Qulture Magazine

Words: Kenny Ross

Saturday kicked off with a right racket—sheep bleating, geese honking, and a turkey that looked like it wanted a square go, perched on the shed roof. Not exactly the wake-up call I’d planned, but it set the tone and made me giggle, definitely won’t find farm animals at download…unless you include the crazy drunk folk everywhere.

After a cracking breakfast at the café by the Mining Museum, I legged it back for my hoodie—typical Scottish weather, four seasons in one hour. On the way, I spotted a ewe stuck in a wire fence, horns all tangled. I panicked and phoned my Mrs (she’s like Mrs Doolittle), but just then, the lads from Alabama Crow strolled by. Turns out one of them used to work on farms—he jumped in and freed the poor beast like it was nothing. They told me when they were playing and I promised I’d catch their set. Spoiler: I did, and they were brilliant.

We missed Crusaders and WEBB, sadly—folk said they were really good, but sheep-saving duties called.

The first band we caught was Dacara, and they were a visual treat—neon green everywhere, proper cyberpunk vibes. Their sound was a wild mix of metal, pop, and a wee bit of nu-metal, with some tasty samples thrown in. Emma, the singer, had a voice that could level a building—screams for days, and loads of energy on stage – they had awesome band chemistry, which (in my mind) can’t be a bad thing!

Then came WREX, and I was not ready. Never heard of them before, but they hit like a freight train. Mae Seaton was a total dynamo—high kicks, leaning right into the crowd, full of swagger. George Donoghue was just as into it, even jumping into the audience mid-song. Their sound was like punk rock had a night out with The Prodigy and came back louder. Proper chaos, in the best way!

After a quick drink, it was time for Bright Black, who are a female fronted alt rock/metal band from the Midlands. They had super strong stage presence and singer Talitha produced screams and vocals to turn your soul dark, great set and awesome energy.

Alabama Crow—the sheep-rescuing heroes from Kirriemuir then came bouncing on to the stage. Their set was a belter: bluesy, southern-tinged rock with a bit of funk woven in. Tight playing, great stage presence, and just a really solid vibe. I liked them so much, I bought a T-shirt. No regrets.

Attic Theory came on next, bringing their groove-heavy alt-rock from Liverpool. They’ve got a real post-grunge thing going on—dark, moody, but catchy as anything. Then Pyroclast turned it up to eleven. These Glasgow lads brought the fire—literally and musically. Old-school heavy metal with power metal flair and thrash energy. It was like being hit by a riff tsunami (Quote me on that).

Black Lakes followed, and they were massive—big choruses, big sound, and with a proper modern metal edge. They’re from South Wales and you can tell they’ve got something brewing. Definitely a band to keep an eye on. Grabbed a tasty pizza from the Inn Bar to refuel, then it was time for Ashen Reach. Another South Wales band, and they were pure metal—tight, aggressive, and clearly loving every second. Their EP The Fear came out in March and it’s a beast. The crowd was well into it, as were we.

Then came the big guns—Black Spiders. The amount of folk in their merch was unreal. They tore through tracks from Can’t Die, Won’t Die and older bangers, and the place went off. Gritty, loud, and full of swagger. They’ve still got it, no doubt – a great “end” to Saturday”….or so we thought…..

Just when we thought it was all over, High Voltage hit the stage—an AC/DC tribute band that could give the real thing a run for their money. Myles, the frontman (aka Bon Scott 2.0 or Dennis from Always sunny in Philadelphia), had the voice, the strut, and that glint in his eye that said…’You’re in for it now’. People were up singing and rocking their hearts out. It was chaos, and it was glorious. So much so, I am now questioning if I need to go to Murrayfield in August…

After a few more drinks, some top-tier bants (mainly me), and a day full of riffs, we stumbled back to the tent.

I did really enjoy Saturday, for me the highlights were between Alabama Crow, Wrex  & High Voltage, but I am now too tired to decide who wins..so it’s a draw!

Bring on Sunday’s review…