With less than a week left to BFest 2013, We take a look at some of the acts on show.
Taking the headline slot are The Stars from The Commitments,who take their immense life show to Wick. The renowned Irish band that has evolved from the hit movie “The Commitments” continued to impress audiences with versions of soul classics long after the 1991 film.
Expect to hear the likes of “Mustang Sally”, “Try a Little Tenderness” and “In the Midnight Hour” they will definitely be a crowd pleaser and introduce a whole new generation to them. Catch the band that Dan Aykroyd dubbed “the best Soul review I have ever seen or heard” on the main stage.
The Xcerts are set to unleash there catalyst of dirty pop rock to BFest 2013. The Aberdeen boys have developed since the release of their debut and have created a more raw yet emotive sound. The follow up to Scatterbrain is promised in early 2014 which Murray Macleod described as “a very big step up” for the band in a recent interview with us. The Xcerts have wan acclaim for their dynamic live shows which are literally brimming with energy. Its a sure fire thing that their set list should consist of “Home Versus Home” and “Aberdeen 1987” which sparkle when heard live.
You can relive the Britpop era with Echobelly who’s fan favourites “King of the Kerb” and “Great Things” have stood the test of time but what is so distinctive about this band is the electric tension between Sonya Maddan (who still radiates the beauty from her twenties) and guitarist Alan Johannson. Currently in touring in an acoustic form, he only striking difference between Echobelly’s back catalogue and the present is their new found confidence that has developed throughout the years.
The Oxides who hail from Inverness will take to the stage at this year’s BFest. The boys may have perfected the art of making indie music with a hardcore edge. Their debut EP was released last year and boasts a great range of old fashioned grunge l, their sound continues to develop with the addition of Paul Elliot very late last year. Boasting a reputation for raucous live shows they will certainly be ones to experience on the main stage.
Another act renowned for low key performances are Toby Michaels Rolling Damned, the rock and roll juggernaut always impresses whether it’s with their unique slant on songs eg “Hound Dog” or the solo acoustic version of “Bat out of Hell” or their own impressive array of tracks including “A Little Bit of What You Fancy” and “Save Me”.
Local talent Jamie Reid will return to the stage at this year’s BFest. The singer/songwriter has won over many fans thanks in large part to his relentless gigging all over Scotland. His charismatic personality glimmers in his lyrics especially since “Growing Old”. Reid is sure to cram his live show with catchy melodies and the introduction of a band with the promise of more than a touch of Indie Rock will be sure to create a new dynamic.
Ricky Fulton of the Daily Record predicted the potential of big things for James Mackenzie ; “With 90′s nostalgia getting bigger, maybe it’s time to get back to simple singalongs. And Inverness singer/songwriter James is just the man to do it.“. James had a triumphant show at last years BFest and he is back again with a beefed up sound. Fan favourites “Pause your life” and “The Boat Song” will entice you.
Larg’s Brown Bear and the Bandits have a reputation as a highly regarded phenomenal live act full of infectious folk pop hooks that creates a unique sound which has already won them slots playing at TITP and Belladrum. The four piece can pack out a stadium but its the deep meaningful lyrics that will stay with you long after the music stops.
The festival has also worked hard to pull in the best of acts local to the area so the opportunity to see the like of Sheppy, Sid Davidson, Gales and of course Cactus & Cardigan, will prove to good to miss for many.
The sun is predicted for Wick on Saturday, so pack up your sun screen and prepare to let the sun and talent shine.
Tickets are still available from bfestwick.co.uk.
Please check out last years review of the festival.
