Spriggan Mist - Aug 24

Wokingham Festival has been going for the best part of two decades now – a wholly community run event that attracts both internationally known artists in addition to some of the best up and coming local talent. Running for three days over the August Bank Holiday weekend it has an eclectic lineup with the headliners being Totally Blondie (a rather good tribute band), Rila’s Edge (one of our local bands making a name for themselves) and crusty space rockers Ozric Tentacles. As an added bonus, those nice people at the Twyford Beer Festival bring along an impressive selection of beers and ciders in comparison to the expensive mass produced and largely tasteless lager you get at most bigger festivals.

We are here for the Monday session, historically the festival’s ‘prog’ day but with a splattering of other genres represented. Making sure that there are no clashes, the two stages have staggered starts so we get to see all of the acts across the day.

First up on the main stage is Amanda Lehmann, sometime guitarist with Genesis’ Steve Hackett. Playing solo today, Amanda’s set is a well-received laid back folky blues affair.  Songs such as ‘Shadow’ and ‘Mother Earth’ are pleasant enough but final song ‘The Watcher’ is a gloriously haunting tune.

Amanda Lehmann - Aug 24 Over on the second stage is duo Storm Diva with singer/pianist Carollyn echoing the more mellow aspects of Kate Bush’s back catalogue. Carollyn has a wonderfully captivating voice whilst Stuart’s guitar provides a subtly restrained accompaniment. Storm Deva - Aug 24 Having been on the scene for nearly twenty years, Hoopy Frood produce a laid back groove blending psychedelic rock with ambient folk. It’s ideal stuff to sit back with a drink, take in the sun and chill out. A cover of Led Zeppelin’s ‘When the Levee Breaks’ fits the bands sound perfectively. Hoopy Frood - Aug 24 In complete contrast Jimmy the Dog want you to jump out of your seats and join in with the fun. The band’s frenzied take on Chicago blues, swing and Americana is a slightly chaotic affair but that is all part of Neil (vocals, harmonica and homemade suitcase kick drum) and Jim’s (vocals, guitar) charm. Add in a song about cocaine that incorporates ‘Everybody Wants to be a Cat’ from the Aristocats and you have a highly enjoyable set. Jimmy the Dog - Aug 24 Pagan folk rockers Spriggan Mist have such a powerful image even before singer Fay Brotherhood enters the stage. Wearing a most impressive and elaborate flora adorned head piece, Fay prowls the stage bewitching you with her powerful vocals. ‘Isambard the Mechanical Dragon’ is an excellent opening statement of intent with a very theatrical performance. The appearance of two sword dancers for ‘The Portal’ and a spriggan fairy on second bass towards the end of the set only add to the visual enjoyment. Spriggan Mist - Aug 24 Naming your band after the town in Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure is always going to get you bonus points. Wearing a Wyld Stallyns t-shirt gets another point. San Demas represent the first of today’s younger bands with an energetic performance. Sitting firmly in the modern emo tinged melodic rock camp, the band have loads of big tunes with sweeping choruses and guitar solos. Definitely worthwhile investigating. San Demas - Aug 24 Back on the main stage finds The Paradox Twin in a more mellow mood with Danny Sorrell’s epic and emotional soundscapes drifting across the site. It is pleasant enough although I feel that some of its power is lost on a summer afternoon and it would be better suited to a venue where the sound can fully immerse you. The Paradox Twin - Aug 24 I’ve not seen Chloe Mogg before but was pleasantly surprised by the strength of her material. A vocal advocate on invisible disabilities, Chloe’s lyrics have a very personal message whilst wrapped in layers of nineties classic and alternative rock. Her wide vocal range adds emotion to the songs all the time backed by her very capable band. It’s a very solid set and is very well received. Chloe Mogg - Aug 24 That Joe Payne has recorded with numerous prog rock bands over the years and is recognized as one of the genre’s current best singers with his five-octave range. Certainly, the most flamboyant of today’s performers, he controls the stage with a decadent swagger and has a solid band behind him. It’s an enjoyable set although the closing cover of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ does little for me. That Joe Payne - Aug 24 Dutch three-piece band Sonic Whip are a genuinely exciting prospect. Singer-guitarist Meryn’s vocal style echoes early nineties grunge whilst his swirling guitars are backed by a rumbustious rhythm section. A cover of AC/DC’s ‘Let There Be Rock’ is fun but does not distract from the strength of their own material. They are currently touring the UK and are certainly one to watch. Sonic Whip - Aug 24 Ozric Tentacles are now in their 41^st year with guitarist Ed Wynne being the only co-founder left in the band. Forever associated with the fringe festival circuit, the band’s hypnotic instrumental soundscapes have proven a welcome draw to many a festival punter. With a psychedelic sound that moves from space rock through ambient dub to world folk music, they are an intriguing end to the day. It’s a little meandering mid set but picks up for the closing rally of ‘Sploosh!’ and ‘Kick Muck’. Ozric Tentacles - Aug 24 Although Monday at the festival gives itself over to the more proggy end of the musical spectrum, it has been far more than that, with the second stage adding much appreciated variation. Forget your corporate festivals with their homogenized lineups and expensive tasteless beers, it’s festivals like Wokingham that really add to the season bringing artists new and old together in a more laid back and unpretentious fashion. Long may it continue.