Mockfest II: Donisphere Second Stage Review
The much awaited Mockfest II arrived, with promising weather and once the gates were opened it began to fill up nicely. The marquee was home to all of the tribute bands but of much more interest to me was Stage 2 where the young , original rock bands of the future were preparing to blow the crowd away. Myself and Angie Smith settled down in the beach area in anticipation of a Rock and Metal extravaganza.
We were not disappointed. 12.30pm arrived and HARDTAIL took to the stage. What an opening set that was, Hardtail playing their no nonsense uncluttered hard rock. Their technical ability and lyrical creativity was obvious to everyone present who thoroughy enjoyed the spectacle in the bright sunshine, albeit a bit fresh at the time.
Next on were good friends of ours, INCINDIA and their youth and energy really got the crowd going to such an extent that we even had people coming out of the marquee and asking us who these guys were . INCINDIA certainly made a great impression on a lot of people here today and they couldn’t get rid of their CD’s fast enough. Two cracking bands so far and the excitement was building rapidly.
SINNERGOD was a band we knew little about but unsurprisingly their gothic slant and stage presence brought roars of approval from the gathered masses who now occupied the beach area in front of the stage. This was definitely the place to be to appreciate the unquestionable talent coming to forefront of the unsigned rock scene.
Next up was GONE TILL WINTER, another awesome band whose unsigned status is beyond comprehension. Their set was both powerful and hypnotic, generating masses of headbanging individuals enjoying the brilliant event that was taking place.
At 5.30 pm, DIRTY HABIT arrived to much adulation and all spaces at the safety barrier were now occupied. The fact that the temperature had dropped considerably did not deter the crowd from getting involved in the singing, headbanging and general fun everyone was having. One of the highlights of DIRTY HABIT’s set was the arrival on stage of (bass / vocalist) JOLAINE’s other half, DEWSBURY to much acclaim from everyone there. He played brilliantly and looked like he was enjoying every second of the limelight. DIRTY HABIT left the stage to huge shouts of appreciation and applause and all too quickly the events on the second stage were drawing to a close.
HELL TO PAY were the final band to appear on Stage 2 and had the distinction of also appearing in the marquee (as SQUEAL PANTHER) . They played a blistering set to finish off a brilliant day of original rock music, enjoyed by everyone on the beach.
The whole Stage 2 event was concluded by a guest DJ appearance from Jeanette Burnett whose choice of songs was both eclectic and rocking.
I would like to thank all the guys from HARDTAIL, INCINDIA & THE DETOURS who went out of their way to make KAITLYN MACKENZIE-PILOT’s birthday very special by having their photos taken with her and giving her a load of merchandise as well. Thanks guys, she was made up.
This years MOCKFEST was awesome, no arguments and MOOSE & CO. will have to go some to better it next year.
