Benicassim
Few bands are better prepared to royally kick off a festival than Dundee’s finest, The View. With their riotous disregard for punctuality, hospitality and hotel rooms there are few better bands to prepare for Oasis to either. So when they opened with Glass Smash the crowd still mainly had no idea what lead singer Kyle Falconer was singing, even so, such a din pre-empted the first moshpit of the weekend.
The British invasion of Benicassim seemed perfectly suited to the carnage evoked from the stage. As if the crowd can bring their flags, Falconer can bring his St Andrew’s adored guitar. Such an outlandish feature seemed out of place with Falconer’s own behaviour, yet even if he looked comparably timid to the rest of his band, it was his guitar that set the tone for a forceful rendition of '5 Rebeccas'. Despite the extortionate cost of beer, cups are launched during 'Same Jeans' yet those doing the throwing did take the time to serenade the chorus and quickfire breakdown.
The band has often been labelled as Scotland’s answer to The Libertines, and it was obvious why during a frenetic performance of 'Wasteland' topped with a notably anarchic final verse. While the likes of 'One Off Pretender' and 'Double Yellow Lines' sparkled, they flattered to deceive. Thankfully the confidence returned for breakthrough singles 'Wasted Little DJs' and 'Superstar Tradesman', uniting the band with crowd. All that remained was one final excuse to tear the place down and Shock Horror duly obliged.
The fitting starter for the lad rock main course to come.