Now in its sixth year, Castlepalooza Music and Arts Festival returned to Charleville Castle Tullamore, Co. Offaly over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Castlepalooza is the best small festival in Ireland (that I have been to) with friendly staff and idyllic surroundings of Charleville Castle and it’s forests adding to the relaxed vibe. Their willingness to showcase homegrown acts must be commended too, as should the addition of the Courtyard Stage where I had the pleasure of enjoying a few sets by Two Charming Men. Small festivals certainly have their place on the Irish circuit.
Here’s a very a quick round-up of the weekend’s action along with some videos.
Saturday witnessed Moths’ first live performance and it was a glorious success. If there were any first gig nerves they were well hidden as his chilled electronica, which has a surprisingly bigger thump live, really captivated the sizable crowd inside the Big Top Stage. If we didn’t already know, this guy has a got a really bright future ahead of him. The new find of the weekend was Lasertom & The Blast Crew. A great set meshing an array of beats and trumpets with touches of disco, funk, electro-punk and gospel. Think Alamabama 3 crossed with LCD Soundsytem, definitely going to follow them up.
It was great to catch The Minutes once again who were superb, doing what they do best, massive sounding sleazy rock n roll. Finally getting the opportunity to see Django Django too, who brought their unique genre hopping sound to life on the Mainstage. I hope they don’t leave it too long before returning.
Kid Karate kicked the festival into life on Sunday morning, drawing a big crowd for such an early slot. Each time they play it is hard to believe two guys can make such a racket. It was yet another great set of gritty riff-laden rock n roll, including the ever amazing ‘HEART’ and ‘Black + Beige’. It was all brought to a conclusion with Kevin Breen finishing the set among a surprised crowd (Ciaran Dwyer-esque). There was no let up in the intensity as Jogging followed next, launching into a set of furiously raw punk riffage.
A change from the abrasive with We Are Losers who wooed the crowd with their fuzzed-up lo-fi indie. These guys are something rather special, they just keep getting better each time I see them. By the end the Big Top Stage was bursting with feel-good-vibes.
Castlepalooza is a worthy and much-needed addition to the festival calendar – friendly security and staff and a good atmosphere from the 2000 or so punters.
You forgot a username for the YouTube shortcode.
You forgot a username for the YouTube shortcode.
You forgot a username for the YouTube shortcode.
You forgot a username for the YouTube shortcode.
You forgot a username for the YouTube shortcode.
You forgot a username for the YouTube shortcode.
You forgot a username for the YouTube shortcode