Bridport where were you?! The Urban Lawns Festival in Axminster was a rare treat, 36 fresh and funky bands over two days and a lovely friendly festival vibe right on your doorstep and I only saw one Bridport face I recognised ( well done Paul Eckett). Despite being ravaged by the elements the festival showcased a huge array of fresh and zesty musical talent and DJ’s that know how to get a 40 year old git and his bird giving it some it in the mosh pit.
Man from Funkle (Were not at Urban Lawns)
Highlights: the astonishing Yo Yo Static - their Smiths meets Ferdinand tight as a gnats chuff set was made all more amazing by the stunningly funky fluidity of the 13 year old drummer – a rock solid talent on an exponential groove curve going to reach amazing heights. http://www.myspace.com/yoyostatic
Axminster’s own Kerry Meech - like stumbling into a tent to escape the driving rain and falling into a timewarp that took you to Chrissie Hynde from the Pretenders first confident/nervous stage prescence. The sweet phrasing, the emotional depth, the light curl of the lip, it’s all there. One to get off your lazy butts and watch. There are currently no border controls between Bridport and Axminster.
Koogaphone – spunky, dirty, gorgeous Koogaphone – they gots the moves, the riffs and the energy to get a damp field dancing like it was the main stage at Glastonbury and we’re all out of it and don’t care anymore. http://www.myspace.com/koogaphone.
Www.flamefireshows.com Astonishing fire spectacular. This small troupe of high energy pyrophiliacs took the art of dancing, juggling and clowning with fire to places I’ve never before seen and kept us loving them on every minute of their roller coaster ride. Calling Bridport Carnival, if your collective brain cell is switched on, book these guys for the torchlit procession and you’ll have a finale worth the walk!
