Saturday was busier than Friday, up early and refreshed after some well needed kip and it was straight into the arena once the showers of rain subsided – so much music, I’ll try keep it short and to the point.

First up was Channel One a band who’ve proved elusive for one reason or another over the years. Their set was filled will electro tinged prog-rock which proved to be a nice way to start the day, they certainly would have benefited from a more suitable time slot.

Next up was Belfast’s And So I Watch You From Afar another new one, for me anyways, I’d been hearing great things about these guys so I was eager to see what all the fuss was about. As they exploded on to the stage it was pretty easy to see what the buzz is, massive sound, energy and stage presence – their raucous post-rock well truly battered whatever cobwebs were lying around from the previous nights antics – a new album recorded and on the way apparently.

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This years Electric Picnic began at the ungodly hour of 6.15 AM as I was taking part in the ‘Tour De Picnic’ (Dublin – Stradbally Cycle) in aid of Temple Street Children’s Hospital. The final sum raised was €713.25, thanks to everyone who gave a few quid to a good cause. I can’t help but wonder what kind of countrywe live in that we must fundraise to keep hospitals going?

The cycle was well organised on the day even if the pre-registration and bike checking were hugely annoying especially when you receive details days before the cycle, that aside it was very enjoyable and I’m glad I took part. Everything ran smoothly setting off at 10.30 with plenty of sunshine and no wind, arriving at EP before 3pm feeling a lot better than I had thought. After a well needed shower, lots of food and some chill out time Friday wasn’t going to be a write off as first suspected.

First on the agenda was Johnny Flynn on the Body & Soul stage, essentially an amphitheatre but in a beautifully intimate and relaxing setting perfectly suited for stirring and heartwarming folk music. There was a good crowd (predominantly female) waiting as he took to the stage, ably assisted by his backing band, they ran through a nice selection from his two excellent albums. He seemed unperturbed by the numerous declarations of love from adoring female members in the crowd who like the rest of us are transfixed by the set hanging on every word and chord. The renditions of  ‘Barnacle Warship’, ‘Been Listening’, ‘The Box’, ‘Cold Bread’ and ‘Leftovers’ were excellent, although it was disappointing ‘The Wrote and the Writ’ was left out. Lots to look forward to when he plays the Academy in a few weeks.

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