Grimsthorpe Castle, Bourne
Thursday, 5th September 2024
The second Nene Valley Rock Festival moved to its new site this year, the impressive Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire, and it’s hard to think of a better setting with its landscaped grounds and lake complete with swans, and all under the watchful eye of the house and castle atop the hill. The weather forecast was generally good, so the mood of the assembling crowd was buoyant with anticipation. Graham Thomas (GT)
With four blissful days of Prog, Classic, Blues and even NWOBHM rock ahead, I’m delighted to be at the second NVRF festival. Again, put together on a non-profit basis by the tireless organisers Andrew Little, Tony Castle and Trevor Cotterell and manned by a veritable army of volunteers. Every day boasts nonstop music across three stages the Heron, Swan, and smaller Kingfisher stage in its own separate marquee.
Now as a reviewer you have a duty to focus on the main headliners but since the ethos of this festival (and TPA) is to bring new music to the attention, so I make no apology for extending this to bands you might not normally encounter or see. If you read my review of last year’s festival you may notice I have mentioned some bands who have played again this year, simply due to their excellence and my excitement of having the opportunity to see them again. Possibly my only regret is that it isn’t possible to catch all the performances… David Ridley (DR)
Reviews by Dave Ridley & Graham Thomas
Photos by Chris Simmons
TREEBEARD
The first day kicks off at a slightly later time with Treebeard and as always The McMahon brothers never fail to deliver with own brand of Celtic folk rock that they call “Heavy Wood”. They definitely have to be experienced live as their performance is full of craft and humour, strange exotic instruments and of course the obligatory wizard’s hats. The set list consists of covers of Jethro Tull, Zeppelin, their own compositions, and music from their other band Haze which feature later in the weekend. Smiles all around as they perform Ace of Spades with the help of Catrin Ashton on violin, accordion and flute. DR
The music began on Thursday evening, and the first band I encountered on arrival was Treebeard. I knew little about them, but soon realised they were actually Haze in their more folky guise. It was a rather jolly way to start a festival, and I particularly enjoyed their Shepherdess Sea Shanty! GT
TRIBE3
Photo by Graham Thomas
Again in the main marquee housing the two larger stages, Tribe3 were soon entertaining with their prog explorations. Unsurprisingly, they are a trio, and played the majority of their set with pre-recorded drums. Despite the fact that I would much rather hear real live drums, they actually put in an absorbing performance and I soon forgot such gripes and really enjoyed their set. Multi-instrumentalist Steve Hughes is particularly fun to watch as he moves seamlessly from bass to keyboards and back again, as well as giving it some nice bass pedal action to boot. Kind of reminded me of Geddy Lee, and the Rush influence was evident in some of the songs too. GT
Meanwhile, Tribe3 are in the main marquee performing their own blend of Prog/Fusion soundscapes taken from last year’s self-titled album. Featuring musicians who have over 40 years of experience on the scene and it showed in their performance. The band finished their set with an emotive version of Dawntreader which saw Jonathan Kinsey deliver a commanding performance whilst Chris Jones provided the blistering solo that concluded the set. DR
Tonight is a little different from last year as we have a theme: Welsh Experience on the Swan and Heron stages with the Irish Experience on the Kingfisher stage. And to the Welsh stage… DR
GREYFOX CONSPIRACY
It is a full evening, but I was not prepared for the Greyfox Conspiracy on the Swan stage. These guys brought down Southern Hellfire wrapped in AC/DC riffs and ZZ Top growls. An absolute revelation and lifted the evening to new heights. Frontman Greyfox Growl formerly of Sons of Liberty has an incredible vocal range which meshes with lead guitarist Zino’s licks that would sit comfortably in songs from Blackfoot and Molly Hatchet. I did not want this set to end and neither did the audience. Should you check this band out? HELL YEAH! DR
Next up on the Swan stage was Greyfox Conspiracy, who give us some very tasty Southern flavoured blues rock. Nicely gritty songs and muscular playing backed the voice, or Greyfox growl as I believe it is known. It made a great contrast to what had gone before, and that Southern rock feel was totally authentic, even though they are actually Welsh! Very impressive. GT
SWORDS OF LIGHT
Wiping the sweat from my brow we raced over to the Kingfisher stage to catch Swords Of Light, a Horslips tribute band who reproduce the songs faithfully. The five piece are all devoted Horslips fans and are even endorsed by remaining Horslips members. I was particularly impressed by the bass playing of Marianne Ashcroft, and you could feel the joy of frontman Nigel Ashcroft as he delivered these classic songs with The Power And The Glory, Furniture and Wrath Of The Rain getting an airing, however no tribute to the music of Horslips would be complete without Dearg Doom…
Released some 50 plus years ago on The Táin, Dearg Doom feels as fresh now as it did when it was first appeared. DR
KARNATAKA
Moving back to the Heron stage, and back to the prog, we have Karnataka. This band seem to be riding a wave just now, and of course have been around years, but the vocal prowess of Sertari and guitar wizardry of Luke Machin have clearly taken them to the next level. The whole group are really firing on all cylinders, and create wave after wave of emotional crescendos as their set develops. Luke wrings every ounce of passion out of his guitar, and the songs from Requiem for a Dream really come alive on stage. GT
Back to the Welsh stages for Karnataka, a band formed in 1997 by Ian Jones, Jonathan Edwards and Rachel Jones, with only Ian remaining from the original line-up. I was fairly unfamiliar with the band and the closest comparison I could come up with was Mostly Autumn with their soaring melodies and harmonies.
After the frenetic start too the evening this was definitely a chance to kick back and unwind whilst enjoying their ethereal soundscapes. The band’s rhythm section were particularly tight and the guitarist was a wonder to watch. I particularly enjoyed the epic Requiem for a Dream which gave the whole band the opportunity to shine especially singer Sertari who has a captivating and versatile voice. DR
Over on the ‘Irish’ stage we have Southampton trio – Chris Lappage on guitar and vocals, bassist Adam Bowden and ‘Mongo’ Mark Mongan on kit – collectively Cloak & Dagger (Rory Gallagher Tribute Band).
These guys absolutely nailed it and went down a storm with the crowd. DR
HAND OF DIMES
Now, Hand of Dimes were mesmerising at last year’s festival, so I knew what to expect from ex-Skin frontman Neville MacDonald and his keyboard colleague from Kooga, Neil Garland. Joined by guitarist Colin Edwards they perform gutsy melodic rock, Nev has retained all of his vocal power and finesse. Headlining tonight gave them the opportunity to air material from their debut album Raise. Highlight songs for me this evening were Jacob’s Ladder and a storming cover of Family’s Burlesque, and yes, I bought the album. DR
Hand of Dimes conclude the main stage attractions for the night, fronted by Neville McDonald (Kooga, Skin), and he is certainly a charismatic front man. The band play melodic hard rock, but with a soulful streak, and McDonald’s voice is assured as he steers them through an entertaining set of memorable songs. GT
CROW BLACK CHICKEN
Crow Black Chicken who reminded me of very much of Govt. Mule and delivered a very punchy version of John the Revelator. This blues three piece from County Cork were very impressive and I will definitely go out of my way to catch them in the future. They were times during the set where they were definitely channelling John Lee Hooker. DR
Heading happily out into the night, we are delighted to find that the music is still in full flow on the Kingfisher stage, as Crow Black Chicken, an Irish trio are rocking out in fine style. They are hard to describe, but basically play blues based hard rock, rather in the vein of Govt Mule, but with their own imprint, and they are hugely enjoyable. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see them invited back on a bigger stage very soon. GT
A great first night at an improved venue and a range of bands embracing Prog, Southern Rock, Blues and Celtic music. Roll on Friday! DR
[All live photographs by Chris Simmons except Tribe3 by Graham Thomas]
LINKS
Nene Valley Rock Festival – Website | Facebook Group | Trevor NVRF