Haddow Fest 2012

Various Venues, Edinburgh

Haddow Fest Edinburgh is back, and it is bigger and better than ever before. 2012 sees some of the biggest names in music grace our city, alongside a plethora of local bands and artists. Headlining this year are The Cribs, Hadouken and Kassidy, as Haddow Fest takes over Edinburgh for one jam-packed day full of music. This is Music-News.com’s round up of the highlight’s from Haddow Fest 2012.

Broken Records were added to the line-up at very short notice, but as the opening act to Haddow Fest at 1.30pm in the afternoon, they put on a totally gorgeous show in Whistlebinkies. Broken Records are a band that originate from the capital themselves, and there is certainly no shortage of homegrown beauties incorporated into today’s line up – Steve Heron, Greg Pearson and The Pirate Sons to name just a couple.

Another locally sourced act is The OK Social Club, a band so trendy they recently provided the opening soundtrack to an episode of Hollyoaks. OKSC are completely ahead of their game, performing with speed, class and originality that make them instantly recognisable. Haddow Fest headliners The Cribs should be very worried; OKSC have stolen their act and they are doing it so much better, with talented musicianship and seriously tuneful vocals.

It has been very quiet in the Kerrie Lynch camp of late, but after witnessing her surprising set in Maggie’s Chambers, it’s clear to see where she’s been so busy. Kerrie leavess her trademark acoustic guitar at home, and instead dons a bass guitar to play as part of her full electric band. The cutesy acoustic sound has been dropped in this highlight set, as Kerrie lends her big voice to a rock star set up.

Headlining The Liquid Rooms is the increasing popular Kassidy, with their unique sound and outstanding image. Kassidy have been propelled upwards in recent years, and with sharp black suits and songs from a very tight new album, it’s clear to see that these boys deserve their recent stardom. Competing for the spotlight however, playing in the same time slot, are Edinburgh outfit The Winter Tradition. The Winter Tradition have always been a Music-News.com favourite, and create today a highlight at this year’s Haddow Fest with a quiet-to-loud sound and atmospheric style.

Forget The Cribs and forget Hadouken, the biggest highlight of Haddow Fest 2012 comes in the shape of Dundee boys Anderson, McGinty, Webster, Ward and Fisher. They are missing Fisher today, however the remaining four can play so many different instruments between them, it seems as if the band is not lacking in any way because of it. Double bass, banjo, mandolin and guitars make up some of the many musical talents shared on stage, not forgetting four unique voices that are all rightfully lead vocalists. Anderson’s kazoo trumpet is ace, but its McGinty’s rendition of ‘Michael’s Tempress’ that sets them in position as today’s most entertaining band.