Sigur Ros provide the ideal musical backdrop to last night of Connect

While the city of New Orleans experienced a total mandatory evacuation with the onslaught of hurricane Gustav, which I've heard described as 'apocalyptical rain' , the rain here failed to dampen the spirits of the Connect festival goers.

Most stayed in tents and battened down the hatches but the brave souls who braved the monsoon like deluge just got on with having fun. A special mention needs to go out to a single brave soul who stood out in the pissing rain for the start of Duke Special on the main stage. The blasting lyrics of I could go to London in 'Salvation Tambourine' got the crowds running down the hill towards the stage in their droves as the set continued with 'As good as it gets' and 'This could be my last day'.

Needing to take refuge from the deluge I took the chance to check out one of the smaller music stages in the form of the Kopparberg One Big Tree tent which is designed to look like you are in the middle of a forest. Punch and the Apostles have been getting a lot of good feedback recently in the Scottish music press. Their blend of gypsy violins, funked up brass and flamenco guitars lead to a creation of sound that will counter any rainy day.

Over on the guitars stage, their first time on Scottish soil, Black Cherry from London did their best to play through the rain. Front woman Meghan's uplifting vibes got the crowd dancing with the stand out songs being 'Cops and Robbers' and'Lost in the system'.



Talking of uplifting ladies, the eclectic Santogold played early afternoon on the Oyster stage and brought some New York style to the day. 'Starstruck' brought the underground DJ sound that she's famous for to the gathered masses. In a quote from her website 'already receiving weighty club rotation and airplay in urban Afghanistan and downtown Beruit', you can add rain soaked Scotland to that list as she did her best to fight through the monsoon.

Just as the rain stopped Connect was treated to a blast from the past in one of the founder members of Kraftwork in Karl Bartos playing the Unknown Pleasures tent. Might not be my favourite but as someone who appreciates difference it is an experience to see the influential German in action. 'Interview' 'Life' in particular showed that distinctive Kraftwork style to the full.

Dressing in a pink ballgown that could have been borrowed from Bjork last year Alison Goldfrapp entered the Oyster stage. From the mellow 'Clowns' to the well known 'Oh La La' and the more bizarre techno 'Black Cherry' she put on a show to match the misty atmosphere that surrounded the site.

Over on the Guitars stage the Gutter Twins had gathered a good sized crowd for hits such as 'Deep hit of morning' and 'Idle hands' The deep penetrating vocals and strong guitar give this band a distinctive sound that stands out from the norm of live music.



As darkness started to fall and mist rolled over the hills surrounding Connect, the haunting sound of Iceland's Sigur Ros provided the ideal musical backdrop to the approaching night. Starting off with the lengthy 'Svefn-G Englar' and building into the set with 'Golthsi' was a musical masterpiece from a band who always entertain with their zany exploits. On this occasion, with the rest of the band in hysterics, several members marched onto stage in white tee shirts and long-johns playing trombones. Even of you don't like the music you had to marvel in the experience. This set will go down as one of the best the band have played, certainly in the UK. OK, the stunning backdrop and mists added to the occasion but the massive explosion of ticker tape during the goobledigokook just ended the show with an explosion of white like summer had suddenly ended and a winter storm had rolled in.

So onto the closing headliners who earlier in a press conference revealed that they have not yet decided on a name for their up coming album. Franz Ferdinand hit the stage with the high tempo and energy that we've come to expect from them as they got the crowd jumping with some of the classics from, in particular, their first album. In saying that the new stuff ain't bad either. Whereas loads has been made of the dub influence you could not say it over exerted itself. The influence of Bob on the base is certainly there to see on some of the newer tracks but on the whole they pulled off a stunning set blending old and new. This band have never head lined T but next year may well be the time for them to emulate that Tennants advert from a couple of years ago when droves of festival goers were seen heading off to see Franz in an urban show.



On the whole I really enjoyed this festival. As someone who really appreciates alternative acts and new up and coming bands I feel I just did not have enough time to take it all in. The bands at the top end of the bill may be slightly weaker than last year but on the whole the festival had a good range of acts, with something for everyone. Some of the best shows I saw were on the little stages and tents.

I can't leave with out mentioning one of my favourite Scottish bands, Luva Anna from Dundee who unfortunately broke up after playing in the Speakeasy cafe. Hopefully after reflection on what a collective talent they have they will reconsider. They have been playing the circuit for a few years now and looked like they were on the verge of greater things. As far as you can get from main stream they will be a big loss to music if they don't continue.

Same goes for Connect. Yes, there may be teething problems with this festival, but with all things considered the location, the food, the range of acts, the great audience, they have a product that will hopefully mature into one of Europe's great music festivals. Some have said move it to another time of the year as a solution. You know what would happen if they did that, this time next year Inverary will; be in the middle of a heat wave. No, keep building on the infrastructure and as for the fans get used to the hike.

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