22 September 2007 (gig)
24 September 2007
After having to postpone at the last minute in July due to flooding, the 10th annual Truck Festival finally took place this weekend. The festival that feels more like a village fete is a coup to the DIY spirit. The shear quality of music on offer over five small stages, plus a theatre/fringe tent, made it a weekend to discover something new. From classic indie to a bit of electro, singer songwriters and even hard rock ensured there was something for everyone.
Saturday saw sets from Fanfarlo, Stornoway, Blood Red Shoes and John Power. The brilliant Piney Gir lit up the Main Stage, with her indie-country girl sweet pop songs and was even joined by Truck founder, Robin Bennett on Violin for several songs.
Six Nation State stormed The Barn stage with their reggae-tinged rebel rock, which saw full audience participation ensue when prompted from lead singer Gerry. This was definitely one of the top sets of the weekend.
Brakes, Goldrush and legend Garth Hudson with wife Maud and friends rounded off the Main Stage on a remarkable day one. The party carried on long into the night with retro DJ sets at the make shift Disco Shed on the edge of the camp site.
Sunday’s windy weather and threat of rain didn’t put anyone off and the small site was full by lunch time.
The Main Stage saw The Mules do a Talking Heads cover, followed by the electro and base driven genius of Fonda 500. Unassuming singer songwriter Chris T-T also humbly displayed his brilliant songs to an appreciative audience.
Schla La La’s, featuring Piney Gir, all in matching Fifties style polka-dot dresses, were moved from the Trailer Park stage to the Main Stage for their afternoon set. While over on The Barn stage, Look See Proof, Pull Tiger Tail and hard rockers Winnebago Deal continued the eclectic mix. Over on the Main Stage, Electric Soft Parade and Idlewild brought the festival to an end.
Organiser Robin Bennett’s grass roots approach to a modern festival is what makes Truck such a triumph. Bennett and his team are people who love music, catering to people who love music. Dismissing calls increase the festival size of 5,000 – the demand for tickets this year estimate it could have sold out five times over – Bennett says, 'We thought about it, but that’s not what we’re all about.' Long may this free spirit reign.
