Ayrshire rockers close festival’s debut with fervour
Music
Matt Healy’s band (and that’s what they are, because he dominates the whole group) were similar to their Hydro appearance at the tail end of last year. Some catchy pop tunes, some dragged out numbers, lots of saxophone and varied patter from Healy, who mused on the world needing someone like Jesus Christ today, before playing If I Believe You, a song whose very existence would suggest God doesn’t exist. The likes of Chocolate’s playful pop were more suited to festival fun, at least.
Earlier the afternoon had seen The View on typically reliable form. There was a time when that statement would be a massive contradiction in itself, but Kyle Falconer (wearing a yellow dungarees style outfit that meant he resembled a lost Super Mario brother) and his cohorts are a handy act for such afternoon slots, as they have a sturdy armoury of quickfire singles to rattle through, and that’s exactly what they did.
Pop stars of the future could be spotted elsewhere. Anteros caught the ear in a busy Jack Rocks tent, with lively, danceable new wave, and a singer in Laura Hayden who threw all sorts of poses. Rather more laid back was Lewis Capaldi on the King Tut’s stage, who apologised for any sleepiness after arriving from a German gig the previous day. His unassuming manner belied a rough-hewn voice and suitably chunky tunes that impressed.
Less striking was Tom Grennan later on, who showcased a fine voice but was bogged down by too many workmanlike songs that may well still get regular rotation on Radio 2, probably in the afternoons to soundtrack a school run. The same stage also featured the exuberant pop of fresh-faced singer-songwriter Declan McKenna. His set started fast, but became a bit stagnant as it progressed, and although by no means bad, he seemed to be lacking a little spark. McKenna had drawn a short straw though, given that hometown heroes Twin Atlantic were over on the Main Stage at the same time. They were typically well received, and deservedly so. The likes of No Sleep and Heart and Soul sounded gigantic, highlighting that they are a sturdy festival band, with songs built for big audiences and a frontman in Sam McTrusty who’s swift to get right amongst those crowds.
Speaking of sturdy, the festival itself seems on solid ground.
The three days were a clear, obvious success, blessed with a continually good atmosphere and a layout that made it easy to nip from stage to stage. That benefitted the smaller areas in particular, and decent crowds regularly gathered to see fresh talent.
The Main Stage had some sound issues, particularly if you were on the left hand side, but those were intermittent, and given the difficulties of T in the Park in recent years it was a relief for everything to be all about the music once again.
This year’s event concluded with fireworks, but you suspect TRNSMT is only beginning.