All Points East - the Chemical Brothers

My first music festival of the year,. And I won't lie, it wasn't the most enjoyable I have ever attended, for a number of reasons.

I did only a half day at work on the morning of the festival so could get there pretty much as it opened. And I found myself a perfect spot right at the front where I happily thought I would remain all day, to be joined shortly by my mate Bish. But he got delayed so the early part of the festival I spent on my own. Now I often go to gigs on my own, so that wasn't the problem. The problem was I hated all of what I might term the under card. I really wanted to see Hot Chip and the Chemical Brothers. The trouble was that this was a "dance" festival line up, although none of the opening acts were dance acts of the type that would appeal to me. 

First up was "Petite Noir" who appeared to be neither French nor small, except in talent. But he was only the opener. Claimed we were an amazing crowd, but I guess he says that to all the boys. In fact we were sparse.

Classy jacket though...

As you can see, I was right at the front and so able to take some excellent photos. But this stuff was so boring. Next up Little Simz, a north London rapper. What can I say, largely cheesy seventies style music with her doing some boastful shouting over the top. And I felt like Methuselah's grandfather surrounded by kids who actually seemed to enjoy this exceedingly monotonous nonsense.

Dance for this stuff by the way reminds me of pogoing of my youth. Instead of jumping its a sort of lunging motion, which doesn't really vary as none of the songs vary much, or at least they don't vary at all in rhythm.

Next on Danny Brown. Top outfit - a sort of summer pyjama suit. Rap again, but what I would term machine-gun rap. Just a constant flow of unintelligible lyrics apart from the odd expletive. But better than Little Simz at least.

Next up was Little Dragon. By now I thought I was a fancy dress fair, each act in a more ridiculous outfit.

 Luckily at this point Bish turned up. Unluckily he persuaded me to abandon my sought after spot at the front to meet up with some of his mates back in the open area towards the back of the crowd. Now I recognise his discomfort in being in a bit of a crush, but my point is that right at the front is actually much more comfortable than being in the middle of a big crowd, which is precisely where we ended up, especially for the Chemical Brothers.

On the other hand, we had a chance to catch up which is always a pleasure, and I wasn't exactly distraught at the being torn away from Little Dragon. Anyway, upshot is my last two photos of the night, of Hot Chip, were taken from miles away.

My first time seeing Hot Chip. I did remark to Bish just how much more sophisticated they sounded compared to any of the previous acts. It was like suddenly watching Premiership Football after a time watching National League hoofers.

Anyway, in the absence of being able to take photos myself over the heads of the multitude, here are some professional ones taken from a better vantage point.

So then there is a substantial gap in proceedings before the main act comes on, allowing drinks to be bought etc. Unfortunately, during this gap the weather turned from the nice cloudy day with spells of sunshine, to a major downpour. This wasn't in the weather forecast. Almost no one had any rain proofing. And there is very little shelter. Well it is Victoria Park. So we just got wet, huddled like emperor penguins against the Antarctic winds (well yes I admit the penguins have it a little tougher...)

At last on come the Chemical Brothers to an enthusiastic if now cold and wet crowd, but one generally buoyed by alcohol and drugs. Having indulged in nether all day I was just cold and wet.

You know what you are going to get with the Chemical Brothers. It is a light show with their fine back catalogue on loop.

As I say, I had to download these images.

Following all of which I had to limp back home on my gammy leg. Long trek from Victoria Park even back to Mile End tube, let alone onward to home. Thousands ahead of us, a slow shuffle for much of the way. But I enjoy concerts and enjoyed the company. But could have been warmer. And drier. And at the front...