The rain falls gently over the RockNess site, with the infamous loch itself partially obscured by a veil of grey.
Perhaps the most naturally beautiful festival site in the country, RockNess has not earned its reputation through beauty alone. Annie Mac finishes a pulsating set, with the Main Stage crowd baying for more.
In the VIP area, the Clash team are back on the decks with the marauding vinyl merchants plundering the archives. Judging by the !!! track they just played, it seems that their intentions are bass…
Sons & Daughters have plenty to shout about, following the completion of their new album. Optimo’s JD Twitch was at the helm for recording sessions, but it is in the live arena that the group truly flourish.
The Glasgow band mix new tracks with some familiar favourites, with their stark Americana flavoured rock standing out through its sheer attitude alone.
The Goldenvoice Arena provides a home for the Clash team, with a fantastic run of bands. Broken Records kept us entertained earlier in the afternoon, with compatriots Frightened Rabbit on typically blistering form.
Sure, the Fat Cat signed outfit may lack the intimacy of yore but with songs as assured as these, the public simply could not ignore them. ‘Winter Of Mixed Drinks’ was their most successful effort yet, with the RockNess crowd singing along to every word.
Jamie Woon may be Brit schooled, but his attention to bass marks him out from contemporaries. Sadly underwhelming on record, the singer’s live show is a more natural forum for his talents. Looping his voice to craft a choral effect, ‘Night Air’ is a triumphant moment for the singer.
Now stripped down to a three piece, The Cribs are on buoyant form. Working on their new album sans Marr, the band have re-gained their nasty vigour of old. Sure, the Smiths icon added much to the Wakefield band, but the trio now seem re-energised after working alone.
Throwing in a few B-sides along with the more traditional festival fare, the Jarmans satisfy man’s needs, women’s needs and RockNess needs.
The Chemical Brothers are festival veterans, having taken dance into an arena format. Last year’s ‘Beyond’ set was a triumphant return, refusing to move from their Big Beat sound. Adapting without losing sight of their roots, the band’s live show justifies their decision. The rain holds off just enough to let fans get to grips with their set, which sends lights shooting towards the nearby ridge as the valley fills up with fans.
