It was another muddy Kendal Calling festival for 2018. Although nowhere as near as apocalyptic a scene as 2017, the rain did manage to deter a vast number from staying for the Sunday celebrations and The Libertines who headlined the final day of Kendal Calling festival.
There was much anticipation for their arrival, but unfortunately that anticipation was to be somewhat diluted by a very mediocre performance by the band.
With a set, which included a lot of new material, it only seem to come alive when the likes of “I get along” and “What Katie Did“. Obviously that is to be expected from such well known hits but I found the audience to be very stifled in their response to the rest of the set.At times, the performance was both shambolic and confusing, with both Pete Doherty and Carl Barat seemingly a little disinterested by the whole thing and it was only after the encore that they seemed to breathe any life into what they were doing. With songs such as “Music when the lights go out” and “Time for heroes” injecting a much needed dose of energy into what was essential a very lack lustre headline slot and the former tune resulting in Pete throwing his guitar into the mass of people out front. As a great fan of The Libertines, and someone who has seen them at the top of their game, it is somewhat disappointing but I guess with a band such as this you have to take into account the rock ‘n’ roll element and admit that it would be a little boring if they always did what was expected of them.
Prior to The Libertines, Ocean Colour Scene graced the main stage. A band that has been around 30 years, they have lost none of their energy of vocal quality. A set that consisted of two halves, the first half was a more chilled and subdued 30 minutes as they opened with “Profit in peace” with lead singer, Simon Fowler, on acoustic guitar and the crowd singing along in full voice. The second half featured all the classics, with guitarist Steve Craddock teasing the crowd on “Riverboat song” by playing a few chords of the opening a few times before kicking into the famous riff. “The day we caught the train” had everyone waving and chanting along with the band, smiling faces galore throughout the crowd as they reminisced of a by gone age.
The Wailers also provided a reminiscent set with Josh David Barret in place of the legendary Bob Marley. A set more aimed at true Bob Marley fans, it was when the likes of “Buffalo Soldier” and “No woman no cry” were played that the audience came alive, the latter of the two bringing the sun out for a few minutes of glorious heat to bathe the crowd and for a huge cheer to go up for the bright yellow thing in the sky.
Over in the Yam Riot tent, Pariahs were playing to a good sized crowd, The band from Barrow in Furness, fronted by Hayden Barlow, the band’s sound is a mixture of influences and they jump from heavy rock to more jazz infused sounds seamlessly. With a special appearance by “George” on harmonica the band easily entertained the crowd and their relaxed attitude on stage portrayed a band that were confident with their sound and gelled well together as a foursome.
Overall, weather aside, Kendal Calling has been able to produce another fantastic festival and with late headliner changes, they still manage to continue to create a great atmosphere for all ages and one that continues to sell out year after year with ease whilst many of its contemporaries seem to struggle. This in itself is a statement on how beloved this festival has become and long may that continue.