DogFest 2024
The Gliderdrome, Boston
October 5th
Alternative, folk, punk, rock and whatever else ya got headliners Ferocious Dog are back in Lincolnshire with DogFest; a full day and night of equally full on artists ranging in number from just the one to an act that is almost as big as a football team. Size, they tell Jo Wright, is not important, but the sheer commitment and love of live music from those on stage and in front of it is off the flippin’ scale…
‘Too happy to be an emo’, Jack Kendrick sings merrily. You’ve got that right mate. Opening DogFest 2024 ain’t for the fainthearted, but this joyous self-proclaimed, ‘Watered down punk with an acoustic’ (he’s being modest – add charismatic singer/smart and considered lyricist to that) raises smiles, singalongs and a call for more cowbells, which is a good shout to be fair.
Are those covers of Elvis? The Clash?? Rancid??? The Levellers???? Are there nine band members squeezed onto the stage? Nothing good can come from overthinking. Simply embrace the chaos of massively infectious punk ukulele band Not Quite Dead Yet and all will be well.
Slightly more mellow folk/rock/indie outlaws Darwin’s Rejects are fronted by the earnest and imploring Russ Torr. Putting feeling into their tunes whatever the pace, the heart-hurting ‘Send Them Back (To Where?)’ hits hardest with haunting harmonies and sobering lyrics.
Yer girl’s never seen an artist increase both the size of the crowd and their fanbase as fast as Gaz Brookfield. One man. One acoustic guitar. And by God, does he know what to do with it. So polished. Such a poppet. Gaz is a delightful lyricist whether his songs are fun, reflective, or about his van. ‘I’ve Paid My Money’ gets a raucous response, notably the last line and great advice to live by, ‘Try not to be a dick’.
Facebook bio: ‘Five piece shouty rock boy band’. Talking dirty to us Moskito? That’s our favourite sentence right there. With a lead singer prowling around the stage and the majority of members armed with microphones as well as instruments, Moskito make a mighty, swaggery, glorious noise. Zero cares given by this local band? Possibly less than that. But when they dedicate a track to two of their lost friends that’s sorrow that no one these lads’ age should have to deal with xxx.
Jess Silk is one single soul with nothing more than six strings with her on stage, but the passion in her heart and power in her voice fill the entire venue. Outstanding performers like Jess are the reason we need to support our local venues. Stream all you like. Not Judging. But artists like this need to be seen and heard live.
Proud Yorkshiremen Shanghai Treason want to see movement in the ranks and aren’t taking no for an answer. And why should they? The punchy folk punk pounding the crowd is made for bouncing, dancing and, erm, sitting on yer mate’s shoulders waving your arms around like your life depends on it. ‘In For A Penny’ proper gets the party going and, as with every act today, the lyrics throughout the set get you thinking.
Mmmmmm, how to describe Headsticks’ set without using adjectives ‘punk’ and ‘folk’. Punkfolkfusion? Bit of a bluesy groove in there? Choppy guitars. Chatty lead singer whose vox ranges from menacing and rasping to sympathetic and kind. Plenty to think about too; the importance of mental health and NOT NOT NOT suffering alone. Talk to someone. Please. ‘Authentic’. That’s the word we’re looking for. Headsticks march proudly to the beat of their own drum tonight.
Right then, which side of the room do you tend to stand on when you watch a band? Yer girl’s always to the right (so stage left). And from her current vantage point, when ska upstarts Random Hand crash land it looks for all the world like the guitarist has forgotten to get dressed. In the interests of journalism she cautiously crosses the room and … it’s ok! He’s wearing something. Shorts. Very short shorts. Dear God. Teamed with lead vocalist Robin ‘Russell’ Leitch wielding his trombone like a weapon, here is a band who have clearly had their Weetabix. And energy drinks. And sweets. Lots and lots of sweets. It’s like they’ve been kept caged for days and let out of their box eight minutes ago. Big tunes ‘Play Some Ska’ and ‘Anger Management’ stand out in a set which is pretty bloody special from start to finish. But sweet Baby Jesus, those shorts…
Sadly Bar Stool Preachers couldn’t play tonight cause they’re poorly boys, so get well soon chaps.
Pressure is a privilege, And when it comes to a Ferocious Dog review, ooooof – yer girl really feels both. The energy in the room shifts as time ticks closer to their set. The air crackles with anticipation and expectation, friendship and camaraderie. Ferocious Dog don’t have fans. They have a community. A family. You’ve read this far so presumable you’re a Ferocious Dog fan. Or you’re enjoying this little review – in which case, awwwwww, thanks xxx But as for you Hell Hounds, you love your band. It’s absolutely clear. The pit comes alive when Ken Bonsall and his finest men stroll onto stage. This is their festival. Their crowd. And they’re killing it. The lyrics mean so much. To the band, to the fans, and to everyday life. Ken sings stories, truths and tales. There is anger behind the lyrics, there is pain and there is hope, and on stage the words not only come alive but so does the spirit to go on. Tonight there is so much love in the room – for Ferocious Dog from the fans who have made the trip to see them, and vice versa. The boys move around on stage, but it’s when they stand in a line, pretty much side to side, that they produce not only an impenetrable wall of sound, but also the image of an unbreakable band of brothers. Every single band today has been awesome, amazing, memorable, but Ferocious Dog are unforgettable.
Review by Jo Wright
Photos by Gary Trueman