O2 Wireless festival, day 1

I had been worrying about the weather all day, but in the end yesterday's festival in Hyde Park wasn't too bad, weather-wise. Just a few droplets here and there...

Because of work commitment, I couldn't be there before 5pm, so I missed the first few bands. Unfortunately, that included Last Man Standing, a band I have seen before (actually I opened for them with one of my former bands a few months ago) and that I think is very good.

So the first band I saw was Alberta Cross, in the XFM tent. Their music is fairly nice, a bit Country-ish. So as a background music it's OK, but nothing really exciting. The singer does have a curious voice though, reminds me of Brian Molko to some extend.
After a few songs I moved to The Lea Shores, and that was the discovery of the day. Their music is very dark, with well-built songs and subtle vocal harmonies. The violin does add the bit that make them sound different from the average band. Their only problem as far as I can tell was that they obviously are not used to large stages, as they seemed a bit awkward in their movements sometimes. But obviously that should improve with experience. I just find out they will be playing at the Ben and Jerry's festival, well I'll probably go just to see them (and also because it's about 5mn away from my house...)

After that I went to get some cash, and 30mn later I was back (Festival lesson number 4!!! Always have cash!!!) to see The Scare, a Punk band of the worst kind. fortunately I only caught the last song, when the (hem hem) singer went into the "crowd" (understand about 30 people)...
I then moved to the main stage to catch Modest Mouse, a band that seems very hype at the moment. Well, all I can tell is that it was a real show: Back-up dancers in bikini and all that. Musically and visually, they reminded me too much of the Guns & Roses to be really interesting, but It was surely fun.
Still I got bored after a few songs so moved to the tent where The Thrills were playing. I couldn't get in though, as security wouldn't let people in, saying it was overcrowded! I have never seen that in festival, that was completely absurd. From what I could hear from outside, it sounded like cheesy pop though so no big loss...
Finally, I went to see Ghosts. Their music is fairly good, quite similar to Starsailor I think. Nothing mind-blowing, but nice songs. I especially remember one they introduced as "the last song of [their] forthcoming album", that did reach a momentum when it truly became beautiful.

After that, I stuck to the main stage. Queen Of The Stone Age were in their usual form, excellent stage presence and very efficient songs, even though to be honest I find them too upbeat for my taste. I wouldn't listen to their albums at home, but I always happily see them in festivals. I must also credit the two girls who kept flashing their boobs about 5 meters away from me; that did make the show even better ;-)

And of course, the highlight, the White Stripes. I must confess that I don't actually like many of their songs, but Jack White is undoubtedly an amazingly gifted guitarist and singer. My favorite moments were the quiet songs such as the heart-breaking Jolene, when his voice can he heard best. And of course, Seven Nation Army, whose riff the crowd was singing during the encore.
Visually that was just sublime, all in white, red and black including the suits of the roadies installing the stage before the show!
The only low point was the teenager-ridden crowd. I have nothing against teenagers, but they obviously didn't know how to behave in moshpits, and were trying to crowd-surf at the wrong times, which made the life in the front rows slightly difficult...