Reading Festival

The 4or The Record Review

Although evidently not as successful as previous years, the Reading Festival of 2009 is sure to be remembered for a long time to come regardless.

Friday saw a great start to proceedings with talent flowing throughout the line up. Arguably the place to be was the NME Stage, with performances from the likes of Manchester Orchestra and the highly rated Airborne Toxic Event. Praise must go to Little Boots, however, for putting in a sparkling performance to brighten up an increasingly damp and cloudy day. Storming through her hits with skill and perfection, she proved why she has fast become one of the hottest acts around. However, even her glimmering talents were outshone by the simply magnificent Florence And The Machine, who packed out the stage and treated the gathered masses to a performance of epic proportions. Delivering crowd favourites including “Dog Days Are Over” and “My Boy Builds Coffins” to a rapturous reception, Florence Welch lapped up every second, twirling and dancing in a feverish mood. Closing with the superb “Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up), she ensured her 23rd birthday was one to remember for herself and the crowd.

The main stage saw familiar bands return for another year, with the always reliable Alexisonfire put in a solid performance once again. Chino Moreno's Deftones also impressed, although very rarely reaching the high levels of performance they would expect of themselves. 

The evening saw Kaiser Chiefs warm up for the headliners, with an energetic if not outstanding rendition of their best know tracks. However the day was stolen for all the wrong reasons by Kings Of Leon, with one of the most petulant and unprecedented displays of arrogance ever seen at Reading. Despite being blighted by sound issues from the very start, the band managed to maintain and deliver favourites including “Molly's Chamber” and “The Bucket” in good style and skill. Yet despite this, front man Caleb Followill chose instead to direct frustrations at a slightly quiet crowd with the line “We are the Kings of Leon, f**k you all!” Couple that with a curtailed set, amp smashing and a middle fingered departure, and you have the ultimate in unnecessary rock star hissy fits. 

Saturday was undoubtedly a day for smaller bands, with the Festival Republic stage boasting a line up to be proud of. The fantastically talented Marina And The Diamonds took the early plaudits, sailing through her modest set list with sparkling talent. Although still very much at the start of her career, the size of the crowd and the appreciation shown for tracks including “I Am Not A Robot” was more than enough indication that there is more in store for the young lady. Middle Class Rut also put in a sterling performance, showing exactly why they have become so popular in such a short space of time. 

On the NME Stage, Patrick Wolf once again won the hearts of the crowd, whilst a surprise performance from supergroup Them Crooked Vultures drew vast numbers to see the star – studded three piece showcase their new material. The main stage highlight was undoubtedly the legendary Prodigy, who drew crowds of epic proportions to see their energetic and frantic set. Unfortunately, the curse of the Main Stage sound struck yet again, and the band were subjected to chants on “turn it up” from many further back. Despite the unsatisfactory conditions, the band still managed a set to remember, with “Firestarter”, “Voodoo People” and “Take Me To The Hospital” all getting a rousing reception. The biggest disappointment of the night was undoubtedly Arctic Monkeys, whose frankly lifeless set focused mostly on new material unfamiliar to the crowd. Whilst always a treat to hear new material, the balance was never there and many departed after the likes of “I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor” and “When The Sun Goes Down”. Whilst not a poor performance, it serves only to somewhat question the new direction the Monkeys have taken, although only time will tell.

Sunday saw American rockers Brand New take to the main stage and provide evidence for a purchase of their new album. Running through classics including “The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows” and “Sowing Season” with great atmosphere and skill, they drew a large crowd on a chilly and cloudy afternoon. The XX also drew large support on the Festival Republic stage, packing out the small tent ensuring their minimalist rock reached new ears.

The final few main stage acts certainly made up for any previous disappointment, with the superb Yeah Yeah Yeahs putting in lively performance to warm the crowd up. Then Bloc Party, playing for their third consecutive festival, put in a storming performance, lighting up the dusk with a stunning laser show. With a rousing reception for favourites “This Modern Love”, “Banquet” and “The Prayer”, frontman Kele Okereke appeared to enjoy every second along with the crowd. Closing with massive tracks “Flux” and “Helicopter”, the band signed off for a few years away from the festival in fitting fashion.

Despite the talent on show throughout the weekend, nothing could compare the to seminal force that were the Sunday headliners. With an unmeasured intensity and stunning effects, Radiohead left the crowd dumbfounded from start to finish of their set. Containing spine tingling moments from “Karma Police” to “Nude”, the band performed in a professional and approachable manner, putting others of lower stature to shame. Even a pedal mishap during “Exit Music (For A Film)” could not derail Thom Yorke's geniality. Couple with this a flawless vocal performance and you have a band that taught so many how it's done. Perhaps a lesson might be learnt from their example. Here's hoping....

Words: Dan Grose