Friday 08/08/08 Underage Festival @ Victoria Park, London

All the bands that appeal to the kids. Surely, basic indie chords with not much to make a fuss about, right? Well, in some cases. Certainly those who boasted those features soaked up a lot of attention at this year’s Underage, but it was the festival’s headliners who decided to reign supreme. Gallows, Dizzee Rascal and Foals; nothing in the least bit generic. Each of the three acts put on a show which would impress even the most stubborn of adults. As the festival itself seemed a thousand times better than last year in terms of scale and atmosphere, as did the performances throughout the day in the disappointingly gloomy setting of Victoria Park.

Foals gained the most attention in a unbearably sizzling tent, but their sound would never work nearly as well being transferred to the main outdoor stage. Crowd troubles (injuries included) forced the band to delay the set to come into its own via a rabid performance of ‘Cassius’. But once it did, those in attendance were still climbing their way onto the middle pillar, jumping onto the backs of fellow sweaty teenagers and witnessing one of the best Foals performances the Oxford five-piece had to boast. A jovial scream into the microphone during the climax of ‘Mathletics’ from Yannis Phillipakis certified that. As did the ferocious crowd-encouraging stance of guitarist Jimmy Smith. The wait for the action was worth it, even if you left the tent with a few bruises and a dizzy head. It was probably also the only time most of those in the crowd would have witnessed Foals without getting drenched in beer, one of the outstanding advantages of Underage Festival in comparison to any other.

The expanded version of last year’s tent also saw the likes of Glasvegas and Those Dancing Days take to the stage but it was in the form of 19 year old solo gem FrYars that the setting came into its own once more. Newcomers probably weren’t impressed, the witty remarks that roam about in Ben Garrett’s lyrics weren’t always audible. But those among the surprisingly bulky crowd (Garrett looked startled when he glanced forwards for the first time) that were long time fans of the likes of ‘The Ides’ and ‘Olive Eyes’ were treated to a fast-paced, joyous set.

On a smaller setting, Domino’s stage played host to their very own beloved Wild Beasts – a band who dismiss any influences that might pigeon-hole their sound into something less interesting. Playing out the likes of ‘Brave Bulging Buoyant Clairvoyants’ and ‘The Devil’s Crayon’ to the small flock in company, rewarding their loyalty made it all the more worth being part of the sadly subdued setting. Although some of the fans’ interest might have been questioned when half of the crowd disappeared for a minute to chase the merchandise man, giving out free bags of Domino goodies. Kids these days.

Despite these two highlights, the main stage was the place to be for any action. Let’s start with Gallows, shall we? Those who left Foals in an instant got to the turf in time to witness and even perhaps join a gigantic circle pit around the sound decks, Frank Carter never minding his language and mesmerizing those who avoided the sprint to simply watch the punk ferocity that merited their headline slot. The crowd were never static throughout the day, albeit sometimes forced into movement by the hardcore Maccabees and Dizzee Rascal fans – not one young soul could deny being up for a bit of jumping around, though.

Orlando Weeks and his Brighton party got the crowd into a frenzy instantly, before they even played the likes of ‘First Love’ and ‘X Ray’ that made The Maccabees debut album so frantic and thrilling at times. Bombay Bicycle Club also had their #1 fans, and some, in attendance. Their chirpy indie rock is vulnerable to a quick dismissal but what was evident in their energetic performance was that there’s a lot more to the band that a simple four-chord tune and some breakneck drum-beats. Dizzee Rascal, the festival’s only hip-hop act who a couple of years back might’ve looked dubious surrounded by The Maccabees and Gallows in the line-up. But these days nobody would dare question his inclusion on the stage. Three successful albums and a #1 to his name made Dylan Mills all the rage for the day. ‘Sirens’ and ‘Fix Up Look Sharp’ sung out by a thousand 14-18 year olds was a surreal image, but all the more exciting to be part of. If Underage can improve next year in the way that it did this year then we have a serious name among us.

Although the line-up might not have looked as impressive as last year’s debut, you’ll be hard pushed to find a better experience on a field this summer.

Underage Festival 2008 in pictures: