Port Eliot festival return to the serene and scenic estate of St Germans in Cornwall between 30 July and 2 August. Along with a large amount of cultural and culinary activities there’s plenty of music too, as would befit an event organised by singer-songwriter Louis Eliot. He gives Q a personal tour of his highlights from this year’s bill.
Ezra Furman – Restless Year
“I love the urgency, the line ‘death is my former employer’, the Farfisa organ and distorted bass. Sounding reckless and catchy at the same time is no mean feat but he pulls it off every time.”
Vangoffey – Race Of Life
“This is the new project of Supergrass’ Danny Goffey. He is still the bearer of the skewed pop magic that made me love them in the first place, and every track on the forthcoming album is killer. This one has a bit of the Blockheads about it.”
The Lilac Time – Bank Holiday Monday
“If you don’t know how great The Lilac Time are yet, you should take a pew in the church for their Saturday evening gig. Expect your heart to be broken and mended in the same breath.”
Ibibio Sound Machine – Let’s Dance
“Genius clash of Afrobeat and electro, high life and post-punk. Friday night. I defy you not to move!”
John Otway – Really Free
“My Mum used to play this. It still sounds brilliant.”
Hooton Tennis Club – Jasper (pictured)
“There’s something of early Teenage Fanclub or a youthful Lemonheads about them. Just the right balance of summery rock’n’roll and melancholia that makes you feel like just hanging out might be the best thing you could do in the world. That’s a good festival feeling.”
Jane Weaver – Take My Soul
“Sounds extraterrestrial and consummately English all at once. She’s taken the baton of space rock to an unchartered and very beautiful place and will be beaming down to the Caught By The River stage on Saturday evening.”
Stornoway – Get Low
“Stornoway are the most unassuming band I have ever come across. Their modesty is matched only by their brilliance. Go and
see them in the church and if you haven’t already been converted, you will be.”
The Unthanks – Flutter
“The Unthanks bring something beautiful and surprising to an ancient landscape. That’s kind of what we’re trying to
do at Port Eliot too. This track has has much to do with jazz or trip hop as it does with folk. They’re on the Park stage on Sunday evening and I’ve no doubt I’ll be swept away.”
Jonnie Common – Shark
“I like music that makes me nod my head and grin at the same time. Check out the video for this to get the full picture.”
For more, including the full line-up and latest ticket news, head to Porteliotfestival.com
