The Oxegen 2005 Festival
Punchestown, 9 July 2004 (Day 1)
Review Snapshot:
The biggest festival in Ireland once again proves to be a success with
some solid performances and fond memories.
The CLUAS Verdict?
(See purple box below for act by act rating)
Full review:
The New Band Stage always provides a great opportunity for lesser-known acts to
play in front of a larger audience. The Gurriers took only seconds to grasp that
chance by powering into a large dosage of punk pop tunes. Director followed with
a really splendid performance that at times reminded of
Futureheads but songs
like 'Last Time' cemented the band's own sound. The 747s were a man short when
guitarist Freddy misplaced his passport and couldn't travel. And his absence was
evident despite the band's efforts to keep things at a lively pace. Over at the
Main Stage, Ricky Wilson was sprinting across the stage as the mass crowds sang
'I Predict A Riot' back to the Kaiser Chiefs. It was an excellent performance
from the Leeds outfit, which was equalled by Nine Black Alps over at the Ticket
Stage. Despite sound difficulties the band ripped things up with 'Cosmopolitan'
and 'Shot Down'.
Saturday Ratings:
The Gurriers ? 6
Director ? 8.5
The 747s ? 6
Kaiser Chiefs ? 8.5
Nine Black Alps ? 8.5
Stephen Fretwell ? 7
Turn ? 8
Black Velvets ? 5,5
Snoop Dog ? 6
Hal ? 6
KT Tunstall ? 8
66e ? 6
The Bravery ? 6
Bloc Party ? 8.5
Kasabian ? 9
Ian Brown ? 7.5
Over at the Green Room, Stephen Fretwell was a welcome come down with his blend
of stirring ballads including the charming 'Emily'. Irish favourites
Turn then
attracted quite a crowd and they didn't disappoint with
Ollie Cole determined to
have everyone singing the songs back to him, and his efforts were greeted with
success.
Cocky indie rock band The Black Velvets tried to ignite enthusiasm over at the
New Band stage but their songs sounded too much like recycled Oasis/Jam
mutterings. Notorious rapper Snoop Dog brought a different kind of performance
to the Main Stage but it was KT Tunstall in the Green Room who had the audience
captivated especially with a superb version of 'Black Horse And The Cherry
Tree'.
Bright Eyes was meant to be up next but his cancellation saw the 66e play
to a bewildered mob. Even an achingly good take of 'Scrambled Pictures' didn't
receive the appreciation it deserved.
New York natives The Bravery were a decent opener on the Ticket Stage for
Bloc
Party, who really excelled (even with the poor sound) and displayed a bit of playfulness. The crowd then went crazy when Kasabian launched into stomping versions of 'Club Foot' and 'Reason Is Treason'.
To end the Saturday off Ian Brown played a dynamic set (which included a lot of
Stone Roses tunes) in front of a packed Green Room where the sweat literally
dripped from the ceiling.
The first day had many highlights and would've provided value for money if it
were only a one-day festival. But there was still another full day to go and so
many more performances to look forward to. So roll on
day 2...Gareth Maher
Check
out the CLUAS coverage of Day 2 of Oxegen 2005.
