1234 Shoreditch Festival

Shoreditch Park hosted the 2nd 1234 Shoreditch Festival on Sunday and saw a feast of uber trendy folk descend on an event that is branded as 'all about stylish bands, stylish fans and stylish sounds'. Despite the late start, technical problems to blame, and less than perfect weather the occasion delivered a diverse array of music from bands striving to make their name and those that already have.

Opening the main stage about an hour or so later than intended Poppy & the Jezebels are splendid in appearance, loud in sound and poppy by nature. They offer some sun before the rain hinting at Joy Zipper and The Birthday Party, but the buzz of Sloppy Seconds attracts many to the second stage where the very end of said band is caught with all members dressed as the psyched-out noise rabbits they are. Their massive character heads undoubtedly scary to any children present. Advert follow in their Sonic Youth, Fugazi-esque ways and through a crescendo of feedback and guitar whirling prove an interesting listen. Remaining at the second stage for LR Rockets who are down a man in the form of their drummer, whose broken leg means a place sat on an amp offering backing vocals while swigging from a can of Red Stripe, seemingly the festivals beer of choice. Yet the band strike out like this is their last show. Recalling Young Knives and Franz at their awkward best, the lead singer is awfully engaging and finishes the gig in the crowd, feverishly spreading the Rocket love, while replacement drum man fills in admirably. It's worth noting this as the use of drum machines in favour of a conventional drummer is arguably seen far too often today.

Back on the main stage South Londoners Lion Club could be the White Lies of 2010, though their pondering, brooding atmospherics are maybe a little too similar on occasion. Seemingly wise beyond their years they do hold the crowd well though. Prompting a flurry of darkness Lion Club are followed by Ox Eagle Lion Man, a truly fascinating band who have your increasingly merry reviewer mesmerised by an intensely dark sound. Like Black Sabbath bashing a deranged Jim Morrison asking for the heavens to open, their unsettling presence genuinely brings a dampness in the air and a greying of the sky. Their leader prowls the stage looking to convert all who fix their eyes upon him.

After that some light relief is needed. Outside of the 2 main stages and the electronic stage the best activities typically surround bar and toilet queueing. The latter of which becomes particularly ridiculous as the crowd grows. With a beer in hand and a variety of fashions and rockstar persona's admired, as well as the most popular dog in London spotted, An Experiment On A Bird In The Air Pump are up next. This 3-piece all girl group are not one of the highlights of the day, but they are keen and energetic, choosing to start with a Sonic Youth cover, highlighting yet again how important the alt-rock noise Gods are. A band whose existence plays a big part in so much here today.

With band clashes always a problem at festivals Kasms are sadly missed in favour of Polly Scattergood and The Warlocks. Polly in brightly coloured yet elegant attire looks amazing, but arguably seems a little subdued. Her songs of lost love and insecurity not quite having the bite and snarl that her often lovely voice does emit. Expect to hear more from her soon though. The Warlocks revive the dark intensity with a set high on musicianship, confirming their status as one of the more travelled bands on the bill and appealing to those outside the teenage demographic. Their songs require a good few listens though and it isn't long before the call for A Place to Bury Strangers over on the second stage is heard. However, not before the arrival of Crystal Fighters, moved over from the Electronic Stage and to the fortune of those present who witness one of the most energetic and innovative performances of the day. Mixing colourful psych-rock, trance and trash to great affect the band fight for the party which is so evident in the lead singers frantic ways. They add some much needed energy to proceedings. APTBS follow recalling the likes of My Bloody Valentine, Spiritualized, even Interpol and these Brooklyn-ites are loud. Their hard yet psychedelic atmospherics end in a crescendo of noise drowning out the applause from the converted.

Catching half a set is never ideal and especially when it's someone as talented as Patrick Wolf but even during this time the ever flamboyant one offers so much entertainment, charisma and pop panache that at least two of his albums will be featuring on the Christmas list. Brushing off the heckles from one alone in his thoughts with great snarl Patrick caresses the stage and delivers a magical array of sounds, captured perhaps most perfectly with the closing The Magic Position. His performance energises an audience who have become wetter and wetter with main stage viewing, prompting frequent outbreaks of drunken, life's a ball dancing ahead of headliners The Rakes, which is just perfect for them. These East London boys have a mighty collection of art-pop/punk songs and this evening they unleash them in all their glory. Barely pausing for breath the band rattle through the likes of We Danced Together, 22 Grand Job and Retreat to the sheer delight of the bouncing audience. They are brilliant headliners with tales of over indulgence, heavy drinking on a week day night and general London delights to perfectly compliment the rather cheery alcohol fuelled audience. It's all good spirited and The Rakes show with confidence exactly why they were chosen to headline this day.

With the festival main over many head off to various after parties where DJs and bands aplenty keep the party going well into the morning. A fine extension of the festival, the variety and sheer volume of bands on offer at the various bars and venues is fantastic. Electricity Showrooms, The Old Blue Last and Mother Bar all feature, as well as Hoxton Square Bar where this here man can only suggest checking out The Vulgarians as a result.

All the walks and all the styles, but not over substance. A mighty fine hip roaring shaking day of 1234 music. Expect it to grow again next year.