Singer / songwriter Nemo Jones provided a very chilled atmosphere on the Saturday afternoon, which was ideal for kicking off the day. His acoustic folk songs were very much in the vain of John Mayer but to the audience he mainly provided background music whilst they caught up with what they did the previous night, which was unfortunate.

Despite suffering to begin with due to the soundman not knowing they were playing, Lemanis were typically captivating. They played an acoustic set but were still accompanied by members of their Orchestra which helped make songs like ‘Colosseum’ and ‘A Witches Dog’ seem huge. A full Lemanis set at a festival is very much needed.

Plymouth Student Battle of the Bands winners Port Bandanas played to a fairly decent crowd (considering the early festival slot) but their brand of Rootjoose-esque funk rock was the perfect antidote to the Sunday hangover most of us were trying to fight off. Their infectious onstage presence kept the attention of the audience and despite a few techinical glitches, songs like ‘Highway’ kept people moving, albeit mostly in their seats.

Local favourites The Scribes did a fantastic job of working up the crowd and got most of the Main Stage jumping for much of their performance, getting them ready for headliners Stereo MCs. Despite being cautious about watching a bunch of men in their late 40’s playing songs as old as much of the audience, they were as energetic as the younger bands over the weekend, if not more, and they kept the crowd going right till the end although playing hit single ‘Connected’ at the end probably helped.

Dom Cruise

Anthony Clifford

Lets face it, Torpoint is hardly a focal point for live music. Sure it has a number of excellent pub bands doing the rounds but it is unlikely capture the attention of any major artists, local or national. Therefore, when original Ska stalwarts Bad Manners announced a warm up gig for the Celtic Beer Festival at the Wheelers pub, it was quickly conceded that this maybe Torpoints Biggest Ever Gig.

OK, Bad Manners are no Madness, and if they were a football team their sole triumph would have been a place in the 1982 Milk Cup semi-finals, but nevertheless, it is a rare day when a band who have graced the UK charts boards the Tamar ferry and stops as soon as it gets across. Crossing with them would’ve been hoards of original two-toners from Plymouth, bald heads and beer guts rivalling those of the Manners lead singer, Buster Bloodvessel.  How this man is still alive I have no idea, but he still has a huge amount of energy which the crowd duly paid back in full, bouncing and bumping along to hits such as ‘Special Brew’, (UK no 3, 1980!), Lip up Fatty (‘YOU FAT BASTARD’ roared Buster and the crowd in unison) and classic covers such as the ‘Can Can’ and ‘My Girl Lollipop’.

By the end of night, soaked in sweat and feeling like I’d travelled back in time to the year of my birth, I had a sneaking suspicion that the 5th Wave of Ska was just around the corner….

Anthony Clifford

Given the lack of coherent organisation at this event (it was officially cancelled on the first night after the promoter ran off in a chemically induced panic over finances), it was a pleasant surprise to see the festival spirit rising above the trials and tribulations when two local bands took to the Random Arms stage on the Sunday night. Playing for free, both Hillside Heroes and Freshly Squeezed were rewarded by a drunken crowd who were decidedly up for it.

The Heroes, all for some reason sporting dresses, took to the stage first, and although I had heard much about them this was my first chance to catch the real thing. And quite impressive it was too, their tunes full of upbeat energy, the gigantic bass riffs and tight drumming perfectly counter-balanced by the crystal-like guitar ambiance. Vocalist Jake Calladine is one to watch, clearly not a fully formed front man yet, but time is on his side and the potential is vast if he can avoid indie rock cliches. Performing a host of new songs, as well as some favourites from their ‘The Good Times Are Killing Me’ E.P. their set went down a storm and the crowd really didn’t want it to end – always a good sign. Lets hope the band get their wish to perform at the V-Festival – they certainly wouldn’t be out of their depth that’s for sure.

Following was the somewhat legendary local band Freshly Squeezed, and their selection of funk, ska and soul covers and originals were a perfect way to end the night. Boasting a tight 3-piece brass section, excellent rhythm section and added MC-ing and beats, their sound was excellent and befitting of their musicianship. Singer Enrique took to the stage in a huge hat, and in my somewhat drunken state it was not hard to imagine I was watching J.K. singing a selection of his favourite tunes. High points (and there were many) included a cover of The Zuton’s ‘Valerie’ and The Shadow’s ‘Apache’, and the crowd danced away with classic Bank Holiday Weekend abandon. This band are one of the most hard-working in the South West, so chances are they are playing somewhere near you soon. Do yourself a favour and check them out, a good time is guaranteed.

Anthony Clifford