ELECTRIC FIELDS may be one of Scotland’s newest festivals, but it is well on its way to becoming the country’s best after another hugely successful weekend. Only in its third year, the event was extended across two days for the first time, hosting its biggest and most eclectic lineup to date over four stages of music.
Thanks to its growing reputation, organisers were able to attract legendary names like Primal Scream and The Charlatans this year, while remaining close to their roots by showcasing some of the best emerging talent Scotland has to offer; you would be hard pushed to find a stronger lineup anywhere else in the UK. Combine this with its idyllic location, brilliant weather, community spirit and feel-good atmosphere and it’s fair to say that Electric Fields really struck gold this year.
With the Main Stage hosting a range of familiar faces across the weekend, it was two upcoming bands who impressed early on both Friday and Saturday. Caithness six-piece Neon Waltz, who have been threatening big things for a while now, let their music do the talking with their refreshing, airy sound on the opening day. Sitting somewhere between classic indie rock and mild psychedelia, their twinkling guitar lines hang in the air with wonderfully soft vocals from frontman Jordan Shearer.
Similarly, those who arrive at the arena early on Saturday are treated to a brilliant set by grunge-pop four-piece The Van T’s, who continue to go from strength to strength following the release of their second EP ‘A Coming of Age’ earlier this year. They end their set with a moving performance of ‘Seventeen’ by The Lapelles as a tribute to the late Gary Watson, whose presence is sorely missed over the weekend. With tributes also coming from the likes of Baby Strange and WHITE, he remains firmly in the hearts and minds of all those attending.
The TTV/Stewart Cruickshank tent hosts a stellar lineup of Scottish talent over both days. On Friday, Baby Strange up the ante with a ferociously good set in the tent which goes down a storm. With their highly anticipated debut album out later this week, they rattle through a set full of punk rock anthems that are perfect for the festival crowd; the only complaint being that it feels like it’s over far too quickly.
Meanwhile, Saturday sees impressive sets here from the likes of Be Charlotte, The Ninth Wave, and WHITE. The Ninth Wave win over the tent with their addictive melodies and harmonies as both tracks from their forthcoming double A side ‘Human’ and ‘Nothing is Certain’ are given impressive outings.
Later in the day, WHITE boost in with one of the top performances of the weekend; their eighties-influenced art pop tunes getting a massive reaction in the tent. With huge balloons bouncing around the crowd, the atmosphere is electric as people are thrown on shoulders and enigmatic frontman Leo Condie puts in a typically energetic performance. New single ‘I Like You Better When You Needed Me’ is a fantastic addition to the live set with its dark, disco vibes as they prove once again to be one of the most dynamic and exciting live acts around.
Of course, the more established acts do their best to keep up. Following the news that Sugarhill Gang won’t be performing on Friday, it is left to Public Service Broadcasting to get the party started with a compelling set which uses samples of public service information recordings with instrumental accompaniments. Attracting a crowd of all ages, the pseudonymous duo are witty and full of enthusiasm throughout, provoking a great reaction with their alternative anthems and even sampling ‘Flower of Scotland’ at one point. With such a unique creative vision, they are an act that must be seen live to be fully appreciated.
On Saturday, Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5 provide a real highlight with their colourful mash of ska, reggae, funk and pop. With the Yellow Movement out in force, their set draws a huge crowd of all ages following a string of popular festival appearances this summer. With plenty of crowd participation and singalong moments, it’s safe to say that everyone is left with a smile on their face; the perfect festival band.
Later on in the TTV / Stewart Cruickshank tent, there’s a typically raucous performance from Fat White Family who are fuelled by a dark, punk energy; inciting crowd-surfing and madness from the beginning3 of their set. Everything Everything offer something completely different over on the Main Stage, creating a dance-worthy atmosphere with their syncopated rhythms and quirky melodies. Their set has an emphasis on the upbeat material with plenty of infectious hooks for singing along.
Offering something slightly different and just a short walk across the arena are the Sneaky Pete’s and Tim Peaks’ stages. The former is the go-to place for lovers of electronic music and further proof that this year’s line-up offers something for everyone. Factory Floor is a highlight here on Friday, playing a fun, dance-inspired set full of massive hooks which showcases material from their acclaimed second album ’25 25’.
On the other hand, the Tim Peaks’ stage offers a different experience. With a lineup curated by Tim Burgess, it’s a small, cosy area kitted out with big armchairs and a coffee shop. Across the weekend, you can catch a variety of acts from around the UK, take part in a dance class, hear a book reading from Burgess himself or even dance the night away at a David Bowie/Prince disco. It’s a brilliant addition to the festival, effectively adding to its vibrant and quirky atmosphere.
Both nights finish with headline sets from festival veterans The Charlatans and Primal Scream. On Friday, The Charlatans open with ‘Weirdo’ and ‘North Country Boy’, ensuring everyone is in full festival party mode from the get-go. Their setlist is perfectly crafted with enough room for new material like ‘Come Home Baby’ and ‘Let the Good Times Be Never Ending’, before old favourites like ‘How High’ and ‘The Only One I Know’ transport everyone back to the nineties. With Tim Burgess bounding up and down the stage with just as much enthusiasm as ever, it’s impossible not to get caught up in the atmosphere.
Following an excellent weekend, it’s Primal Scream’s turn to close the festival on Saturday. Much like the previous night, they provide a headline set worthy of any festival with a range of material spanning decades. Opening with the classic ‘Movin On Up’, other highlights include the synth-heavy ‘When the Light Gets In’, the head-spinning ‘Swastika Eyes’, ‘Rocks’ and of course, the hedonistic throwback ‘Loaded’. Still one of the best frontmen around, Bobby Gillespie holds the crowd in the palm of his hand from start to finish; the perfect way to end the weekend.
In such a short space of time, Electric Fields has established itself as an essential part of the Scottish music calendar. With its unique quirks, intimate setting, variety of music and friendly crowds, it embodies everything that a small festival should be. Until next year…
Photography by Jamie Logie and Neelam Khan Vela.
