Castlefest 2015

"I wasn't at the festival because I was very sick but, when I was there, I was trying to make Dafni dance" 

-Havanah's Castlefest according to Dafni 

From left to right, Heleen, Dafni, me.

This year's post isn't going to be quite the same size as those in previous years. I usually try and comment on every aspect of Castlefest and the bands I saw in order to satisfy my obsessive documentation needs. This year, there isn't so very much to say. I managed to get food poisoning (as did my poor mother) which meant that Castlefest was rather short for us both. We managed to go for part of Saturday although we left early and did little, and most of Sunday, although both of us were still pretty weak. We're not buying from that shop ever again!!!

I had planned to see quite a few different bands, with time to lurk around and look at the various things around and about. I had also planned to camp but, at 1 a.m. on the Thursday night it became quite clear that wasn't going to happen. After several hours feeling exceptionally trapped and sorry for myself with only twitter for company, I finally gave in and called a taxi. It was the right decision considering, as soon as I got to the hotel, I was really ill. It was the most expensive taxi ride of my life and also the one that I am most pleased I chose to take!

So, it was Saturday afternoon before I made it to the festival grounds and, to be honest, I only managed to catch a couple of bands that day and mainly sat around one of the stages. By the afternoon I was pretty dead and, much to my annoyance, I had to leave before the evening started. No wicker man, no Cesair main stage (although I did manage to see them the next day, indeed it was the only show I actually managed to stand for!), no Faun. I was pretty upset over missing Faun but I am pretty sure I'm going to see them in Essen to make up for it so all things balance out, I suppose. I can't make up for missing Dafni see her favourite band for the first time but there we go!

Cesair's Sunday set: The one show I actually managed to photograph properly!

I did manage to watch Rastaban with Dafni and attempted to force her to join in a bit... hey, someone needs to be that annoying friend who attempts to coerce participation. I attempted to continue my Dafni training at home when 'Arise' played on the CD to cries of "here we go again!"

The other highlight for me would have to be when I went to get my scrapbook painting signed by Finvarra and they were totally overwhelming in their kindness. Still can't get over how lovely they were, particularly when those paintings are, as far as I'm concerned, my little hobby for myself and nothing special at all. It was the last moment of the weekend for me and, quite frankly, it made it for me.

Photo taken from Finvarra's facebook page :-)

I didn't take many photos this year for obvious reasons but the few I did take can be found on my facebook page, as always!

Celt-n-Folk

I've been rather spoiled when it comes to good music, recently. 

Last weekend saw the usual group of Thijs, Hester and myself joined by Leonoor, Dania and Hester's boyfriend heading off to Almere once more for one of the Celt-N-Folk events. The sound was a bit off for most of the evening which was a shame but says nothing about the musicians involved and their skill, combined with an energetic (to say the least!) crowd made for a delightful evening.

First up was Sowulo. It was quite funny to watch Leonoor during this set as she looked around her like a rabbit caught in headlights at times. However, luckily, this was apparently because she was "fascinated" both by the band and the general atmosphere. And, of course, atmosphere is something that Sowulo do incredibly well. Their set doesn't play through as a group of songs but rather as a singular progressive entity which encompasses all the senses. Dania and Leonoor were thoroughly impressed with one song which was accompanied by a storm complete with thunder, lightening, and wind (thanks to some conveniently placed fans). It was pretty impressive.

We then relocated to the small stage and sat on the floor to listen to Tipsy Gypsy who plays, to quote his facebook, "ambient ethnic world fusion" using multiple instruments, the most predominant being handpans in various forms. I think Thijs was the only one who had heard Tipsy Gypsy before and I have a feeling that was only because he googled prior to the event (I'm sure he'll correct me if not). Anyway, we were all rather pleasantly surprised, to say the least. It's quite amazing how one gentleman can sit on stage and create such intricate layered sounds that hold an audience entranced but he managed it. I would hazard a guess that this was Dania's favourite part of the evening if her cry of "that was so cool!" when asked about it later was anything to go by! Certainly, we were all left wanting to hear more and, if we're completely honest, wanting to have a go!

Back to the main stage for Rastaban who I've not seen since last year's Castlefest but who always manage to deliver a high energy set. They played a mixture of older and newer tunes and, performed a rather rounded set. Add to this the fact that they're a group of really talented people with a "crazy awesome violinist", to quote Thijs directly, and you can be sure that you're going to watch something quite special each time you see them, even if external conditions aren't quite favourable. I'm sure I've said this before but Rastaban manage to transfer energy to the audience via their stage performance and, if anything, this is their greatest talent. It was means that there was the opportunity for some rather vigorous dancing - although, personally, I stuck to my usual bobbing along - despite the heat in the venue which was quite intense. Indeed, Dania and Leonoor had to withdraw from the front, in search of cooler areas (and ice-cream) before the end of the set.

In fact, it was only Hester and Christiaan who braved the small room for Robert den Hartigh with the rest of us choosing to sit out in the main hall where it seemed a bit cooler and where we could kinda hear, partially. I believe the music went down well with Hester, at least, because, unless I'm mistaken, she decided to purchase one of his CDs. I can't really comment for myself. I've heard Robert den Hartigh from a distance and partially a few times now and keep meaning to catch one of his sets properly. One day!

Finally it was time for Cesair and they really did go down well with everyone, no surprise. Both Dania and Leonoor said that their set was "really fun" and agreed that they would like to see the band again. I even think they kinda danced along a little bit. You know, as much as they do! 

When I asked Dania if my plans to convert her to this kind of music had finally worked she replied with her trade mark "I'm not sure" which simply means I'll have to arrange for her to go to another show with me to continue the process ;-)



This post was finished quite a while after seeing the show hence why it gets a bit more rushed towards the end - I cannot remember vividly enough to write properly and did not take enough notes straight after the event.

Not for facebook

Castlefest review: Sunday

For introduction post and Thursday round-up click here, for Friday click here, and for Saturday click here.

Time, or rather lack of it, has meant that this final part of the Castlefest review 'series' comes about a month after it actually occurred. As such, this section will be even more rubbish than normal but it's unfair on the great bands of the Sunday not to give them a moment. In addition, Sunday was very much a day of three bands for me, Rastaban, Rapalje, and Finvarra so I've already written about them at some point!

I arrived slightly late to Rastaban's set even with my determined powerwalk... the shuttle bus needs to arrive in earlier, for sure! I really don't know what to say without repeating things I've written in previous reviews. This band never ever disappoint. Even though I was alone and therefore way too shy to dance, and using my camera as an excuse not to, the vibes of this band just get into you and they really do ask for the audience to become involved. Seriously, I cannot stress enough, if you haven't already got this band's album, give it a go and even more importantly, get to one of their shows if at all possible.

Talking about using my camera as a shy-shield... I actually got some of my favourite photos from Rastaban's set. The energy onstage, combined with favourable lighting, really lent itself to some lovely images. Of course, more importantly, it lends itself to the creation of an all round immersive performance. 

Having ranted on about their performance (as usual) I should give a moment to the important bit: the music. The set list for this show was great and there were a fair few of my favourite pieces as well as a couple (if I remember correctly) of newer pieces which herald a continuation of the high quality output of this band. Waiting for CD number two ;-)

I was able to meet the band briefly after the show which was a good way to round things off, I think! Really nice people and they also kindly signed my scrapbook painting for me.

After that there was only one other band I planned to see. Okay, I had planned to see a few more on the Sunday but by this stage the fact that I had been surviving on coca-cola was starting to catch up with me! So onto one of my complete favourite bands both because of their music and the fact that they're such nice people: Rapalje.

Having last seen them at Glastonbury, on a tiny stage, with a tiny audience, it was really, really strange to see them on a festival stage with a huge crowd once again. Although the band is the same the whole atmosphere of the show changes, as with any performance, so it was actually a little strange in a sense.

Something that's really nice about Rapalje is that my mother is a huge fan too. Seriously, their set was the thing she was looking forward to all weekend (although I'm converting her to a couple of other groups too!). It's great to be able to share the music and the experience of seeing the group live with her and to have that interest in common. I was really pleased that they played Loch Lomond, which is haunting, as my mother hadn't heard it live before, and also brought out the flaming bagpipes, again, because that was the first time mother saw them. I know I'm not really talking much about the band (I've done that before) but it's because, for me, it's not just the music but the people I'm lucky enough to share it with!

The other thing about Rapalje, that I mentioned briefly, is that they are really, really nice people. Meeting them after the show - what can I say, I had another painting to be signed - they are delightful. We spent quite a long time talking to William, in particular, and to David which was lovely. However, the fact is the four of them are down to earth, talented people and yeah, a wonderful show, as always.

After Rapalje we explored the site a bit more and stumbled across another one of Finvarra's sets. Not going to go into detail as I've already written about them but I guess the fact that I originally intended to watch half their set and ended up watching two of them say says a lot about them as a band!

So that is the short, delayed, and badly written, summary of my festival!

I have a lot more  photos on my facebook page and the bonus is that you don't have to read my ramblings there ;-)

Folk for the People - A benefit compilation for the victims of repression in Ukraine

It's no secret that if I come across a CD* that I really like I'll write a review of it. This is probably the first CD that I'm 'reviewing' but haven't yet listened to. This CD is one that I have been following through the creation process but, being away from the internet until now, have been unable to buy and listen to... yet.

Mitch Rozek, drummer of Rastaban, was inspired, if that's the right word, by recent (and ongoing) events in Ukraine and decided to do something to help from a human point of view, negating politics as much as one can in such a situation. To quote one of his posts from the event page as I can't embed it, sadly:

"There's no orientated political agenda/motivation or anything of this kind behind this project. Only an instinctive and spontaneous act of compassion guided by a sense of justice for people who have been killed, wounded, kidnapped or tortured by their own government just because they came on the street to claim a better life, the respect of their basic rights and the end of a corrupted system. 

If by this small project, we can help these victims and their families financially, at least a bit, it will be one of the small drops than can feed the ocean of a better world. So don't search for hate behind what we're doing here, because you'll only be disappointed"

And this is where 'Folk for the People' comes in. The CD is a compilation of tracks from various, mainly European, folk bands, all of whom donated the song to the cause.

Although I've not yet listened to the CD, it's full of songs by great bands, a few songs that I know well and can tell you are awesome, and some that I'm excited to discover. I'll probably review the CD properly when I have had it for a little while, if only to try and give it more of a signal boost. The fact is that the compilation is set to be of a high quality and for a cause that is undoubtedly worthwhile.


If you'd like to find out more about the project and read posts about its conception and aims, as well as the practicalities of how the money is being donated, then they can all be found on the facebook event if you click here. This is an open event so if you're interested in keeping up to date with how the project progresses then please do join.

If you want to buy the album then it's available on Band Camp if you click here for a minimum donation of 10 Euros which is about eight British pounds. 10 Euros for 35 tracks of brilliant music, going to a good cause. Of course you want to buy it. As though you needed any more incentive, you can preview all tracks and choose the file format of your download. What's not to like?

Also, can we all agree that Mitch is amazing for organising this and say a big thank you to everyone who has been involved. It's lovely to see something proactive going on in the name of compassion and peace.


*I keep saying CD, more than normal even, so just to clarify that it's only available in download form.

An eventful few days

On Monday, after singing, I went down to Exeter to collect my exam certificates from college. It was really strange to be back in the old building, walking the same old routes, yet without one familiar face along the way. I can't say I miss college but I do miss some of the people who I met there very much.

There's something slightly anticlimactic about
holding the certificates but all the same!

I also spent most of the day yesterday in Exeter itself with my mother doing some Christmas shopping and generally lurking. First stop was John Lewis to look at a DSLR camera that I'm hoping to receive for Christmas. After a fair old while of photography with compact cameras only I've given in and decided to invest in a 'proper' camera. I'll be honest and say that I'm still not 100% happy with it but my aims are getting increasingly ambitious and I'm getting more and more frustrated with the limitations of the compact camera. Anyway, this wasn't supposed to be a camera rant!

I was especially happy to see that the Christmas Market was up and running on the Cathedral Green, especially as I had read it opened on the 1st of December! It was a lovely surprise. I was also remembered by a couple of the stall holders... I must have spent way too long there last year! It was so lovely to see people having fun together. One college aged girl walked past saying to her friends "I can't help it, I just love Christmas!" while a young boy ran up to a statue of Santa and tried to take a gift from his bag. There was an all round excitement and that is what makes Christmas so special.

I forgot to take photos at the market so have a shoddy
photo of a half eaten cake I bought there instead ;-)

When darkness fell mother and I sat down in a hastily constructed bar tent (which was blasting Michael Jackson songs) and had a glass of Glühwein each. You can blame 'Tascha for that because she was the one who started us drinking it! It was here that I logged into facebook, meaning to message 'Tascha although I never did, and found the following in my update feed:

Post by RASTABAN.

Well, that was unexpected. I write reviews here for my friends or for my own reference and never expect them to be read by anyone else, least of all the person/band I was writing about. I was so touched by what was written though and say, yet again, that this just goes to show that Rastaban are not only a band full of wonderful musicians but lovely people too. If you still haven't listened to them go and listen now!

The other thing that happened that day was on the way back to the car I stopped and chatted to a homeless gentleman. This was something I used to end up doing quite a lot in Exeter and I forgot how worthwhile it was. In the end my mother gave him some money and he gave her an origami crane that he had made. As we walked away he shouted after us: "God bless!". We'll probably never meet again but for those few minutes our lives crossed and it was beautiful.

CD Review - 'Aurora' by Rastaban

Genre: Tribal Folk

Review:
This is one of my Castlefest CDs, and you may recall that in my review post I complained that I just couldn't enjoy this CD after seeing the band live. Well, my 'gig hangover' has passed and I am now not only listening to this disk but loving it.

I don't really know where to start so I'll do the easy and inconsequential bit: the cover (above). Isn't it beautiful? In all fairness, it has a beautiful dancer, in silhouette, against a lovely coloured background (with little patterns and a dragon). Anyone who knows me at all will know that these are probably some of my favourite things and therefore that the cover was always going to appeal to me! Opening the CD up you have the credits and what is, most probably, the most heartfelt and profoundly written thanks that I have read in a CD. It all goes to show that Rastaban is a band formed from nice people as I had previously thought!

When you've got over the cover (could you ever get over the cover?) and put the CD into the player you're greeted with the opening of Désert. It's a slow, mystic opening that really builds atmosphere and, no matter how many times I listen to this CD, it's really exciting! It then develops into a rhythmic piece of music. That seems to be the standard for their songs: each one is a rhythmic tune that makes you want to move yet has this slightly otherworldly atmosphere.

And atmosphere - that's what really develops from track six onwards because track six is when the live songs start. I had explained how wonderful Rastaban were live, how engaged the audience became, and a fraction of this comes across on the live tracks. I realise that this actually sounds quite negative but in reality there is no way that any recording artist could capture the energy of a good live show and because Rastaban are such fantastic live performers it notices more. 

Another aspect worth a mention is the fact that I find it impossible to choose a single, or a few, favourite tracks off of this CD. As I type now I am listening to Aumgaia, and it's becoming my current favourite. I'm sure that will change as the track changes!

Overall, this is a thoroughly enjoyable recording that would be wonderful as background noise yet stands up to being the centre of attention too and it's vary rare that a piece of music steps up to both those roles!

To listen to a track from the CD, and for information on buying it, please see the post below from Rastaban's facebook page.

Post by RASTABAN.

Rastaban

Today is the first day of Castlefest proper and, each day of the festival, a few posts should appear with a short bit about bands that I am seeing and how I first got into their music etc. I’m attempting to merge these posts with the times that I’m seeing the group (if I’m seeing them more than once then I’ll just choose one time) and, well, we’ll see how it goes.

Rastaban

This is going to be a short post considering I plan on seeing this group each time they play. I really don’t know what to say about their music. I stumbled across them. I haven’t forged great memories with them but I adore them.

I can’t describe their music. It’s special. Words cannot do it justice so I won’t try. Just listen.

"RASTABAN invites you to dance, to share emotions and to create a place in your every day routine to celebrate Life through the sound of their moving and energetic music."

-from Rastaban's website. Couldn't have said it better myself.