Wickerman 2014: Saturday, 26 July
With a layer of cloud settling over this part of rural Kirkcudbrightshire there is no repeat of Friday’s bakehouse temperatures. Saturday is an altogether cooler and more relaxed experience, but with arguably an even more impressive line-up to entertain those nursing sunburn and hangovers.
Instrumental duo Cutty’s Gym have attracted a decent-sized crowd to see their noon opening slot in the Solus tent, including more than a few members from other bands playing over the weekend. “I hope you’re not feeling too rough,” grins guitarist Craig McIntyre. “We’ll help you dust those cobwebs off.” He’s not lying. This is a thrilling set of tightly-woven guitar riffs looped into impressive soundscapes, anchored down and given some serious punch by the extraordinary powerhouse that is drummer Iain Stewart. There seems to be an almost telepathic communication between the two as they grind through songs, like the terrific Dudeman, recalling the math rock of the likes of Three Trapped Tigers. This performance is a major statement of intent from a group who seem destined for wider attention.
If that performance wasn’t enough to shake you from your Friday night stupor, the result of downing too much warm beer or dozing in a cheap tent, along come Glasgow noise rock mentalists Thin Privilege. Fronted by Paul McArthur, formerly of the face-meltingly-loud post-hardcore outfit The Ocean Fracture, this four piece adopt a not-so-subtle two bass guitar approach and heroic levels of feedback. Amusingly, a family of young children can be seen happily dancing in front of one of the roaring speaker-stacks while older, more noise-adverse punters linger at the back of the tent. This is a full-on show with much gurning, face-pulling, guitar throwing and speaker climbing from the band. It seems a shame that Thin Privilege have already announced their plan to split after an as-yet-unannounced final show in Glasgow.
Tuff Love have rightly won plaudits on the back of their excellent Junk EP, released back in May. Since then they’ve become an increasingly prolific name, and they seem a perfect choice for this mid-afternoon slot. “We only got to Wickerman about an hour ago,” states bassist Suse Bear. “And we had to wait half an hour for Julie to go on the waltzers.” The guitarist silently winces. Tuff Love’s shimmering lo-fi pop is a much heavier beast live than on record, and it’s a shame that Julie’s vocals are often lost beneath the guitars, but it's still a solid showing from the trio.
By early evening, it’s obvious that some Wickerman attendees didn’t manage any sleep last night. One of them is James McGarragle of Deathcats. “I’ve not slept since Thursday, so this set will be entertaining regardless,” he announces. The Cumbernauld native stops to sip from a can of Red Bull between songs, but the trio still sound on top form by swaggering through choice fuzz pop songs like Solid and Dreamz from their recent debut album, All Hail Deathcats. There’s a pleasing irreverence about Deathcats, even if their songs are tinged with occasional melancholy. Their half-hour set whizzes but McGarragle opts not for bed and is instead seen around the Solus tent until the close of play.
Aside from its reputation for breaking artists, Wickerman has a history of booking some fairly eclectic retro acts to play on its Summerisle main stage. These have ranged from the sublime (Chic) to the ridiculous (Scissor Sisters). This evening we have The Zombies. It’s plain that many of the crowd, most of which are lazing about on the hill, have near heard of them. In fairness, the original line-up did split as far back as 1968, and the reformed version, which includes vocalist Colin Blunstone and organ player Rod Argent, are happy to play up to their veteran status. “This next song was on our 1968 album Odyssey and Oracle, which sold nothing at the time,” Blunstone explains, modestly. “But it sells more and more with each passing year”. He’s referring to the stupendous Time of the Season, which they deliver note-perfect, organ solo and all. Closing with early single She’s Not There, this is a well-judged and thoroughly entertaining trip back to the ‘60s - a decade that few can remember but no one can get away from.
Following The Zombies on to the Summerisle stage are British Sea Power, who seem strangely downbeat by their own high standards. It has started to rain, but this group is well-known for its love of the countryside and inclement weather. BSP have matured since their frantic early shows when they dressed as Great War survivors and decorated their amps with branches, but their energetic performance at last year’s T in the Park was a reminder that they can still excite when away from their own small club shows. The songs tonight still inspire, but the set highlights are the understated Oh, Larsen B and the elegant sweep of Carrion, instead of a rather limp rendition of Remember Me.
Energy is certainly not lacking in the GoNorth tent where headliners Roman Nose rock up after dark. From the first bars of Black September to the final ringing moments of Man’s Gotta Eat more than 40 minutes later, this is proper fists-in-the-air muscular electro. The Glasgow group played a euphoric set in the Solus tent at last year’s Wickerman, but tonight they go beyond even that. Just as they reach their peak on Coming For You, the music comes to a juddering halt due to a power cut. Boos ring round the tent as the sound engineers battle to get the party restarted. Thankfully for all concerned the music is back under way within minutes. It’s a fitting end to another great day of music at Wickerman.