More live music to start the new year... (part 2)

Once we'd rested a bit on the 1st - attaining enough strength to do it all again - we hopped in the car and headed towards Wellington for the second day of the first ever Rock the River festival...

On the banks of the Berg River, at a place called Buffalo Drift (complete with a buffalo skull at the entrance), it was a funky location with two distinct stages.

The main stage area was a bit muddied from the morning's rain and so the rock 'n reggae ska line up had to be remixed and some band stage times were shortened. Alas, the much-awaited Mccree also suffered technical stage delays at the hands of the sound guys, so by the time they played they only got about five songs in!

But what a fab five songs they were. I'm still itching to hear a full pure Mccree show, but I guess one appreciates more what is delayed in gratification. Or not. More Mccree I say!

Following Mccree were the Hogs - Cape Town's ska kings or the only band in the 'pork rock' category. Other bands worth a mention were in the hard rock category. Starting with Stone Collar - strong in name and voice of lead singer Leshem Petersen - and also a female-fronted Cranberries style group called Silent Side. Its always nice to hear new bands at festivals and get the full effect of the live energy delivering their lyrical creations!

And then to the MuthaFM guys - Nick E Louder and Lilian - for putting on an electronic stage amidst the blue gum trees, with fab tunes flowing from the little dance area next to the river! I don't profess to know too much about one DJ or the next, just that if the music makes you feel something, or connects you - then it has done its job. And as Lilian said, "This is some of the best dance music I've heard in ages, a line up hand-picked by Nick E!" Nice one Mutha!

The best band this 1 Jan 2011 - without a doubt - was Mccree (did you expect otherwise? ;) ...So get used to the name, cos they have fast become one of my favourite rock sounds of the future - and you will be hearing more about them right here!

So besides rain and mud, insect bites and a few sound problems and line up re-scheduling, Rock the River went down well for a first time and was a perfect way to spend the first day of a new year.

Rock on 2011,
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