Saturday 18/08/07 Day One @ V Festival, Weston Park, Staffordshire

With fresh emphasis on rock and ‘cutting-edge’ acts, V festival 2007 was certainly handed a little lesson in what danger comes with hiring such enigmatic and often volatile personalities. Before a guitar had even been strummed, a raindrop had fallen, a mud-clad tosser had shouted ‘Free hug!’ troubled Amy Winehouse had pulled out of the line-up, leaving a hole the size of her eye make-up. Add to this the sheer unpredictability of a certain Pete ‘I couldn’t try any harder to fuck my career and life up’ Doherty, and the beef the outspoken Cribs lads have whipped up with the ‘Indie bands created just for fame’ slurs, it was not only the dark clouds and mud that threaten one hell of a shit-storm. 

Thankfully for the hoards descending on Stafford’s Weston Park all, at least from the outside, looked calm. The opinionated Gillespies, Ryders and Allens seem to, at least politely, avoid the Morrisons, Ellis-Bextors and Mcflys. More importantly we also shunned them. Sometimes it’s better to just look at the positives and completely ignore the fact The Fray exist and are playing near us. Indeed, there were positives aplenty topped with a few surprise treats. The first was courtesy of ‘The Road To V’ winners The Brightlights. As victors of the annual competition they were granted the privilege of opening this year‘s festival. The expectant crowd gathered at the 4Music stage were treated to a performance high on adrenaline but any nerves were hidden by such distinctive vocals and an enthralling set. The Grimsby foursome, originally named ‘The Brightsides’ (until The Killers massive hit made them scrap it in case they were viewed as a tribute act), have a stunning sound that tips it hat to the Kings of Leon. With a handful of raw tunes, even better things maybe coming their way soon.

The Cribs were probably the biggest surprise on today’s bill. Not the fact that they were asked but that they actually said yes. Helping back the claim it was the most rock V fest to date, the Wakefield trio ripped into underground anthems ‘Hey Scenesters’ and ‘Men’s Needs’. Frontman Gary Jarman confessed to the drenched crowd: “We have been doing loads of shows in America playing in the sun, but nothing beats playing back at home in the rain!” Never shy on stage the lads bounded about using guitars as sexual instruments as they rubbed and gyrated them against anything in close proximity.  Surprisingly watching on in admiration were teen-soap Hollyoaks, stars 'John- Paul', 'O.B' and 'Jacquie’. ‘John-Paul’ seen puffing on a fag – insert your own pun/gag here. I suppose you can’t choose your fans, but The Cribs certainly command plenty, as they demonstrate what an exciting, pub-brawl of a live act they really are.

Bournemouth’s finest Air Traffic could be found in the Virgin Union Tent. It was rammed to bursting point and with the crowds reaction, it was evident they hadn’t just come in for the warmth. Some inquisitive, but most avid followers, Chris Wall and his lads treated them to a display that indicated every sign they are ones to seriously watch and more importantly listen too. Debut album ‘Fractured Life’ is a journey of intelligent song writing and exhilarating tunes. Kicking their set off with the most in-your-face indie track on the LP, ‘Get In Line’ signified an impressive start and this standard failed to drop as more reflective ‘Time Goes By’ and ‘Never Even Told Me Her Name’ were superbly delivered. Wall, clearly humbled by their reception, stated: “This is really weird, me and Dave came to V a couple of years back and now we are actually playing it!” Coldplay comparisons are stuck to the lads like the muddy sludge on most attendee’s wellies, but if they can be half as successful or adored then they certainly won’t grumble.

After heading to the main stage a tad early, horror struck Gigwise’s eyes and ears. KT Tunstall was suddenly before us and nauseous pain soon set in. Fellow Scots The Fratellis were the planned viewing but Tunsdull was now the subject up for review. So fair’s fair, Gigwise might as well cover it now that we are here. So to sum her performance up – It was shite. Though at least Gigwise now owns the knowledge that Tunstall “had a number one hit in the line dancing chart”. Finally The Fratellis take to the stage, predictable and heard a few too many times granted, they still know how to put on a performance urgent and enjoyable if not groundbreaking. ‘Costello Music’ is awash with tunes honed for festivals as ‘Flathead’, ‘Whistle For The Choir’ and ‘Ole Black n Blue Eyes’ held and pleasured most of the crowds ears. But not all were so keen for the lads to rattle through so many different songs, “When are they going to play Chelsea Dagger?” one teen girl irately asks her mate. “Yeah I know, I just want to hear Chelsea Dagger then go” she replies. Yep it hits you, you can take the pop out of V ….. . Not surprisingly ‘Chelsea Dagger’ is the finale and the excruciating screams from numpty #1 and #2 pierce Gigwise’s ears.