Festival Coverage: Together the People - Day 1
- Written by Rob Crozier
With a slightly pessimistic forecast, this weekend we ventured to the second Together the People. Built as a community-based family festival this year’s line-up was certainly eye catching.
The only UK appearance of Brian Wilson performing Pet Sounds is a major coup alongside this is the appearance of Suede who are back with a new album and are always an amazing live act.
With a fairly sparse and hesitant crowd we made are way through the gates. Amongst the falafels, real ales and the endless stream of bubbles, people sat and enjoyed the sounds. Some were more prepared than others; many had predetermined the weather and were complete with folded chairs and full wet weather gear.
Up first was some new reggae by the wonderful Natty. The sun even made an appearance and for a while it was fairly Summery. His band produce a warming dub bass sound which backed with his soulful voice and really started the festival off in the right way. Someone who has already achieved great things is local legend Gaz Coombs. Fresh from the success of his album Matador he treated us to a solo set of his work as well as a few Supergrass hits thrown in, which the waiting crowd lapped up. As the rain arrived we sought cover and were pleased to find Brighton based band Fickle Friends in a covered tent. Boosted by the large numbers sheltering the band treated us to some wonderful swirling synth pop numbers.
Looking for more shelter we ventured into a smaller tent where Daniel Westford was performing. He gained fame through the Channel 4 series The Undateables, and what a refreshing change to witness someone simply performing for the joy of singing. The crowd were fully involved in sharing his joy. In a cynical fame and money hungry industry it’s nice to be reminded that for some singing and performing is enough.
Boosted by that and before the last two main acts we changed direction completely and went to see confrontational hip–hop artists Sage Francis and B Dolan who brought an onslaught of vicious political and dangerous lyrics to a slightly stunned but receptive crowd.
With the rain slightly easing away it was time for the wonderful Nathaniel Rateliff. Fresh from a huge worldwide tour off the back of a stunning debut album he and the band made us forget the drizzle. The sheer power of his voice along with the hugely infectious hooks soulful guitar went down a storm. A foot stomping set proceeded to make us all forget the weather and was the perfect aperitif for Brian.
With a full 11 piece band he finally arrived. The crowd were damp but spirits high. All the classic were here. 'Help Me Rhonda', 'Surfing USA', 'Good Vibrations'. The voice not as crisp, the sound not as sweet but it didn’t matter. The irony of listening to 'California Girls' in the cold windy rain kind of summed up being British. We were transported via Brian and once he started Pet Sounds in full.
The sing along to 'Wouldn’t it Be Nice' and 'God Only Knows' were wonderful it’s just a shame the rain decided to join in.