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Ben and Jerry’s Sundae in the park – Clapham Common 25/26th July 2009
A weekend of two extremes, glorious sunshine on the Saturday and sporadic bursts of rain on Sunday couldn’t dampen the spirits and feel good factor of what is steadily becoming one of the must see festivals of the season.
Saturdays line-up was an unusual mix of styles, King Creosote and I Am Kloot are both acts that went through the motions in an easy going manner and were politely received by a very laid back audience. Scotland’s long established Teenage Fanclub have been on the circuit since the late 80’s and their distinctive brand of easy going power pop still has its place, the beautiful “I Don’t Want Control Of You” was the highlight of their set. Headliners Super Furry Animals are that rare thing in today’s music scene in that firmly established since the 90’s they still seem fresh and relevant as ever. Lead singer Gruff Rhys waving of boards with applause and whoa added a zany and comical element that is typical of this original and eclectic band.
Before the rain threatened to breakout on Sunday Red Light Company put in a credible performance full of confidence that could make them a band to look out for and join previous Ben and Jerry past breakthrough acts Kate Nash and Florence and the Machine in achieving success. Camera Obscura and their brand of 60’s pop were well received and the punk flavored Futureheads also found favour amongst the crowd. But the highlight of the weekends bill was the reenergized performance of 80’s synth pioneers Human League who rolled back the years in remarkable style, almost a greatest hits set full of well known standards and complemented by an excellent backing band, Phil Oakey and his glamorous original backing singers added a strong visual presence that made the heavy downpour insignificant. Appealing to their older fan base is one thing but the younger crowd who weren’t even born when they enjoyed the glory years also seemed to enjoy this fine act, The Human League seem almost relevant today and deserve to be recognized as more than a 80’s revival act.
The combination of free ice cream, mostly good weather and an unpredictable yet interesting array of artists continues to make the Ben and Jerry’s Sundae in the park experience one to put in your diary.
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Reviewed by Tony Bartolo and Mya Green | Pictures by Tony Bartolo |
