12 June 2010 (gig)
29 June 2010
Scotland is a beautiful country, there is no doubt about it. With scenic countryside and a mythical loch, the back drop of Loch Ness and mountain certainly makes for a gorgeous setting for the country’s best music festival. T in the Park aside, Rockness has fast become the festival of the summer: as Fatboy Slim, Leftfield and The Strokes prepare to take to the stage, this monster of a festival opens its doors again for Rockness 2010.
Saturday kicks off cold, wet and dark, but it’s quickly brightened with our first batch of acts. As trendy Glaswegians Hip Parade storm the main stage it’s hard to believe they ever were runners up on a panel show. Full of energy and banging tunes, Hip Parade are one of the best acts on Saturday. As the rain pelts down, Craig McGee’s double day DJ set in the Strongbow Tent is not just a great way to stay out the rain, but also the setting for a really good boogie and a proper decent act.
For me, the best bit about Rockness is the GoNorth tent, when unsigned bands from all over the country are invited to play in Inverness before Rockness, and then the festival itself. Gracing GoNorth is a plethora of upcoming talent: Kitty the Lion, Woodenbox With a Fistful of Fivers, Meursault and The LaFontaines all take to the GoNorth tent over the weekend. The highlight from Saturday’s festivities here are Japanese four piece Mothercoat, a quirky and funny act with a squealy pixies-come-OKGO feel.
Dan Le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip take to the Clash stage for some poetic hip hop and classy rhyming, whilst this year’s token pop band Plan B combines cheese with a mass of swinging musicians at his heels. Stealing the limelight on the main stage is Britpop legend Ian Brown, who does not let an ounce of age get in the way of his performance. Ian Brown is still an indie icon, delivering his FEARful hits on stage with grace and respect, and creating the much-needed break from Saturday’s dance music core.
As the doors close on day two of Rockness, headliners Leftfield dive under the spotlight for a surprisingly brilliant and raving finale. Be you twelve or forty years old, the lights, the atmosphere and the literally air-shattering beats and voices from Leftfield make for a perfect end to the day. Tomorrow, Rockness brings to our ears Vampire Weekend, Blondie, The Doves and The Strokes, giving Saturday’s dancers another great day of music.
