Hydro Connect 2008
Friday 29th to Sunday 31st August 2008Inveraray Castle, Loch Fyne, Argyll, Scotland, Scotland MAP
£140 for weekend ticket with camping, £120 without camping, £50 for day tickets
Last updated: Fri 29th Aug 2008
One of the acts that really sold this festival to me was the appearance of the ever young Michael Franti and Spearhead. Although approaching fifty he still knows how to put on a great show which seemed to hit a note with his devoted fans who really seemed to be enjoying the set. 'All I Want Is You' and 'Have A Little Faith' got the place rocking.
We are from St Alban's shouted Friendly Fires' Ed Mac as he took to the stage for his band's mid afternoon slot on the guitars stage. He quickly won over the doubters with a set blending electro and rock with little numbers 'Jump in the Pool' and 'Photobooth'.
While walking over to catch some food I stumbled on the lovely lyrical voice of Kim Moore of Zoe Van Goey. The compact Your Sound stage has a real intimate feel. The fresh electrical sound of hers lightened my mood as I was convinced it was about to start raining. With lyrics about being on a strange Island while teaching English in Japan, 'Two White Ghosts' dips into the alternative feel of this band. Check them out if you want to experience something different.
Only staying long enough at the main stage to catch a few songs from Paolo Nutini I took the chance to hear a rare set in Scotland from Roots From Philadelphia. Another gem and great catch to lure to Connect, with a rare blend of hip hop, soul and funk, these guys set the Unknown Pleasures tent crazy, rocking with hits such as 'Get Busy' and '75 Bars'.
The evening's headliners Bloc Party entered the stage wearing kilts and Kele hitting the ground running with crowd pleaser in 'Mercury'. Although they put on a reasonable set there is something about this band that just does not pull off a headline slot for me at any festival. In saying that I do have a soft spot for the energy created by 'Trojan Horse'.
review by: Greg Forbes
photos by: Greg & Rachel Forbes
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Hydro Connect 2009 is cancelled
festival postponed because of economic downturn
festival postponed because of economic downturn
last updated: Mon 2nd Feb 2009
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last updated: Mon 2nd Feb 2009
like a fine malt Hydro Connect is improving with the years
Hydro Connect 2008 review
Hydro Connect 2008 review
last updated: Thu 11th Sep 2008