Following Saturday’s musical treats, Sunday the 29th August at Galtres Festival had its work cut out to match the previous day’s brilliance. But it managed it. Although the strong wind tried to blow down the main stage, the performing soon got underway.
On The Oxman Stage were Trophy Club. A York four piece, incorporating the usual three piece sound, with added acoustic guitar. The catchy, plodding music was rhythmic and melodic, with rising and falling tempo and depth. The lovely climbing and ascending electric guitar riffs were fantastic and the vocals from Ollie Webb very good too. Trophy Club may be a little weak lyrically, but musically and vocally they were very good and very entertaining.
Opening The Dukes Stage, sponsored by Fibbers, were Dorien Starre. Although starting a little late, due to the problems with the wind battering the stage, the set was fantastic and as with Littlemores the previous day, Dorien Starre set the benchmark for the rest of the days acts. The four piece’s heavy indie sound was backed brilliantly by the lovely drum rhythm and deep bass, the swooping guitar riffs were excellent and the vocals from Leo Derevonko's very unique and very rangy voice. The up and down, hook filled, catchy indie music was very good indeed from this very talented group.
Lost From Atlas were another York group playing The Dukes Stage. The three pieces heavy, metallic instrumental set could have been excellent, had the group sang. Without vocals the music becomes average as an overall package, however solely as musicians, this group are very talented. Brilliant drums, deep, loud bass and screaming guitar riffs are all excellent, but the lack of vocals prevents the musical excellence from been fully appreciated. Get a lead singer guys! Undoubtedly though, Danny Gallagher gave the best guitar performance of the weekend, his riffs were awesome, unfortunately though, without vocals it doesn’t really matter.
Mantra’s heavy metal set was not exactly a crowd pleaser, playing The Dukes Stage, their set was musically very good, with huge swooping guitar riffs a real treat, however the wavering, heavy vocals were quite difficult. Not a bad group and as a group in their genre, they were good at what they did, I’m just not sure that The Galtres crowd were metal lovers.
 The Copasetics, played The Oxman Stage, the ska five piece from York, were absolutely brilliant, thoroughly entertaining and massively talented, these guys attracted quite a dance off at the front of the stage as many music lovers got up to jam to their lively, rhythmic set. Incorporating jangly guitars, keyboards, trumpet and trombone the utterly entertaining ska jam was extremely entertaining. The vocals from Benj were excellent too and carried the group’s brilliant lyrics into the heart of the crowd.
The Arts Barge Orchestra’s set with Chris Helme was yet another highlight from these very talented musicians. With double bass, guitars, percussion, brass and backing vocalists, Chris and the Arts Barge Orchestra performed a fantastic set, which was in keeping with the atmosphere of the festival. Fun, upbeat, musically and vocally excellent, Chris Helme, of Seahorses fame sang and played through the set, which included excellent classic covers of Van Morrisey, Elbow and The Beatles. Chris completely captured the family friendly feel of The Galtres Festival, when he invited all the thoroughly entertained kids from the crowd on stage to help with the performance of Hey Jude.
Headlining on the night, were The Beat. The reggae greats, performed an absolutely fantastic set and rolled back the years. Sounding as fresh as they did in the early 80’s, The Beat were brilliant and ended an amazing festival with an amazing set. Mirror In The Bathroom was absolutely electric. Ranking Rogers son, Matthew Murphy (Ranking Junior) joined The Beat and his MCing on stage brought their classic tracks bang up to date. Ska infused, post punk and reggae brilliance, there was not a still foot in the massive crowd that had gathered to watch these old pro’s roll back the years and entertain the thoroughly appreciative crowd.
Galtres Festival was a huge success. Great facilities, great food and drink, but most importantly great music. Most impressive were the numerous, fantastic up and coming local groups. The Arts Barge Project were absolutely fantastic, as were all the other activities going on, such as The Cabaret Tent and Open Mic sessions. I urge anybody to consider this event next year. The family friendly festival offers something for everyone and it can only continue to get bigger and better. Reasonably priced, easy to get too and with lots to offer. I had a fantastic time at the festival, viewed some brilliant music and it all helps some great charities.
Leeds and Reading may have had Guns N Roses and The Libertines, but Galtres had The Beat, Littlemores, Alvin Purple, Dorien Starre and The Arts Barge Orchestra, plus many more acts.
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