming courtesy of the Capital is highly rated by whoever I mention them to. Think maybe, they need more headline shows, but as they have already toured Russia, USA and Europe, I think they might know best. Tonight, they are on very good form. 8/10

So to tonight’s headliners, UK Subs, before the band take to the stage I climb up a few feet to get a view of the crowd, I can only see two foot of sky above people heads, signalling the tent entrance, I climb a few feet more and I can just see punks filling the field outside the tent – it is a great atmosphere for the last band to play Vive Le Rock Tent this year.

Charlie & Co rip through several stalwarts, it takes me that long to tear myself away from enjoying the healthy (unless your called Dave) pogo-ing, only later do I see Charlie’s slightly grim expression, but as he kicks in to ‘Warhead’ that seems to last forever as a sing-a-long, any concerns are dispelled. ‘Teenage’, ‘Stranglehold are two other anthemic highlights to bring a wall punk filled tent, to a happy frenzied mood. UK Subs. Yet again, show how it is done. 9/10

Public Image Ltd are onstage at 8:45 which gives all four With Guitars crew enough time to get closer – not easy as the whole field back to the scaffold is rammed!
John tonight, is on fine form, at one point he informs the crowd, "When I was 15 I built A Sceptic Tank around here. So carry on shitting it’s all courtesy of Johnny." And as ‘Warrior’ intro kicks in "Tank you Guilford you paid for my education" that last comment is nearly lost in the intro and cheers. Got to comment this new arrangement of ‘Warriors’ is very appealing, it drives along as slightly increased speed the vocal is more tight less glary – as a song it works for all four of us, afterwards this was one of four songs excited photographers and at least two writers agreed that was one of a handful of Guilfest 2011 Highlights.

Next up, "Every Politian needs one!" John declares as PIL descend into ‘Black Rubber Bag’ with thumping bass drum and screaming guitar, With Guitars is in headline heaven. If anyone is not convinced by the return of Public Image Limited on the evidence of tonight’s performance, this far, they should be. The bands return greets the sea of hands, as PIL return for an encore, Johnny revealing "even musicians need a puff between songs" before adding "foreign cigarettes of course! …Dover to Callie special – Marlboro" before PIL launch into a cracking ‘Seeing In Your Eyes’ followed by, like an old friend, ‘Death Disco’ Then as the cellos and violins start up, I notice the movement of all around me, apart from that drunk guy in the white shirt that even standing up proves difficult so it is only 99{56f2936c3fbc3de09a84fd52b6c7526482536b9cf55829985307b198e62a23d8} that are moving to ‘Rise’ complete with to me are new guitar arrangements and new bridges to new sidings guess this arrangement is fresh for 20q11. The crowd response is noisy and prolonged. The crowd are still recovering as the John Lydon / Leftfield song ‘Open Up’ shines. Alas, this signals the end of one of the better gigs I have seen in recent years. A heart-warming return of Public Image Ltd. As if you didn’t know. 10/10.

What a way to end this year’s Guilfest on a great high. The with Guitars make a post festival drink with the Vive Le Rock Stage Crew and Producers. To Mike, Dave, Johnny and all that put up with us van we may say thanks from Steve, Bev, Klaire and Lucy also the rest of the With Guitars team – we had a great time.

I will leave it up to With Guitars photographer Klaire to sum up what was most of With Guitars Guilfest…

"Viva Le Rock Stage is the place to be at this festival. Always something good to entertain you. You can survive here for the weekend with just a trip to the get beer and a quick bite of food then it’s back for some punked up beats that WILL get you moving and you WILL be entertained. Cheers for the times x"

Guilfest With Guitars writing and photography Steve Janes, Beverley Addy, Klaire Ferry, Lucy Galley