Various

Once more unto the breach, dear friends....Back again to the Larmer Tree Festival, and a seriously eclectic day unfolded from the go: passing the tent containing shouty anarcho-folk misfits Chumbawamba (playing a stormer, and packing the ARC to the gills with cidered-up anti-authority types) we headed straight for the main stage, where Malian world music legend Toumani Diabaté graced us with his presence.

Toumani fronts an eight piece ensemble that mix classic African instruments with their more contemporary counterparts to create a beautiful breezy sound that captures the essence of African soul, and this afternoon was no different. Ranging from upbeat tribal dance melodies (that even dragged the sun from behind a cloud!), to more soulful works, and even some improvisation from the great man and his kora, the entire lawn was on their feet and dancing to the wonderful rhythms, lead from the front by the energetic band. The set rounded out beautifully with audience members on stage dancing and the band being cheered wholeheartedly by the assembled masses amidst shouts for more. Great stuff.

Passing back through the Village, we stumbled upon Indiana folkster Otis Gibbs, playing some classic Americana blues on his battered guitar with a rough whisky-soaked voice that is only really found in the depths of the US. Telling tales of drunks and battered wives ("Caroline"), and rousing protest songs ("One Day Our Whispers Will Be Louder Than Your Screams"), Gibbs has a charmingly soft personality balanced well by his harsh politics and tough stance on injustices. Comparisons to Woody Guthrie are not too far from the mark, and Otis deserves the compliment implied within.

Next we caught the incredible Dizraeli and the Small Gods, of whom I have written a separate review: suffice to say, they were my highlight of the week (and indeed, the summer so far). Following hotly on the heels of this, the irrepressible Joker and the Thief were once again refusing to sit quietly, gathering crowds wherever they went, and entertaining group of people all afternoon with their bluesy grooves.

The Bookhouse Boys were up next, playing alongside the main lawn on the Garden stage, and belting out hard rock-alternative tunes. Unfortunately, a touch too much overdrive and swearing seemed to disappoint many of the parents in the crowd, but a hardcore group of youngsters certainly enjoyed themselves down at the front. Personally, I loved their stuff, but couldn´t help but feel they may have played the wrong festival! Certainly one to watch if you like your surf-rock with a rough edge.

Back to the Village, and we were lucky enough to catch a 15 minute spot by Pronghorn in the ARC: Lamma and the guys were on top form, ranging from "Fulsom Prison Blues" to Polish folk rock in the blink of an eye, and wowing the sedate crowd into a pogo. Pronghorn showed how local Dorset sounds should really be played, and why Cowpunk is so popular in these parts - infectious sing-alongs accompanied by some fierce fiddle and guitar, the guys (and the lovely Ffi) really know how to play a tent in a field. Make sure to watch them at any dirty corner that will have them, and the Endorse It In Dorset festival too.

A trip to the Big Top featured The Penny Black Remedy, a self-styled Balkan country punk band that owe more than a small debt to the likes of Gogol Bordello. Catchy grooves and more sing-alongs work well here, with lead singer/guitarist Keith Thomson seeming to be having more fun than anybody else in the tent! Balancing his rough vocals is the sweet voice of Marijana Hajdarhodzic, and adding a real harmonic resonance to the shouty Pogues-esque sound of the rest of the band. A touch of "Paint it Black" and an audience-assisted "Bring Back Brando" were serious highlights, as well as the sheer charisma of such a fun band to watch.

Finally, we saw Cornershop on the main stage, and yet again asked the same question - why are these guys still considered an underground phenomenon? Despite the fact that at least 40% of the crowd were only there for "Brimful of Asha", the boys once again belted out great tunes one after another, and made an arresting case for their own legitimacy as a mass appeal band. Happy pop-rock tunes slide effortlessly over one another, and Tjinder and Ben easily provided a lovely breezy background to a fun day.

So, another day, another good line up - Larmer Tree certainly offers a good mix of bands and shows to keep even the eclectically minded happy. Despite the overpopulation of buggies and trollies getting in everyone's way (why do kids need so much junk nowadays?), many great performances and a great vibe still kept the punters happy. And we still have the last day to come....