Kele

Punchestown’s annual rain-fest is one that seems to split opinions down the middle. With an undeniably enticing line up that this year featured ample mainstream draws (Black Eyed Peas, Eminem, Jay-Z, Dizzee Rascal and David Guetta) alongside a strong selection of more AU-ready acts (Vampire Weekend, Arcade Fire, Dirty Projectors, Two Door Cinema Club and the wonderful Wild Beasts), the line up is more than a touch impressive, though detractors point to the somewhat corporate vibe and lack of non-musical attractions (we’re not counting the overpriced theme park) as the festival’s downside.

Not for the first time, the biggest issue this time round is mud. Still, a good pair of wellies and a sunny Sunday deal with the worst of things, and the rain makes for some superb moments. Vampire Weekend are one, with ‘A-Punk’s rain-themed lyrics made for the spatterings of liquid, while Muse produce their usual rousing, cleverly lit performance in front of a manic, mud-flicking mosh pit. Only Matt Bellamy could get away with wearing shutter shades and still playing a set we’ll remember for years.

There’s plenty in the way of living legends flitting around. The Stranglers wheel out a selection of oldies but goodies, while Echo And The Bunnymen remind us of why we’re still in love with the haunting melodies of ‘The Killing Moon’, and Earth Wind And Fire wind back the years to a disco generation. Amongst the newer acts, Arcade Fire’s set features the husband and wife duo up front performing to a disappointing crowd (AU can comfortably walk to a few rows from the front only five minutes before they start), but still nail their set with plenty of songs from the upcoming new album.

Stereophonics

Stereophonics wheel out a nice selection of material from Word Gets Around, while Ou Est La Swimming Pool are in ‘cheesy but can’t help but dance’ mood to an ecstatic warehouse of a dance stage. Eminem, when he finally gets on stage on the Sunday night, seems to have half the festival with him, and produces a performance that’s heavily based around backing music, but still sends the masses wild. We drift round to the other stages, and find several of them indulging in “Fuck Eminem!” chants between songs.

The main stage is a sizable spot, and with such an impressively deep line up on offer (Eminem, for example, clashes with Julian Casablancas, Mumford and Sons and The Prodigy) and tickets far from sold out, Oxegen often seems to be a touch empty. It seems an odd decision to start the music fairly late (2pm or later on most stages) when the festival has such an abundance of talent, and punters could easily whip around a few more performances should they avoid a few of the nastier clashes.

For AU, many of the highlights of the festival take place in the tiny Red Bull Music Academy tent. Not only does it have the friendliest atmosphere of the entire festival, but the likes of The Drums, Broken Social Scene and Local Natives are performing to obscenely small audiences inside. Wild Beasts are heavy on the harmonies, while Dirty Projectors throw down an eclectic selection of pop and R&B-influenced brilliance, and The Middle East inspire us with their folky musings.

Still, festivals are all about catching up with old favorites and searching through a few new ones. Most of the acts here are well publicized enough that AU knows exactly what to expect, but the likes of Kele (with his fresh, dance-infused style) and Dublin’s intense beat-starlets Bitches With Wolves keep things interesting.

The Oxegen crowd

Much of Oxegen’s draw is in its strength and depth. Aside from the music, though the selection of food has improved on previous years (the Asian Buffet is our personal favorite), while other quirkier highlights – which are thin on the ground – include the excellent tea stall and an oxygen bar tucked away in a back street. This year, Oxegen have also introduced a stage sat in amongst the campsite, a strange choice given that day ticket holders can’t get in (this proves a particular problem during the World Cup final, which is shown there), but a great way of keeping the music going all night.

All in all, despite the rain, Oxegen is a great success musically. AU are particularly enamored with the likes of The Temper Trap (who put on a blinding ‘festival moment’ performance), and impressed with the selection of Irish acts making their presence felt. Two Door Cinema Club (promoted to the main stage at the last minute) and a slightly worse for wear Villagers are particularly impressive. It’s still very much all about the music, and a touch soulless, but with a line up like this year’s, we can forgive them. James Hendicott

Photos by Ramsey Cardy