The final day of SoundCity’s 10th anniversary began with a much bigger capacity crowd than the Saturday. This was obvious from the moment we stepped into the Baltic Stage to watch the wonderful The Jackobins. It’s been a while since we have seen the boys in action and they haven’t lost any of the intensity they had when we first caught them. Lead singer Dominic Bassnett, looking striking in his silver jacket, kicks off proceedings with “Waiting for the Sun” which gets the crowd into the swing of things. With a set list that includes their new single “Nightfire” along with old favourites such as “Prussia” and “Hasty” there is something for everyone in this set. The only downside was that it was far too short as The Jackobins are a band you could watch for hours.
Over on the main stage The Sherlocks provided a calm and collected set that was ideal for the sunny weather and possibly for those recovering from yesterdays hangover. Although songs like “Will you be there” didn’t allow much rest bite from the pain as the crowd began to bounce all over the place.
The Vryll Society on the Baltic Stage provided a trippy, psychedelic set in only the way these guys can. An engrossing and immersive set which kept you watching and listening throughout. A varied set list led to the songs constantly catching you off guard with a swirling mass of kaleidoscopic riffs and intense guitar this is one band that doesn’t play for half measures.
Winners of the GIT Award 2017, She Drew the Gun once again showed why they are the band to watch. With a flawless performance and songs such as “No hole in My head” its not surprising why they draw such a huge crowd who sing and chant along with the band with wild abandon. Finishing with a glorious cover of “Sweet Harmony” by the beloved it was just obvious to how versatile and talented this band are.
Tim Burgess was in conversation over in the Tim Peaks Diner and following from this he provided us with a very intimate acoustic session with Mark Collins on guitar. Burgess still looking as young as he did back in the 90s was beaming throughout and never more so when the crowd sang along to “The only one I know” and “North Country boy” but it was in new songs such as “Plastic Machines” and “Smash the system” that showcase his lyrical talent.
White Lies also provided a relatively mellow set for the Sunday crowd but one which was certainly pleasing the masses. Kicking off with “Fairwell to the fairground” they provided a faultless set with Harry McVeigh’s deep, penetrating vocals soaring across the site.
This was followed by a moving tribute to the victims of the Manchester MEN attack by Liverpools Mayor Steve Rotherham and Manchesters Mayor Andy Burnham who led the crowd into a one minutes silence which was quickly followed by the crowd singing “Don’t look back in anger”
Then it was onto our headliners for the night, The Kooks. The Kooks have played the festival many times over the years and have also headlined previously but this is the first time they have headlined Soundcity on a main stage and with a greatest hits album out, you were sure that it was going to be a great set and it didn’t disappoint.
Kicking off with “Eddies gun” the set provided a nostalgic trip in time but with a bled of the new material it was certainly a crowd pleaser with the massive crowd singing, shouting and dancing along with songs like “She moves in her own way” and “Seaside” and finishing off with and explosion of ticker tape and “Naive” sent the crowd into a hysteria.
Soundcitys’ 10th anniversary was a major success. From acts like the Human League and John Cale through to headlines Metronomy and The Kooks, this was a festival worthy of the grand celebration it received. We have covered this festival for the past 8 years and seen it grow from small venues around the city through to Bramley Dock and now Clarence Dock and it has always been the highlight of our festival roster and we know that this can only get bigger and better and we are looking forward to the next 10 years.
Saturdays Photo Review can be seen HERE