This was the first piece of live music journalism I ever wrote. I wrote it for two reasons; one, to have something to send to employers and internship companies as an example of my work and two, because of the epiphany I had that Friday at Reading Festival - that working in some way with music was what I wanted now that university was over. I had lots of ideas regarding what I would include in a review of the day and it seemed silly not to put those ideas on paper. Here it is:

Mancunian quintet SONIC BOOM SIX (7/10) successfully kick start the weekends proceedings opening the Main stage with their eclectic punk, ska and reggae concoction that has an additional injection of hip hop to boot. Wailing, pint-sized Laila Khan proves a very assured and commanding front women and energetic renditions of vivacious songs such as ‘Piggy in the Middle’ sees a good majority of the crowd with a skank to their step and a beam on their face by the close of the bands’ set. Shortly after, Atlantic band MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA (7/10) are showcasing their emotionally epic branch of classic indie rock over at the NME tent. Although singer/guitarist/ keyboardist Andy Hull amusingly resembles a garden gnome in his red woollen hat, the bands performance is no less engaging when said garment is removed. Both a haunting rendition of ballad ‘I Can Feel A Hot One’ and the punchier rock slab; ‘Shake It Out’ place Manchester Orchestra as a pleasing accompaniment to a beer in the currently glowing sun. 

Then its straight back to the Main stage to witness Canadian, post-hardcore outfit ALEXISONFIRE (6/10) providethe first of their two appearances today. The set list is near perfect, consisting largely of crowd pleasers from album ‘Crisis’, their most melodic and poignant work to date and the band play as passionately as lead vocalist George Pettit hollers. Unfortunately, the sense that this performance will not compare with their second on the smaller and enclosed Lock Up stage later this evening cannot be ignored, particularly considering a number of issues regarding sound clarity, undoubtedly not helped by increasing levels of wind.  NEW FOUND GLORY (5/10) are next up on the Main stage. Pop Punk’s not dead, as singer Jordan Pundik’s tee-shirt informs us but it’s not quite infecting the crowds this afternoon either, with most eventually more mesmerised by bassist Ian Grushka’s jiggling naked torso than anything the band is doing musically. Still, the now classic ‘My Friends Over You’ and a cover of Sixpence None the Richer’s ‘Kiss Me’ do incite a fun, but relaxed-type-boogie amongst the crowd down front. Welsh post-hardcore outfit FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND (8/10) follow and waste no time ripping straight into obligatory new track ‘Wrench’ followed by favourite ‘Roses for the Dead’, during which the heavens open for persistent, heavy  rain. Singer Matt Davies understands the humorous resonance of lines such as “So raise your hands up high, and let this rain pour on” and shows much determination in denying the dampening of anyone’s spirits. The rain nor the huge delay caused by technical difficulties today are enough to piss on Funeral for a Friend’s bonfire and the band’s kinetic performance reminds many of why the industry and fans alike primarily admired them. Good stuff. 10 minutes later and it’s party time inside the Lock Up tent where Californian ska-infused super-group THE AGGROLITES (9/10) are parading their “dirty reggae” sound to an enthused crowd. Animated keyboardist Roger Rivas is particularly fascinating to observe and his energy is clearly infectious with a large proportion of the crowd forming bouncing conga lines on the demand of vocalist Jesse Wagner. Simple call and respond lyrics injected with “Whoa-oh’s” in addition to bass riffs of the funk variety see tracks like ‘Mr Misery’ and ‘Wild Time’ triumph and no doubt secure the band plenty of new fans today.

Pete Wentz, appointed front man and bassist of global superstars FALL OUT BOY (6/10) really needs to shut up a bit. This is not for the reoccurring accusation that Wentz overshadows shy vocalist and song-writer Patrick Stump but because what he says is really rather dull and wastes much crucial rocking out time. Wentz’s idle chit chat between songs slows proceedings and sees the band plod on through a somewhat lacklustre, standardised set largely constituting of half-arsed renditions of their chart hits. Although older track ‘Saturday’ is a highlight that fully demonstrates Stumps’ powerful and versatile vocal range, today Fall Out Boy lack the command and vigor they usually exhibit outside of the festival’s confines.  The long adored alternative rockers PLACEBO (6.5/10) follow on the Main stage. The first half of their set is comprised almost completely with tracks from latest album ‘Battle For The Sun’ and this, although understandable, is disappointing for long term fans more eager to hear classics from the band’s extensive back catalogue. When favourites such as ‘Every Me, Every You’ and ‘Special K’ are addressed,  the vocals of androgynous boy-pixie Brian Molko – although beautifully ethereal – occasionally differ from the familiar timing and this is more frustrating than it is a successful attempt at refreshing material that has seen over a decade of touring.

Pennsylvanian punks ANTI-FLAG (10/10) are causing one hell of a scene down on the Lock Up stage and it’s one that continually attracts passers by into the already heaving tent and away from the main stage, currently occupied by chart-topping Kaiser Chiefs. Tonight, Anti-Flag’s congenial set includes now definitive tracks from seventh and most successful studio album to date For Blood and Empire (‘The Press Corpse’, ‘1 Trillion Dollar$’), older, politically angry anthem ‘You’ve got to Die for the Government’ as well as a jubilant cover of The Clash’s ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go’. During the latter, compelling singer and front man Justin Sane states that he wants to hear the tent “ sing so loud that the fucking Kaiser Chiefs shit their fucking pants”, a request dutifully fulfilled by every witness of this spectacular performance. Sane’s address of the crowd, although admittedly cliché at times, incites an electoral Obama type madness, numerous circle pits and mass chants of “FUCK THE KINGS OF LEON!” (headlining the Main stage tonight). Absolutely exhilarating. BILLY TALENT (8/10) have a hard act to follow but manage to hold their own and are clearly touched by the excitable reaction they receive tonight. The Canadian pop punks professionally charge through their set (equally comprised of material from all three of their albums) only receiving a slightly subdued reaction to songs ‘Rusted From The Rain’ and ‘Saint Veronika’ from new and arguably less inspired album III. Still, single ‘Turn Your Back’ which sees Anti-Flag returning to the stage for a rare live rendition of the released collaboration, along with exuberant closers ‘Fallen Leaves’ and ‘Red Flag’ ensure Billy Talent as a  bloody good Friday finale for those habituating the Lock Up. And the “FUCK THE KINGS OF LEON!” chant continues into the afterhours…