Sunday 24/07/05 Day 2 @ Lovebox Weekender

While Saturday was the far busier day, Sunday was very much the highlight. The sense of traditional festival urgency dissipated even further (if that was possible), than experienced on the Saturday, and despite early rain, the site was sunny and dry by the time most punters swaggered down there. Most of the day was spent lying in front of the main stage, watching Normski attempt to fill in while stage changes seem to take an amount of time he was not prepared for. The Others have somehow emerged in the line-up and this hack is determined to avoid them.
 
The highlight of the weekend was Plantlife. Lead singer Jack Splash was like a Lenny Kravitz / Prince hybrid, screaming down the microphone and leaping around the stage like Little Richard. The other musicians were all dazzlingly accomplished, with experimentation being the order of the day through their hip-hop, funk and rap roots. The tranquility of their track, 'Why'd you call me? (3am)' was packed sharply against the two remaining tracks as the set built to a crescendo which had everyone within earshot of the main stage dancing. They finish with 'Got2Get2Gether4Luv', which ensures a scramble to the computer on Sunday night to order the album. They really are stupendously good fun - what a band, a welcome relief from the kind of indie dirge The Other's are peddling in the tent next door.
 
Then on the final evening, with the sun winding down, Groove Armada take the stage to close their own festival, promising a 'greatest hits' set. Dance music played live has an enlightening impact. Every drum beat is well projected over the crowd who passionately want to dance the evening out. 'I See You Baby' has been reworked with a heavy bass line, but doesn't have half the impact of 'Easy', with its excellent strings undertone. 'At the River' seems unnecessary, since most punters want to boogie. However, it provides a necessary plateau which makes 'Superstylin' the track the crowd are waiting for, and the one you're singing on the tube all the way home. As hosts, Groove Armada should be pretty proud of backing such an easy-going, uncommercialised festival that is truly relaxing, rather than inducing panic to catch everything. All the while it still shows you something new. What a wonderful way to spend a sunny afternoon.