Saturday 16/07/11 Lovebox Festival, Day Two @ Victoria Park, London

Saturday was by far the best day, as far as the line-up was concerned, at this year’s Lovebox festival. With Victoria Park jam packed, the likes of High Contrast, De La Soul, Young Knives, Ziggy Marley, and Katy B reigned supreme on a day that was predominantly owned by the spitfire rain hammering down at sporadic, and more annoyingly, unknown moments. With that said, the masses didn’t seem to mind too much. With many female festival-goers dressed in short skirts, sandals, and at times bikinis, their unfortunate attire choice didn’t seem to bother them – it gave them a chance to network with those fortunate enough to pack an umbrella.

With festivities going on all day, which included sumo suit fighting, waltzers, and of course live entertainment, it was a tough decision as to where to go. The tented stage seemed to be a hot spot whilst the rain was at its worst, not because there was shelter – which there wasn’t, but because the non-stop house, dance, trance, and electro beats seemed to put the audience in to a state of calm. Or was it hypnotic? Who knows? All that was clear was that Groove Armada Presents: Redlight and Seth Troxler did the business. 

Missing Katy B due to a bit of early stage confusion - wondering where on earth the main stage was because of the sheer size of Victoria Park, the first major act this scribe was lucky enough to get a good spot for was North Wales trio The Joy Formidable. Taking a bit of time to do sound check, which comes after the band’s front woman, Ritzy Bryan, and her potty mouth, explained that British Airwaves is a bit of a joke after only just arriving back in to the Country, the band start with ‘A Heavy Abacus’. Having a real stage presence is something these guys don’t need to worry about, and this particular number proved it. Playing well known songs such as ‘Whirring’ and ‘Austere’, the on-stage antics, which included some gong bashing, creepy facial expressions, and at the end of the set some guitar throwing and drum set kicking, as well as a replica owl being beaten to death to the point where the RSPCA might have needed a quick call, the critically acclaimed band show that their stage shows have a real classic rock feel to them.

Darting across the muddy fields to the Main Stage in time to catch a few songs by Santigold, the sun had decided to make an appearance. With the Brooklyn-ite claiming to be the reason for this sudden change in temperature, her backing dancers hit the stage in Little Bo Peep outfits with umbrellas, which are of course no longer needed but a very artistic touch to an already lively act. Singing through songs ‘I’m A Lady’ and ‘Lights Out’, it’s when she drops her input from Jay-Z’s New York anthem ‘Brooklyn We Go Hard’ that the 40,000 strong crowd get that bit more hyped up. Putting on a really entertaining stage show, Santigold found a new home at Victoria Park.

Up next was the incredibly attractive, and mysteriously alluring, Lykke Li. Kitted out in what appeared to be a black cloak of sorts, with black leotard and black tights underneath, showing off her petite figure, her show consisted of smoke, gyrating hips, and an army of band members. Quite an extensive set, songs such as ‘I Follow Rivers’ and ‘I’m Good, I’m Gone’, as good as they are, were just fillers in performance terms in between the incredible ‘Dance Dance Dance’, which saw Lykke Li and her member heavy band hitting everything in site to form the ear-gasmic percussion riff that forms the backdrop of the original record, and the magnificent ‘Little Bit’. One of the most addictive instrumentals of the past 10 years, hearing it live is a beautiful thing. For an artist who has to perform the record a million times over on tour, on TV, and anywhere else she is required to, she still put 110% in to doing it for the Lovebox crowd, and it was by far the greatest moment of Lovebox 2011.

U.S. indie band The Drums close out this particular stage’s festivities for the day. It’s obvious, judging by those in attendance – Kelly Osborne and Nick Grimshaw, that these guys are doing something right if they’re able to bring the celebs out. The night’s show was exciting in a fast-paced type of way. The ridiculous amount of guitar changes – kudos to the re-stringer for his speedy delivery throughout the set, as well as Jacob’s over-the-top artistic composer moments, as if he were a possessed conductor, were a delight to see from all angles. Playing ‘Me and the Moon’, ‘The Future’, and ‘Skippin’ Town’ to a packed crowd, front man Jonny Pierce, complete with tight jeans, obscure ‘toy shop’ button down shirt, and basin haircut, wowed them with his passionate wailing, purposely robotic movements, and incredible work ethic. Introducing new track ‘Money’, which seems to be picking up a lot of steam courtesy of plenty of airplay, The Drums made it feel like the song was a part of a long standing back catalogue of smashes dating back a few years. Sounding fresh yet interestingly vintage, the catchy nature of the record had members of the audience singing along in no time. Closing with ‘Let’s Go Surfing’, after ‘Down By The Water’, the only slow joint of the night, fans really didn’t want the boys from New York to leave, but as with everything; it’s got to the end at some point. Exciting, dance-worthy, and of a high tempo, life as a Drums fan couldn’t have gotten any better.

Following the rush of people over to the main stage, seeing and coordinating in the dark, whilst traipsing through runny mud, wasn’t the easiest of tasks. Passing huts, hip-hop tents, and a few drunken individuals refusing to get up despite the desperate cries of their friends, Snoop Dogg’s arrival on stage was heard throughout the entire park and the surrounding areas. Bringing Daz Dillinger, Kurupt, Lady of Rage, RBX, and Warren G along for the ride, closing out Lovebox’s Saturday was definitely a rap affair. Running through tracks such as ‘Who Am I (What’s My Name)?, his verse from 50 Cent’s ‘P.I.M.P.’ remix, and ‘Murder Was The Case’, the sing-a-long value was priceless. Using video interludes to keep the crowd interested in between changes was an inspired idea. With Snoop being one of the most recognizable musicians in the world, relating to his audience in video form allowed the all round entertainer to put his full artistry out there for all to see. With tales from his pimp chronicles, comic skits, and having to kill or be killed, what more was there for this superstar to do? How about a brief Nate Dogg tribute? With lighters and cell phones up all over the park in remembrance of the singer who Snoop tattooed on his arm earlier this year, it was followed by the classic ‘Ain’t No Fun’. Immediately after, Warren G spit lyrics to his infamous Nate Dogg collabo ‘Regulate’. With Snoop helping fill in the blanks, the audience was happy enough to sing along to every word. Originally advertised as Snoop Dogg performing ‘Doggystyle’, for fans of the legendary hip-hop album disappointment crept in. Not performing cuts like ‘Lodi Dodi’ or ‘Pump Pump’, but instead choosing to entertain the commercial masses with current single ‘Wet’ and the annoyingly repetitive ‘I Wanna **** You’, originally with Akon, the only commercial enjoyment early Snoop fans could enjoy, besides the ‘Doggystyle’ cuts, was the banger ‘Drop It Like It’s Hot’. Not a single person was seen stood still.

Overall, Lovebox 2011 seemed to be a well-oiled machine. Perhaps too much going on at times, due to Victoria Park being so big, so a few acts were missed. However, the sound systems, choice of performers, food, drinks, and company was a London festival to be proud of.

Lovebox 2011 - Photos