More on: Patrick Wolf

Date: 10/08/07
Rating:

The Underage Festival is an event that, with the support of 5000 teenagers, will change how music is perceived giving "kids" the power they rightfully deserve. Today's line-up is proof that this level of passion towards music has to actually come from the youthful and not the hopeful. The teenage revolution is at its strongest and as people realise that 14-18 year olds obviously make the best fans, it's hard to see an unhappy face. The day is blessed with glorious weather, a relaxed atmosphere and millions of ice creams - finally, summer is radiating.

With such an extravagant array of musical talent on show, picking who to see becomes a tough challenge. Stumbling into the Converse/Artrocker tent to Medway's finest, Kid Harpoon, is a pleasant surprise. His voice, which should rightly belong in a heavy metal band, is softly rescued by his use of acoustic guitar and happy-go-lucky band members. His stage presence is compelling due to his confidence and fluency with instruments; it's plain to see his home is the stage and this relaxed approach helps ease listeners into a long yet glorious day. There's something really promising about bands feeling so excited about playing an under 18 gig, and famous faces were never too far away.

Next up is the ever reliable Cajun Dance Party, a whimsical band with the magical quality of bringing their demos - which suggested potential - to life. The group have been taken on a swift journey to success and with every performance, their potential to be iconic grows. Ladled with songs that guarantee to charm and enthrall including their next single 'Amylase', a joyously biological triumph that shows classic word play will never fail to impress.

So the sun is beginning to set and as the night becomes ever closer is time for a hidden gem, something unplanned and unplugged - a performance from ex-Test Icicle Dev and his new band Lightspeed Champion to no more than 100 excitable teens in an abandoned bandstand. This impromptu set is filled with surprising cover versions, including The Killers' 'When We Were Young' and Weezer's 'Buddy Holly'. Dev, although he looks slightly bemused and innocent, still manages to charm his audience, who are clinging on to his every intimate word.

Mystery Jets have been a band who are much more than just music makers, they have created their own world in which band relations are a high priority. Classic songs including 'Alas Agnes' and 'The Boy Who Ran Away' remain special, filled with home-made goodness that made them the underground successes we all grew to love.
The lads definitely scrub up well, adorning some quirky indie garb raided from the nearest Oxfam and even with a band member missing (Henry, father of lead singer Blaine) their set is still as strong as ever, with a strong bond between each member. Blaine's fancy barnet is not the only new addition to the Jets' performance, it's also graced with spectacular new song, 'Hideaway', being a highlight that tickles the fancies of fans around the park, and a promising glimpse in what to expect from their second album.

Finally, the anticipation ends and it is time for every fairy's best mate, Patrick Wolf to glide onto his glitter-laden stage. With lederhosen in hand, his impressive line-up of a double bass and a trombone troop adds to the traditional set up. His passion and enthusiasm iss an unexpected bonus, and with this he is able to pull off songs such as 'Overture' and 'Tristan' with simple beauty and sophistication. With a quick fondle by the security guard he is off, and the day is complete - a thorough success is undeniable.

Hannah Clark

Patrick Wolf Official Site