31 July 2010 (gig)
09 August 2010
The first ever `Rock the Boat` festival was launched over two days on July 31st and August 1st just a short walk from Balloch train station is the Maid of the Loch. A paddlesteamer from 1818 with a beautiful scenic view of the bonnie, Bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. When we arrived the atmosphere was already hyped as the punters undeterred by a little bit of rain sang along to Alan Burgess, set who was in fine form and set the standard for a fantastic day of live music on the main stage of the boat whilst the legendary Drum Clinic were banging out some hard techno tunes down the stairs in one of the two club rooms.
In the trysted Soul stage Johnny and The Giros set up around 5pm and played a decent set of synth-rock. It was after them that The Girobabies were due to play but a fire alarm caused by a smoke machine meant that everyone left as `Abandon ship` was playfully shouted through a megaphone, And at that same point the sunshine came out and everyone started soaking up the rays.
The Draymin were next to take the main stage. A band on fire from their hugely succesful T Break gig and they sound like they are dangerously close to being the finished article, Combining both credibility and radio-friendly offerings, Its a band on the cusp of amazing things. Like Coldplay on pills they make huge swirling epic songs with a party feel to them that makes you want to get up and dance. The sound was awesome and they were the first band of the day to get the boat truly rocking.
Next up, The Soviets who probably got the biggest crowd of the day played some traditional rock `n` roll with banging drums, Catchy rythms and fantastic lead vocals combining to create a carnival atmosphere. They played a few cover versions which went down well with the highlight being `In My Room` by The Coral. It was a note perfect rendition that sparked a mass sing-a-long in the sunshine. I expect you`ll be hearing a lot more of The Soviets in the coming months. They are a no-frills-balls-out unit, Tight in their delivery and slick in their attitude. The frontman worked the crowd well and its a band I definitely look forward to seeing again live as I feel they are far superior in the flesh than some of the recordings Ide prevously heard.
The Girobabies (Who were expected to be on before the fire alarm four hours earlier) were now headlining the main stage and after some technical problems during the first couple of songs they eventually got into their stride and when they did they literally had the crowd falling all over the top deck and singing back to their most famous tracks. Perect example was the new `Megaphone version` of a song recently playlisted on BBC 6 Music called `Jeremy Kyle` . The highlight was a new song called `Elephant in the Room` when Jess Hopkins joined the guys onstage to play some fiddle and then xylophone which shifted the mood perfectly from an angry punk feel to a more reflective and mellow atmosphere.
The mainstage was then re-rigged for the legend that is Lisa Littlewood who filled the top deck with banging beats to an up for it crowd who partied into the small hours. It was a rousing set of house music that would have easily been the majority of the punters highlight of the night and set up a fantastic grand finale of Joe Mancini on the decks who turned the event into an all-out rave.
Away from the mainstage the lower deck was constantly buzzing with a wide range of filthy electronic beats from the likes of Raymond Studdon,Del Campbell ,Speedy Action, Davey Joynes and Sparky. From Twysted Soul to Get 2 Funk. There was something for everyone at the first ever Rock the Boat Event. It continued on the Sunday and although I couldnt make day two Im assured that the likes of Urbnri and Oswald made it another day to remember.
Its a perfect setting, The atmosphere was raucous yet friendly and everyone that was there must now be looking forward to Rock the Boat 2 on September 25th / 26th with the likes of The Complete Stone Roses, Steve Craddock (Ocen Colour Scene) and Gaz Coombes (Supergrass) already confirmed its sure to get even better next time round.
For more details on ROCK THE BOAT 2 go to : http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=140760875957427&ref=ts
THE DRAYMIN http://www.facebook.com/thedraymin
THE SOVIETS http://www.myspace.com/soviets1
THE GIROBABIES http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Girobabies/42104335736
DRUM CLINIC http://www.myspace.com/thedrumclinicsoundsystem
LISA LITTLEWOOD http://www.myspace.com/thepinkorchids
