CLUBS

A field in East Knoyle, Wilts (Fri 29-Sat 30 July)

There’s something in the air and that’s not a reference to the pungent Wiltshire countryside which surrounds the Underhill Festival site. It’s more of an atmosphere or a feeling – not something specific which one could, or would want to, put their finger on. Something that’s there but not there. It’s something akin to the spirit of rave poking it’s mystical head out of a forgotten tomb to shout in your ear very loudly. The music may be different (if deferential) but the feeling, the soul, the community is certainly there.

Underhill is chaotic at times (seven toilets for what was an estimated 2,500 people, in reality less) and laughable at others (Erol Alkan not being able to play his set on account of the DJ set-up, CDJ2000s please). The gripes are many, and yes the music finishes at four, yes there is an organised campsite, but there are no snide naysayers here. People – including the Bristol- and Bournemouth-based crews who curate the tents – are clearly here to dance, meet likeminders and have a good time. What a great antidote to the charmless, automaton festivals that glut the summer this is.

Friday takes a while to get going, people tentatively venturing down to the festival site (about a two-minute walk from the camping area), and then heading back to their tents like a shy lover waiting for someone to make the first move. The Crazy Legs residents play a fine and funky set to a virtually empty tent, but by the time Martyn (pictured) rocks up at 2am(ish) to tear through a skippy-beated, tech stomper of a set, the crowd is positively thronging, more heads down than hands in the air but with smiles strained through gurns. Other Friday highlights are Bristol’s own Julio Bashmore, Funkineven and Fatima and a man on a paraglider.

Saturday daytime livens up a bit, comparitively speaking, thanks to some sun and a more lubricated crowd. The We Are Your Friends Tent is instantly appealing, with a blend of boogie, lovely classic housey bits and a dollop of ’97-era speed garage for good measure. The block-rocking Krafty Kuts graces the Blowpop tent at 5 to throw one of his reliable chunky parties to a audience of appreciative revellers. Those who do RSVP Krafty’s party miss out on a equally solid showing from the Broke DJs – dubstep bum wobblers getting the 15-deep crowd skanking around like sugared-up monkeys. The main tent hosted by Blowpop dominates the end of the night with storming sets all round, Oliver $, Round Table Knights and Zombie Disco Squad all worthy of praise, but OhMan! on the other stage rips out a stunning blueprint of UK bass music as it stands now. Perfectly striking the balance between steppy wobblers and electro funk goodness that leaves more than a few people grinning like baboons. The only thing missing is Erol Alkan who, imperatively, is the main headliner. Disappointing to say the least, but it’s a testiment to the festival that it hasn’t ruined the weekend. As Keith Richards was once descibed as elegantly wasted so Underhill can be construed a beautiful shambles. Definitely recommended for 2012. (Stuart Roberts)