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With rain predicted throughout, and a slightly weaker line-up than
in previous years, Latitude 2011 was not the subject of astronomically
high expectations. The weather on Friday, however, seemed determined to
prove the doubters wrong, and the day remained wonderful throughout.
Spirits were high, and the booze was flowing freely.
Canadian critical darlings Braids were first up, and
put on an excellent set. Occasional
technical problems, and long periods of dull ambient noise between
songs did damage audience enjoyment of their set, but they
occasionally played at a level that would make them one of the
possible highlights of the festival. This was all underpinned by a
youthful charm that was demonstrated by the adorable group hug they
shared before coming onto stage.
Later at the Comedy Tent, Richard Herring was
a fine choice for all fans of stand-up comedy. Managing to tell both a lovely story and make the audience
laugh uncontrollably, Herring demonstrated why he has become so
respected within the industry. Chapel Club at the Word
Arena, in stark contrast, played a completely unprepared set, often
announcing songs as "unfinished" and lacking lyrics.
Immediately afterward, Isobel Campbell played a
lovely set on the Obelisk Arena, providing a good soundtrack to the
lazy summer day that Friday was becoming.
For many, Deerhunter were the most anticipated band
of the entire festival, but they were a disappointment. Looking
lethargic and ill, the band played a set without energy or much
commitment. It would be impossible to say they sounded bad, as they
played their songs perfectly, but Bradford Cox's voice was weak and
lacked its usual quality. In addition, the band were unexplainably cut
off mid song by the sound techs, which was a sad end to a poor (but
considering how ill the band looked, understandable) set.
Caribou, on the other hand, played a perfect set.
Their usually sedate songs were performed with gusto and energy and the
band were the first act to really get the crowd going. As well as the
music the band created, they managed to excite the crowd by the
effort they put into the physical performance. It's difficult to
say if Caribou could have possibly played a better set.
Immediately afterward, indie titan Bright Eyes
bossed the Obelisk Arena with an incredible presence. It's remarkable
how compelling Conor Oberst was, and even without the
competently played music this would have been a good performance. In
the break between Bright Eyes and Paloma Faith,
Scottish growlers Admiral Fallow played a emotionally
charged set that sounded beautiful. While the band are far from
exceptional, their twee lyrics and melodic, huge songs combine to
create a live experience that felt special for all watching. The band
attracted a number of hardcore fans and it became clear why.
Soon it was time for the larger than life Paloma
Faith. It's difficult to declare much love for the music she
produces as it's really nothing special; sub-Amy Winehouse soft
pop-jazz is the order of day, and hearing Faith play is a experience
laced with intense mediocrity. However, seeing her perform is a
different matter entirely. Her band were dressed in sharp suits, and
classic dresses, and played the part of a showy 1950s band perfectly.
Paloma on the other hand was dressed in an insane medley of clothing
that made her both look ridiculous and brilliant. She stormed about
the stage like she owned it, and looked very much at home in front of
a large crowd. While Paloma Faith may not be a good musician, she
makes up for this deficiency in pure showmanship, and she was an
enjoyable time-passer.
In the headline spot for the day were The National. This was their first headline spot at a major
festival and they had earned it. Releasing a series of four excellent
albums in a row, they'd received critical acclaim and steadily
increasing mainstream success; the band have steadily grown to be one
of the best known names in indie music. For those at the front of the
gig, they justified their sterling reputation. The band performed with
verve and enthusiasm and the audience picked up on it; most songs were
greeted by people singing every word and the band were applauded more
than was strictly necessary. Matt Berninger was in typical eccentric form,
managing to act like an errant recluse often wandering off around the
stage letting the band play by themselves.
However, this just added to
the performance, and with Berninger at the helm, The National give off a
very individual, compelling and commanding vibe. Yet the set was
far from perfect. The screens behind and to the side of the band
showed distorted, arty images of the band, and while this was, again,
great for those who could actually see, those too far away would have
had no idea what was going on. In addition to this the sound was far
too weak, and could have done with being a fair bit louder. At the
front, this just led to the set becoming slightly less awe-inspiring,
but further back, the audience felt disconnected and removed from the
experience. A solid headline set, but not what the band are fully
capable of. For some, The National were a revelation and a perfect way
to end a great day; for others it is only imaginable that they were a
slight disappointment.
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