Ash are one of those bands that never live short of delivering a confident and energetic performance, this record was not be broken as they flew back for their homecoming gig at their favourite Belfast venue, ‘The Spring & Airbrake’. From euphoric melodies uniquely formed in their somewhat controversial ‘A-Z Series’ to the teenage simplicity of the likes of ‘Petrol’ and ‘A Life Less Ordinary’ the Downpatrick trio created an almost fulfilled atmosphere in their last date of their UK Tour with support from local act ‘Panama Kings’ who emerged to be far from a generic. The mature ‘Ash’, composed of Tim Wheeler, Mark Hamilton and Rick McMurray boasted a thrilling set thriving on the crowds constant clapping and singing, even to new singles ‘True Love 1980’, ‘Arcadia’, ‘Joy Kicks Darkness’ and ‘Tracers’ . The weaving of buoyancy between hard riffs that proved striking allowed the crowd to embrace the critically acclaimed live performers with a passionate reaction making most of the lengthy set memorable, even for those who had one too many. What made this spectacular gig – well spectacular was how Ash engaged their audience pulling them through resurrected classic punk hits to popish chart toppers to the colossal guitar screeching anthems.

BECAUSE OF THE FUCKING RICH PEOPLES KIDS there are people who will like the album who wont get the album because they saw a shit review

Putting a music journalist against a musician in the frontline (well twitter) can lead to some dire consequences. When Alexis Petridis, a journalist from the ‘Guardian’ gave Calvin Harris’ sophomore album two stars it didn’t take long for the Scottish electronic producer renowned for his singles ‘I’m Not Alone’ and ‘Acceptable In The 80’s’ to start a full on rant against him. For the review click here.

So we pay to see bands we don’t even see, we are stuck to look at someone’s – well you know what – and we find ourselves in our little tents sheltered by gale force winds and heavy rain while somebody falls drunkenly on our plastic coated home – oh there goes the pegs. But isn’t it not a great price to pay – pun intended – both economically and physically to experience what music festivals are all about? Of course we could say that the swanky conditions the promoters indulge in makes them blind to the real deal – but it doesn’t – they do try. Imagine trying to run stewards, cleaners, technicians, plumbers, electricians, emergency services while trying to keep everyone including the bands – can’t forget the bands – happy.

So – would you want to run one? I guess it’d be a cool idea… if you didn’t have the hassle – and there’s a lot of it. Promoting the festival itself takes a great deal of effort, including getting a dedicated ticket seller, trying to get the best performers in the best suited location. You’ve got a budget and you’ve got to meet with local authorities including the police to ensure everything goes fine without any complaints. You’ve got to build the stages, meet the deadlines, sort out the sound problems and map out an entire festival while trying to accommodate everyone. Still interested? You must be getting someone to do it all for you then while you handle the line up.

‘the.LIFE Files’ are hosting the new Jay-Z, Kanye West & Rihanna collab right over here. This track is pretty much just out so get it while it’s hot.

Users can become journalists, band photographers, artwork designers, musicians that can publish their content or just a listener. News and tour dates alongside tabs are also featured. Users can become professional in their field and share earnings through site sponsorships, therefore giving something back to the community.

8.5/10

Bloc Party were possibly one of the most phenomenal acts to grace Oxegen this year. Embracing the Irish audience, the Londoner’s entered the main stage with huge applause after the always brilliantly orchestrated Elbow and it wouldn’t be long before vocalist Kele Okereke would admit that drummers Matt Tong’s half nakedness actually had some meaning behind it. Kele telling the ecstatic crowd that they were having a great gig.

Dominating the crowd, Bloc Party proved that rain didn’t always dampen the spirits of egger fans. The echoing electronic beats from their new single ‘One More Chance’ filled the arena gaining a huge reaction after Kele had told the crowd that this was the one to dance to. Bloc Party delivered a truly spectacular performance, with exciting and euphoric guitar melodies combined to the sound of thousands of hands clapping with many opportunities for the audience to sing-along to the likes of ‘The Prayer’, ‘Mercury’, ‘Flux’ and ‘Banquet’. Just imagine how the lyrics ‘north to south’ at the beginning of ‘Helicopter’ would sound shared amongst a huge crowd, while you point your hands into the air jumping up and down then you might just get an idea of what Bloc Party at Oxegen was all about. The atmosphere was brightly lit by the unquestionably buoyant backdrop to all of the songs. Many would consider their slot on Saturday night as one of the most memorable and far from being generic performances composed. Bloc Party sought full recognition from the Irish crowd, giving them the chance to embrace the reality of what being flawless means. They were unquestionably danceable as the electronic workings weaved between hard drum beats while the striking and always unique vocals of frontman Kele Okereke moved the crowd. Whether it is the simple soft chimes blissfully soothing the audience or the complete contrasted hard riffs being struck they also appeared to add a twist to their live show therefore making their studio work seem unrivalled. This was far from being a solemn gig, Kele humouring the crowd by making references to smoking marijuana and leaving us by hoping we all enjoy the headliners Kings of Leon.

To sum it up Bloc Party live has the potential to pick up tens of thousands of fans and passerby’s and set them on their feet – they are quite impossible to be overlooked due to their catchy melodies. They added to their live show elements of their remixes from both ‘Silent Alarm Remixed’ and ‘Intimacy Remixed’ while displaying stunning lightning affects over the crowd. We can only hope that they return to Irish soil soon as Oxegen as Kele, looking devastated towards his devoted Irish followers announced was their only date in Ireland.

“We nearly didn’t make it. Graham literally walked out of a hospital to come here. He’s all right. This is our last gig.”

The Guardian reports that Blur had overcome illness to play their ‘last’ gig at T in the Park (the sister festival to Oxegen). Graham Coxon battled the effects of food poisoning to play Blur’s final scheduled reunion gig at T in the Park on Sunday. It is unclear whether Albarn meant the gig was the last of the summer or their last ever. Blur have no further gigs scheduled but have mentioned the possibility of writing new material. Albarn closed Sunday night’s performance by telling the crowd: “I want to thank everyone who’s supported us, everyone who’s given their heart and soul.”

Don’t worry savage means great. Rain failed to dampen spirits at this year’s Oxegen Festival when spectacular performances from a diverse range of artists were delivered. Festival goers were graced with acts such as Blur, Pendulum, Kings of Leon, White Lies, Lily Allen, Elbow and The Killers who all got the crowd singing along. Stay tuned for reviews and an insider’s view at the festival, all coming this week!