Just a running joke between me and Nialler from when the mighty blogger wielded an axe rather than a laptop.
Bummer=bum note.
Wahey!
:)

http://a471.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/79/l_cc7a8775f999fbc8d231b7700e79dd0e.jpg

POD complex is a good idea for that festival, but I’d imagine the decision to have it in a bunch of different venues was motivated by dollar bills (correct me if I’m wrong), in the same way that DEAF split its Storehouse wonderland into a load of small gigs to generate waaaaay more cash and breed discontent among those who attended and loved the first couple of years. Boo to that.

P.s. Gav: homophobic violence will not be tolerated!

Nialler, stick up the photo of you as the edge!!!

The Meeting House Sq thing is a bit of a fiasco from what I know. It’s pointless to allow these festivals to take place and grant them a licence and then reduce the sound to completely futile levels. Next year – better bands, Pod complex. Easy.

So, where to begin…
Let’s start with the line-up, it was prrrretty pathetic. There were quite a few “big name” Irish bands that appear to be going nowhere,the type of bands that should be above the whole HWCH after being on the scene for a few years. I thought the festival was about showcasing the best of new unsigned Irish bands? I can accept bigger names in headlining roles, but that really wasn’t the case.
Then there were some noticeable names missing from the line-up, bands that have been making waves everywhere but FMC land I guess.

Then there was the choice of locations for bands… SEBP should have been in a more clubby atmosphere, Carly Sings should have been in somewhere quieter (had no idea she was actually performing, that’s how bad it was).

The lack of contingency plan for wet weather (Wow, thought we were in Ireland) meant Sons and Daughters and We are The Physics were in ALT, so who got cut? I dunno if anyone did, but with all the venues full… I’m assuming someone was.

I’m also confused by people repeatedly telling me that “this festival has no money” , I mean, does the festival not make a profit? Every single aspect of the thing seems to have a sponsor, plus the Scottish Arts Council and (I think) the Irish Arts Council. Now, obviously there are costs involved, but the whole perception of it being a broke festival has to be looked at.

HWCH is a great idea and I really enjoyed it last year, but I think people are really starting to lose sight of what they’re trying to do.
I’d be completely in favour of the Pod complex for next year, this year there was a complete lack of a buzz in most places (bar the club bits after each night)

The Vinny Club, Heathers and One Day International were my highlights.

Karl – If only you’d been in that roon while I was there. Remember the alarm that was going off nearby. IT WAS TWO FEET FROM MY SKULL IN THE PROJECTOR ROOM. FUUUUUCK.

Ape – Heard it was good apart from Skream’s constant reee-winds.

Still, highlights were Vinny Club (with Crayonsmith’s Ronan as the Edge this time), Holy Roman Army, Tom McShane and Cutaways.

Lowlights were Little Xs, Walter Mitty and the much-aped Fight Like Apes.

Still, well worth the trip.

Highlights off the top of my head were: GPO, Frightened Rabbit, Holy Roman Army, Robotnik(although I think he hated it by the end with his set being cut!), Halves, More Tiny Giants, Chequerboard, Heathers, New Amusement(despite being soaking), The Vinny Club, Kill Krinkle Club, FANGS were quite entertaining too. I also managed to avoid Dorans too!

Lowlights: Pocket Promise, Supermodel Twins, Fox face, Little xs for eyes(biggest disappointment!) and missing So Cow as I was stranded in the Academy. balls.