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Dub Pistols bring a triumphant end to Saturday at Off The Tracks

Off The Tracks Summer Festival 2012 review

By Rob Matheson | Published:

Off The Tracks Summer Festival 2012 - Dub Pistols
Photo credit: Phil Bull


Saturday comes, and I take the (very) short walk from the campsite down to the festival for a bit of brekkie. There's perhaps not as broad a selection of foods as other festivals but what's here is reasonably priced, tasty and the portions aren't stingy. A breakfast bap rammed with bacon, eggs and sausages sets me back 3 quid and I eat it while listening to a fiddle and banjo duo running through some bluegrass standards at the table next to me. Impromptu acoustic sessions like this seem like a big part of the festival, and main stage acts playing unamplified in the courtyard or in the bar is a common sight.

The Lucky Strikes
Suitably fortified I head for the main stage, Where Southend Alt-Country heroes The Lucky Strikes are cooking up a sound that's part 'Exile On Main St' era Stones and part Hank Williams Snr shot through with a touch of gospel. The crowd is up dancing before the end of the set and the dancing continues for a mighty set by Hallouminati, Whose mix of breakbeats and bouzouki led folk tunes delivered with punk rock energy proves to be a winner.

After they finish I have a chat with head steward Glynis, A lovely woman who has been involved with the festival for years. Like everyone else involved with running the event she's full of enthusiasm for both the festival and her part in it, and it's on her recommendation that I go and watch the excellent Flutterby Theatre performing 'Rory And The Sun Thief' a delightful children's tale that has both young and old captivated.

Not many festivals schedule a beer break in the programme, but with 80 plus ales to choose from it's a business that can't be rushed. There's something to suit every palate on offer, and at an average price of £3 a pint you can sample a few without breaking the bank. Personally I can recommend The Damson Porter and Autumn Gold.

Ferocious Dog are next up on the main stage and have drawn the biggest crowd of the day so far, but while there's no doubting their musicianship or their ferociousness, their set list is a little predictable for my liking so I take a wander to the Black Bar where Out of the Swamp (who feature Cajun accordion virtuoso Chris Hall among their number) are playing a cracking set that takes in material ranging from Memphis Minnie to Bob Marley. Chris and his compadres stamp their own identity on everything they play and their set is an absolute joy.

Edward II
Back on the main stage Edward II are treating the crowd to a set which for me is one of the highlights of the weekend. It's been a good few years since I've seen them live and they've lost none of their sparkle. Mixing up the rhythms of rocksteady and lovers rock with the traditional folk tunes of the British Isles is a genius idea (it's all folk music, after all), And it's a treat to hear obscure Jamaican gems like Johnnie Osbourne's 'Can't Buy Love' rubbing shoulders with the likes of 'Wild Mountain Thyme'. Wonderful stuff.

Speaking of crossovers, Tonight's headliners the Dub Pistols play a triumphant, rocking set to an audience almost as diverse as their music. Hippies, Rasta's, Punks, Ravers, Folkies and Metalheads raise the roof while Barry Ashworth and his crew turn out one floor filler after another. A great end to a fine day.

Dub Pistols

review by: Rob Matheson

photos by: Phil Bull

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