Belsonic

THE heavens were smiling on the inaugural year of the Belsonic with the rain holding off until the last set of the highly entertaining three-day festival.

By all accounts The Flaming Lips put in a performance to remember on the opening night.

I was lucky to be in attendance on the Thursday night when Reverend and the Makers and The Enemy were the star attractions.

The Rev seemed dwarfed by the big stage and asides from their three big singles the band failed to ignite the crowd.

Thankfully the Enemy pulled out a top drawer performance, belting out hit after hit, with a bit of motivational chat to the disillusioned youth thrown in for good measure.

It's just a pity a bigger crowd hadn't witnessed it.

The audience was considerably larger for Friday night's proceedings.

Dan Le Sac and Scroobius Pip's early set which included an excellent cover of Prince's 'Cream' was a highlight as was the dynamic performance from The Go! Team.

The Zutons closed the night in style as the rains came tumbling down. Although their set took a dip in the middle they finished strongly to send the masses home happy.

I was especially impressed by the venue and with a couple more big names and a second year to establish the brand Belsonic will go from strength to strength.

Review by Graeme Cousins