Latest News

19th March
online game reveals some of Global Gathering's line-up
19th March
Latitude add Richard Hawley, and Jonsi
19th March
Strawberry Fair 2010 cancelled
as police appeal the granting of its license - event hopes to return in 2011
19th March
2000trees unveils line-up for early entry Thursday
including The Brute Chorus, SixNationState, and Lets Tea Party
19th March
Ocean Colour Scene to headline The Wickerman
plus The Futureheads,The Undertones, and more as first acts named
  rss | more news arrow
home » festivals » Off the Tracks Festival » Off The Tracks Late Festival 2008

Dreadzone and Kissmet radiate at OTT

Off The Tracks Late Festival 2008 review

Thursday 4th September 2008



The Lancashire Hotpots
The Lancashire Hotpots were the first band that I got it together to see on Saturday. A very funny lot indeed - comedy folk is a fine way to start the day! Witty, down to earth songs that brought many smiles from the appreciative audience.

around the site

Out to the courtyard for a bash on the drums courtesy of the Inter-Africa crew. A percussion collective with lots of drums (obviously!) tambourines and the like, there much have been thirty or forty folk drumming together... it was great to see so many involved and enjoying the chance to play.

around the site
Next, on the mainstage was a very special presentation for Dr Al - the first person to buy a ticket for the very first festival! And he hasn't missed one since.He was presented with a crystal tankard from Boz (OTT organizer) – a lovely gesture and one that reflects on the loyalty of all concerned.

The band Tarantism got the evening entertainment under way and were creating some wonderful music. Beautifully layered folk soundscapes with congas, flutes, guitar, banjo, bass and drums.

Kissmet followed with their high energy, melodic, pulsating rhythms which even featured a bangra version of a rock classic (the name of which has since escaped me!). Truly delightful.

Kissmet

Caught The Roulette next in the barn, winners of OTT's Amber Valley Battle of the Bands competition, they played some hard edged blues-based rock with good style. They even had some audience participation with members of the crowd invited to sing (or try to!) along with the band.

And so to Dreadzone, the headliners for Saturday. Although they suffered with the onstage sound at the beginning, from the front they sounded magnificent. The new guitarist gives a harder edge to the songs and MC Spee, although in obvious pain and on crutches, soon whipped everyone into a frenzy. A hugely entertaining gig that left us all soaked, happy, breathless and baying for more.

Dreadzone

More dancing and jamming in the courtyards followed and continued until about 4-ish. What an exhausting night. A look around the campsite revealed lots of little sessions going on till daybreak. People gently singing, playing guitars, and the odd drummer, all combining to make for a happy contented lot. At 7.30 I thought it best to have a little sleep!


review by Phil Lenthall
photos by Phil Bull



Festival search Ticket search

search future festivals only   advanced search

Off the Tracks Festival,
related articles:

2008 Line-ups & rumours

Forum

more on Off The Tracks Late Festival 08

Off the Tracks Festival home
News:
22nd February 10
Martin Simpson, The Popes, The Ukrainians and more for Off The Tracks
Off The Tracks Spring Festival 10

19th February 10
Alabama 3 to headline Off The Tracks
Off The Tracks Spring Festival 10
Reviews:
Off The Tracks Late Festival celebrates its 21st birthday in style
Off The Tracks Late Festival 09

Drymbago are a highlight of day one - folk dancing the grey clouds away
Off The Tracks Spring Festival 09

ZubZub end the outdoor party in some style
Off The Tracks Spring Festival 09

storming Peatbog Faeries bring a sunny Off The Tracks to a close
Off The Tracks Spring Festival 09

headliner Eat Static has the crowd in a frenzy at Off the Tracks
Off The Tracks Late Festival 08

Photos:
around the festival site
Off The Tracks Late Festival 09

Akahum
Off The Tracks Late Festival 09

Dog Days Of Summer
Off The Tracks Late Festival 09

Ezio
Off The Tracks Late Festival 09

The Hang Project
Off The Tracks Late Festival 09

Listed Events:
Off The Tracks Summer Festival 10

Off The Tracks Spring Festival 10

Off The Tracks Late Festival 09

Off The Tracks Spring Festival 09

Off The Tracks Late Festival 08


Stripey-Jumper
promoting Flounder The Compere, The Fluffettes & various other acts
for your festival/event compereing and walkabout theatre needs
carbon neutral logoeFestivals is
carbon neutral
more »
WaterAid
eFestivals supports WaterAid, more »
sign up for the
festivals newsletter
more »
© Copyright 1998 - 2010 eFestivals.co.uk | disclaimer | site map