Dot-to-Dot festival review

Photo: Tom Rowland

Feed the Kid

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WITH well over a hundred bands and artistes set to strut their considerable stuff across 20 separate venues, it's little wonder the Manchester leg of the Dot to Dot Festival sold out in advance.

The Dot to Dot all-dayer was nailed-on my calendar, and it didn't disappoint.

Awesome bands of the calibre of the Augustines and the Mystery Jets were the chief headliners at the huge Cathedral home, but the Dot to Dot is so much more about the up-and-coming, vibrant, totally enthusiastic and talented bands who really drive the heart of the Festival by powering out their half-hour sets at the slightly more established haunts like the Night and Day Cafe, Ruby Lounge, Aatma and the Soup Kitchen.

Almost all of Manchester's most talked-about bands had grabbed themselves a slot, but as far as the Oldham Chronicle was concerned, four of our most popular outfits were to go under the microscope, as it were.

Feed the Kid, Goda Tungl, Louie Louie and Brahma Loka had all been buzzing at the prospect of joining the Dot to Dot cast, and all produced varying sets which certainly packed in the crowds and set many tongues wagging.

Feed the Kid went first, rocking out the Aatma venue brilliantly, so much so, they earned themselves an exciting management and booking deal with B33. China now beckons in January it would seem!

New single 'In the City' got an airing, as did equally impressive previous release 'Coming back for you'.

Tea-time then saw yours truly head over to Kosmonaut in the Northern Quarter, when myself and my 'colleague' for the day, The High's John Matthews, took in Goda Tungl's half-hour offering.

There were sound issues early doors, but once those were resolved with the rather annoying sound-man, the four Royton lads smashed through a top set - again.

At 9pm Louie Louie took to the stage at Dive Bar, and went down a storm despite the slight distraction of people at the other side of the venue seemingly keener to watch Englan's football friendly against Australia.

The section of the room who were there for the music, though, witnessed this great young band who warmed up perfectly for their single launch night at the Academy next week.

Finally for me it was back to the Kosmonaut at going on 11pm, and there I caught Mossley rockers Brahma Loka crash the joint with an at-tines wild set which really set the pulses racing.

It had been a long day, but a sweet day, and now why not listen to our audio package.

Get a feel for the Dot to Dot Festival by listening to me speaking exclusively to Feed the Kid, Goda Tungl, Louie Louie and Brahma Loka as they all reflect on what was a truly special day.

Roll on next year!