Review: The Big Chill 2011

Initial judgment of this year’s Big Chill line-up would have led to the affirmation that it was indeed an eclectic mix of musicians.

Naturally, this led to an eclectic crowd, with the old, the young, the teen groups and the families alike all turning up.

Covering hip-hop, soul, grime, dubstep, dance, electro, indie, rock and more, The Big Chill was ready to stir the crowd into a full-bodied frenzy for the four nights the hills of Eastnor Castle would become their home.

Admittedly, there were some questions raised over the line-up as well. Like, why was James Blake the only artist playing the main stage on Thursday? Why were Crystal Fighters playing at lunchtime? Haven’t Jamie Woon, Example, Chipmunk or Calvin Harris earned the right to play the main Deer Park stage over some of the others who were gracing it, rather than playing in the Revellers’ Stage right at the other end of the festival arena? All answers would soon become transparently clear.

James Blake was a perfect choice for the Thursday evening as his music had the right blend of power to mesmerise the crowd with its captivating hypnotism as well as whipping up some movement with its infused pinches of dub. James Blake’s music therefore seemed like an obvious choice for a Thursday evening and left us looking silly to dare question it.

The size of the crowd kept on growing throughout the Friday, as did naturally the energy provided on the stages. Wild Beasts tamed the crowd with the power of lead singer Hayden Thorpe’s operatic voice, transforming them into a unified head-nodding, hip swaying mass. Empire of the Sun wowed everyone with their theatrical show that had more colour than Joseph’s Technicolor Dreamcoat and more costume changes than Lady Gaga in an awards show. Headliners for the night were The Chemical Brothers who duly delivered with their notable hits and impressive visual effects.

Fighting hangovers and dragging tired bodies to the main stage lunchtime Saturday, the crowd resembled zombies as they swayed under the grey sky to the Basque generated sounds of Crystal Fighters. By their own admission, Crystal Fighters are a “night time band”. But, as their set went on so too did the soaring energy levels in the crowd so that by the end the zombies were bouncing. Even the sun was drawn out of its slumber to join the party. And so it began…

Craig Charles, yes he of Red Dwarf and Corrie, was the surprise hit of the weekend as he brought fun and joyful dancing to his soul and funk DJ set. Despite the instantaneous heavy downpour of rain Janelle Monae brightened up the crowd’s mood with her performance. Metronomy proved why they were rightfully selected for the shortlist of the Mercury Music Prize this year as they energised the Deer Park stage with their music and trademark accessories. And then soon it came for a certain Mr West to make his appearance.

It seemed like the whole festival had turned out to watch Kanye. Even those who weren’t fans were intrigued to see this controversial figure, who had somehow become the marmite of the music world. With the superstar running half an hour late, the crowd grew restless and turned to booing. However this soon erupted into a chorus of cheers once a dramatic intro sequence kick started, with Black Swan-esque ballerinas in tow. The inimitable voice of Kanye soon burst through the speakers but the man was nowhere to be seen. Unsure of what was happening, one by one the crowd turned to face the other way and there, dressed in a white suit, was the rapper atop the tower behind us. It was an exceptional intro, which continued throughout his entire set, despite the weird ten-minute interval he took to give a speech to the crowd in which he compared himself to Hitler and claimed his recent criticisms were unjust. These statements were also met by boos from parts of the crowd.

Sunday came with an even sorer hangover and Big Chill veteran Norman Jay soothed achy heads of zombies that couldn’t even rise from the grass. By the end of the set though everyone was dancing on their feet. Jamie Woon confirmed why those chosen to play in the Revellers’ Stage had selected especially. It was down to the intimacy of the tent, that allowed complete absorption of the artists’ music. Warpaint stylishly rocked out on the main stage, while headliners Rodrigo y Gabriela owned it with their maddeningly quick, jaw dropping guitar work.

All in all, The Big Chill this year had everything and provided for everyone: lasting memories of a colourful arena, fancy dress costumes and energy so vivid it was contagious were paired perfectly with lazing in the sun, dancing in the rain and camping under the stars.

Big fun and Big tunes at The Big Chill has left me with Big love for them for putting on such an amazing festival. Here’s to 2012.

Words: James Massoud

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