Far Out There

Spring equinox sun dances had obviously paid off for the organisers as this year’s event remained largely fine and dry for all to revel in the stunning setting on the banks of the River Usk beneath the Black Mountains. Green Man never fails to impress and moved on to a new dimension with the usual fare of folk roots entwined and fused with a stronger presence of psychedelia.

 

This year’s line up was the most impressive and wide ranging yet. The expansive lay out with so much colour and contrast. The Green Man Pub stage’s move from the courtyard to the walled garden was an inspired choice. Magic Arm soaked up the space to lend a hand to the new venue’s good feel. The Gentle Good led by Gareth Bonello sparkled through their set. Gareth’s guitar sound caressing the sun soaked feel of the garden.

 

The Far Out Stage also provided the start of a musical menu to give us a taste of what to expect. Friday continued there with a rising crescendo from young  Beth Jeans Houghton displaying much resolve and reaching a zone to open up her fantastic talents. Wooden Ships were a recommended one to see. A guitar trance show with spectacular visuals aided by covers of Neil Young and Fleetwood Mac. Rather than retro this was right now stuff as were the plaid and checks shirts witnessed everywhere. Roky Erickson was someone to marvel at. Taking a front view with friendly camping neighbours I really enjoyed Roky’s raucous playing. The vocals seeming to be encased by layers of frantic guitar.

 

Animal Collective’s headline set pushed up to a point without really opening up onto a plain. It promised an explosion any moment but never really happened. The beat and thrust tempered with contemplative time stretched whooshing. Nevertheless it cannot be denied their sound set the scene on a cool, cool night as clearing skies and tumbling temperatures urged on campfire urges to sing out aloud.

 

A few more log burners wouldn’t go amiss around the site but spirits kept a tent side happiness flowing through the night. And Saturday began with a set to remember from the highly amusing and intelligent Stornoway. The Oxfordshire boys are emerging onto the scene after a great Glastonbury. Apparently they’ve not yet been to Stornoway. But they’re going out there, very far out there. A word of warning, some people may get blown away in Stornoway but I predict many more will be blown away by Stornoway’s peaceful radical protest, an uplifting sound reminiscent of early James possibly? And no bad thing neither.

 

The Leisure Society followed with a smoother yet equally convincing performance. Noah and the Whale’s new material then took us to a different level, a really good set. High thoughts magnetised me to the Literature Tent where Will Hodgkinson explained the inspiration of an exploratory tour of the folk routes/roots of England, Scotland and Wales with Cate Le Bon unravelling her West Walian approach. Nicest Mr Nice of Kenfig Hill Howard Marks then took to the stage with an as always delightful and life affirming anecdotal tale of airport excitement involving customs, lion shit and lamenting the missed opportunity of us all smoking a better quality tobacco.

 

The highlights of Saturday night were San Francisco band Vetiver with a beautiful set. Bon Iver then delivered the weekend's finest show. If ever you wanted a bit of soul searching in a big field Bon Iver brought us all together with intimacy and heartfelt meaning about where on earth we could all be going, bringing the personal into the wide world. Justin Vernon’s solitudinal stay in a log cabin for three months bringing us all riches. A great generosity sharing amazing songs.

 

Jarvis Cocker headlined with his latest rockier material. His rapport and manic dancing hugely entertaining. Drifting along to another space, another of our friendly camping neighbours Selina, still jet lagged from months of global journeys, enthused about the Green Man’s new venue Chai Wallahs and convinced. Diversity matters and the Green Man’s potential allows it to expand its ideas. Chai Wallahs  gave everyone the chance to sample something different to previous years. Creative live talent warmed by the ambience and friendly hosts serving fine hot totties. Also, close by the campfire frolics where singalongs complimented a lovely warm night and encouraged a visit to the Far Out dance night where chunks of golden tunes took over thoughts of space and time.

 

A Sunday lunchtime dip in the River Usk cleared the head and refreshed as the Green Man rolled on. Scott Matthews impressed with a quirky approach layered on a solid instrumental sound. Great guitar playing and harmonica. One of the true delights of this year’s festival soon followed as John Peel favourites Camera Obscura lovely melodies and vocals nailed their show right in the middle of what going to Green Man is all about.

 

Dirty Three encouraged defiance with lots of teasing and fantastic music. After a bit of Wilco attention kept turning to the Far Out Stage and the impending appearance by Hawkwind. A must see into the limitless boundaries of spacerock. At just after midnight Dave Brock and the current band came onstage to deliver a show and a half. The audience immersed in the out there pleasure aided by lights and visuals which represented the efforts of all those fantastic music technology crews working busily away throughout the three days to deliver excellent sound and vision. A brilliant festival. A joyous occasion and a real credit to all involved.

 

© 2009 Ronnie Parry