Thursday 5th until Sunday 8th August 2010 @ Eastnor Castle Deer Park, Herefordshire
Featuring Performances From: Massive Attack, Thom Yorke, Mr Scruff, Bonobo, Mount Kimbie, Caribou, Craig Charles’ Fantasy Funk Band, Roy Ayres

The likes of MIA, Tinie Tempah and Lily Allen drew a slightly younger audience to this year’s Big Chill Festival, though there was still plenty to be found to satisfy the festival’s more seasoned patrons. Ever since The Big Chill’s humble beginnings as a small ambient dance festival in the Black Mountains of Wales, few would dispute that Friday night’s headliners, Massive Attack were the perfect band for the festival. Silhouetted in trademark eerie shadows and dim lighting, they delighted with their menacing austerity engrossing the eclectic audience. Safe From Harm, Angel and a minimal version of Teardrop led to a predictable but triumphant climax in Unfinished Sympathy, and an inspired crowd headed in the direction of the dance tent, ready to party long into the night.

Earlier, an at-ease Thom Yorke had brought in the crowds, playing a set that included old classics I Might Be Wrong, The Gloaming, and Everything In Its Right Place combined with tracks from his solo album; The Eraser. The Radiohead front-man did not fail to impress and left the stage to a wonderful acoustic rendition of Airbag, and a rapturous reception.

As in recent years, the festival lived up to its name, with generally a relaxed and friendly atmosphere ruling the weekend, and Big Chill favourites Mr Scruff and Bonobo playing familiar but enjoyable sets. Elsewhere, on Saturday night, Mount Kimbie played to a small crowd on the Clash Stage, delivering their own brand minimal electronica with ambient guitar sweeping across the samples and loops and to the festival. Though enjoyable, the duo seemed to be suffering from a lack of confidence but should soon find their feet on the live stage after finding their excellent debut album Crooks And Lovers generally well received in the press. Caribou’s performance earlier had been more self-assured and polished, with the band giving a pleasing run-through of Swim, their debut album.

In the Reveller’s tent, both Craig Charles’ Fantasy Funk Band and Roy Ayres managed to revive tired legs into dancing on Sunday. Special mention should also be reserved for Spencer Tunick’s achievement in rousing 500 people on Saturday morning for his latest nude installation art-work, painting bodies in yellow and blue to symbolise the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and also, for the secluded location of the Lazyland stage, which provided a great opportunity for those wanting to escape the crowds.

Despite grievances from Big Chill regulars that the festival has become too commercial since being bought out by Festival Republic in 2009, it keeps on attracting genuine music lovers and the rolling hills of Herefordshire continue to be a perfect setting for a highly enjoyable weekend.

www.bigchill.net

James Wood