Lee Scratch Perry provides the class, Big Boi the wow factor

ATP curated by Animal Collective 2011 review

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All Tomorrows Parties curated by Animal Collective 2011

Friday 13th to Sunday 15th May 2011
Butlins Resort, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5SH, England MAP
£170 per person room only (£180 self catering)

It's been five short months since the last ATP and despite the +30°C temperature difference more people seemed to be complaining about the cold this time round (?).This was to be the last of the May events hosted at Butlins; Spring just got that little bit duller. From now on just two festivals will be put on in December, though the new 'I'll Be Your Mirror' event in London sounds promising. If a bit more conventional-sounding compared to the surreal, bygone-age vibe of Butlins. Many would have preferred a move back to Camber, notwithstanding the lousy amenities.

This weekend's curators were experimental 4-piece Animal Collective, a good choice to deliver a diverse line-up based on their influences and record collections. The preferred eclectic mix of old and new bands then, some making the effort to do something a little different from their normal shows; always a bonus.

The talking points over the weekend were:

An impromptu set by Ariel Pin outside Burger King. However security stepped in within minutes, before anyone had even had the opportunity to 'go large'

Zomby's second no-show at ATP (3rd time lucky?)

The Frogs filling in for the above with a covers set.

'Wet Sounds' in the tropical wavepool; music and relaxation. More of a damp squib by my reckoning; turn on the waves, open the waterslides and play some death-metal say I.

A nesting pair of Canada Geese with Gosling set up outside Reds that attracted their own fan-following, particularly referred to by Victoria Legrand of Beach House (elevated to 'Sacred Gosling' status in fact).

Not as many talking points as usual.

The main Pavilion Stage was cut this time in favour of hosting more bands on the three other stages; Centre, Reds and Crazy Horse which have the (much) better sound. Not many will miss the arena sound of Pavilion though some of the evening atmosphere of the central hub was lost obviously. It seemed noticeably quieter overall compared to previous events, though more friendly on the upside. Staggered timings meant it was easy to hop between bands and see a bit of everyone as usual.

Highlife (Doug Shaw) kicked off the event, and was also the first of the African music influenced bands prevalent over the weekend. Experimental electronica 3-piece Black Dice followed; the first of two appearances by Eric Copeland over the weekend, highlights for many attending and always a popular choice. Dent May put on a lighter Indie-Pop set to open Reds Stage.

Legendary Reggae/Dub man Lee Scratch Perry played out a laid-back set in suitably colourful Rasta attire. He might have made a better end to the evening I think, suitably relaxed I was about ready to turn in for the night. Big Boi (Outkast) finally upped the ante and certainly know how to get the best out of a crowd. They proved to be the best show on the night; the floor bounced to their hip-hop sounds as the audience started to frenzy. I'm not by any means a fan of the genre but appreciated their liveliness, and the party atmosphere it brought.

review by: Jason Wood

photos by: Jason Wood