Cerne Abbas Brewery
Day Two
So, after a great day yesterday at Barnstomper, I return with my partner in crime, Mr. Chinners, for the main event. Family commitments put paid to us seeing opener Chris Davies but we arrive just in time to catch Sunny Jim Cyanide. I’m reliably informed the line-up has changed over the years, but the energy and passion is no less evident. The graveyard slot hasn’t deterred a decent-sized crowd who are here early this morning. If harmonica-led, Melodic Punk is your thing then this is a band worth checking out. A great early cover of Iggy’s “I Wanna Be Your Dog” goes down well with some heavy snare pounding, throbbing bass and familiar guitar lines. For me there are hints of Dr Feelgood which I like – the singer is animated throughout, never statuesque. They end on another cover, “Baby Please Don’t Go” (Them) and receive good applause.
Over on the Convoy Cabaret stage multi-genre pioneers Flow And Hustle make themselves heard. Their brand of Rap/Rock early doors sets out their stall. “Wake Up” certainly awakens any hangovers or deep sleepers. They have great attire with “Combats” being the order of the day. ‘Eat, Sleep, Work, Repeat’ is more than a dig at the current incumbents of Government and a social viewpoint – overtly Political but not shy about it. Great musicianship is allied to vocal layering as they breeze through a confident set.
Trav Cats bring the fun element to the party, decked out in Hawaiian attire – it seems half this crowd followed the dress code! This New Forest septet offer a brand of Country/Punk with elements of Skiffle, Folk and Bluegrass. The sun ain’t shining today so folk are warming up with their dance moves instead! The vocalist is enthusiastic, notably on “We’re Not A Band” which is strangely ironic considering the level of skill on offer. They are the bastard offspring of the ‘Dusters and Pronghorn’ and a song entitled “Michael Fish Hairs” is hilarious! Latterly “Special Brew” is a highlight (and not a cover) before they also depart too loud, enthusiastic applause.
Over on the Convoy Cabaret stage are a true highlight for this ageing punk-rocker in the shape of JJ And The Rock ‘n Roll Swindle, and yep; you guessed it, they bang out a wonderful collection of Punk covers from ’76 and beyond. “Suspect Device” is my personal highlight, but looking around me everyone’s taste seems to be covered. They really get the party started as the shapeshifters in this crowd start busting some moves. They too leave to huge, enthusiastic applause.
Next up on the Main Stage are another band I am familiar with. Mick O’Toole sing about “Cider Tonight” among other subjects, with their driven Folk/Punk. These guys are energetic and cajole the crowd between songs. One of their highlights is a number entitled “She’s A Weapon”, and is dedicated to the strong, independent women of the event. I first discovered Mick O’Toole. on a stage @ Rebellion Festival a few years back. The urgency of that performance may not be on offer today, but their musicianship cannot be questioned They too leave to good applause.
Muddy Summers And The Dirty Field Whores are up next. Main vocalist and rabble-rouser Gail (rhythmic guitar/vox) gives an impassioned pre-gig speech, standing up for women’s rights. Ok, so you made your point; but is there really any need for so much cussing? They proceed to do what they do best with some humorous Folk tunes encompassing Swing, Gypsy/Punk, Jazz and a smattering of Reggae. Song titles are fairly direct – “Get Off My Tits” is followed by the multi-vocal delivery of “Wank” – one can see where this is headed! Yeah yeah, it’s all “Shit”! Ok, so they ain’t shit; far from it – they are humourous throughout – where else are we gonna see four ladies playing Rhythmic Guitar, Cajon, Double Bass and Fiddle while throwing in a Political slant to their output? They may just be lost on this 50-something, however, I am in the minority and this quartet depart to great applause.
Back over to the Main Stage for a band I saw earlier this summer at Chagstock Festival (Devon). IDestroy is carving out a niche all their own with their Girly Punk/Pop. They don’t lack energy, far from it – the drums are thunderous throughout. Most songs are taken from their album ‘We Are Girls’ and this crowd seem to be enjoying it in good numbers. Sadly, I’ve heard it all before and it gives me a chance for a coffee and doughnuts break to recharge my batteries before the final four acts.
The final act on the Convoy Cabaret stage is no stranger to me or a fair few of this crowd. Dorset’s finest exponents of all things Punk Rawwk The Mistakes are on fine form and debut three songs from their forthcoming album. Despite the lack of stage space, this quintet bang out a set chock full of bangers. Between song, banter is kept to a minimum as they are here to make good use of their allotted time. On the back of a successful tour with The Rumjacks Poole’s finest are in fine fettle. Angus (bass) has now comfortably taken Richie Blandford’s position and made it his own. The first of the new songs is called “Heathens” and it’s fast! “Falling” follows soon after, it’s your classic 90mph Punk Rock banger. Ross (Vocals) makes good use of the space in front of the stage as one or two punters bust a few moves. The last of the new songs is “Life in S.D.” (Standard Definition) but all in all, this is another accomplished set from Poole’s finest.
So, it’s back to the Main Stage for the remainder of the evening. Up next are Roughneck Riot who bring their hard-edged, driven Punk/Folk to the fore. There’s praise for our Southern cider and musings about gravy! Roughneck Riot are unashamedly from “ooop” north. They perform a cover which is frankly unknown to me but is decent enough. Furious banjo competes with huge drums and equally furious vocals. There’s a number (from memory) about “Pissing in the wind”, which is rather apt with the sun doing a no-show today! They leave to good applause as we await an act known only too well around these parts.
The biggest crowd of the day is reserved for Black Water County. If ever there was a band whose stock is continually rising it’s these guys (and gal)! Their furious driven Folk/Punk gets an early thumbs up with “Life Is A Robbery” which they dedicate to the Tories. “Mistakes” is dedicated to their friends The Mistakes as they settle into their rhythm. “Darkest Days” seems somewhat poignant, delivered with real urgency. “Rise And Fall” are decent but this crowd really seem to enjoy their cover of “Beer” (Reel Big Fish). And with more songs about drinking the fervent dancing gets more energetic the more pie-eyed this crowd get. They depart to huge applause as we take an extended break before the main event.
Tonight’s headliners are none other than Manc legends Buzzcocks. Post Pete Shelley (RIP) original guitarist and founder member Steve Diggle is keeping the flame alive. The recognisable line-up is complemented by Chris (bass) and Danny (drums). Also drafted in on rhythm is touring guitarist Mani Perazzoli. It’s an inauspicious start as there’s a lack of timing all around. They redeem themselves albeit briefly with “Fast Cars” but Danny’s snare is way too loud and overpowering. Diggle never stays still for a second and is the chief shapeshifter but I’m not overly convinced. The recent single “People Are Strange Machines” sounds great without losing its original sound, however, “I Don’t Mind” is nasal in the extreme. Diggle could give Bruce Watson (Skids, Big Country) a run for his money in a gurning competition, but let’s stick with the music.
The newer material sounds decent enough but “Autonomy” is frankly shambolic, which begs the question? Go with a new singer or ditch the past?? Mani however is a good addition to the band – he wouldn’t look out of place in “These Animal Men”! I’m afraid there’s no getting away from it – “Why Cant I Touch It” is truly dreadful! Mid-set Diggle brings out a loud hailer, which he struggles to turn on. “Destination Zero” sounds great but after a woeful “Orgasm Addict” my next destination is the car park and home. I so wanted the band to win me over and say how great they were Post/Shelley, but I’m left disheartened. And while I can commend Diggle on the quality of most of the newer material, it may just be time to leave the past in the past.
And with that my final words are for the event. Another fantastic weekend of music in a great setting. Great sound, friendly staff and punters alike, a good selection of food outlets and for the drinkers a well-stocked bar of the brewery’s finest. While Barnstomper may be a best-kept secret amongst its regulars, I feel it may just become a destination festival for those wanting something a little different. The ciders on offer may not have been to my taste but the doughnuts more than made up for it! Back again next year? Hell yeah!
Videos
Links
https://barnstomper.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/barnstomperfestival
Words & Media By Ross A. Ferrone and David Chinery (Chinners).
