Moss Mountain Town

We knew it was going to be bleak, but holy shit we had no idea just how bleak it was going to become.

Myself and my ATP Pranksters were at a storm thrashed Prestatyn in November. All Tomorrow's Parties was back for the first time since 2013. The dark, wet abandoned Pontins seemed more a recreation of the post apocalyptic TV series 'Threads' than a holiday camp, which is oddly adapt given the contrary nature of the festival. Also one of the 'On the Buses' movies was filmed there fact fans!

After a 18 hour car journey (I exaggerate for comic effect, it was actually 19 hours) we arrived stiff limbed and managed to get into the to find the Micah P Hinson set in full flight. I was a little pissed off that Micah P was on so early as he was one of the sets I wanted to see. Although as it turned out I managed to see most of his set. He was as great as usual, although he seemed a bit lost at sea if I’m honest.

One of the other acts I was looking forward to was Micachu and the Shapes so I was again disappointed to discover that they’d cancelled. Although I did wonder how I was going to make it to see them start at 1:30 in the morning. So after being grumpy for a bit I kicked back and just enjoyed the ATP randomness with my mates. I dipped in and out of bands the first who really caught my attention were Viet Cong. I was aware of them from 6Music, but they really came into their own live. The drummer especially was dynamic and I even forgive him for barging past me a bit later on. Lightning Bolt were always going to be worth a watch and it was thrilling to see people crowd surfing and the sheer noise those two can make is insane. There were a set of seats at the back of the main stage and I didn't think I could get any closer to stage as it was so loud, but I did manage to get to get down to the front for a bit of moshing which really helped clear the pipes.I saw a bit of The Album Leaf performing an album in its entirety, enjoyed it but decided to flat off.  It wasn’t a late night for me.

My band barometer ‘Captain’ Keef Legero told me that the Saturday was heavy with some hard-core electronica, so it was a day of wandering and discovery, which to be honest is one of the joys of a festival in general and ATP specifically. Lots of people were saying good things about The Album Leaf the day before so I went to see their second set and I thought they were amazing, blissful with a bit of bight. Hadn't heard of the band before and went and bought the album.

Sunday morning I got up and went for an hour and a half. I went for a run down on the sea front. It was blowing a gale and at some points it felt like I was running on the spot while being sand blasted. Upon my return to the chalet I was told that my skin looked radiant. I didn't feel that I made enough of an effort to see bands on the Saturday so I got in to see Jessica Pratt, who was perfect for a Sunday morning. At one point I rubbed my eye and a load of sand fell out from that morning’s run.

After that I hung out with my chalet buddies Woody, Jas and Keef and saw a wonderfully batsh it crazy Portuguese band who seemed to be all in fancy dress. They were followed by Death who had a lot of spirit and were unintentionally hilarious when they said: “We’ve never played in England before!” Audience: “You still haven’t!”

I was stupidly excited to learn that DJ Marc Riley – the person who has done more than anyone else in recent history to introduce me to new music -  was going to be at the festival. I really wanted to have a photo taken with Marc and to tell him how much I enjoy his show. Of course when I did get the chance to speak to him I burbled at him. He looked confused and asked me what I was saying. He had a pint in one hand and a phone in the other just to add to the confusion when I thrust my hand out to shake. He was nice enough and I did manage to get my photo taken with him.

I think after my Close Encounter of a Lard Kind I went to see Younghusband who I thought were okay, didn't think they shinned live unlike the next band I saw who knocked my sand filled socks off.

Thee Oh Sees were undoubtedly one of the – if not THE – stand out band of the weekend. I heard them on the Marc Riley show and hadn’t really got them, but live they were a force of nature. Two drummers facing each other and a very charismatic singer. More crowd surfing and a slightly under boiled stand-off between the lead singer and the security.

Singer: “Hey man, bring that girl back in or we’re not going to carry on playing.”

Security: “Don’t care.”

They did come back on and were amazing

I enjoyed Courtney Barnett but she would always have a hard time following Thee Oh Sees. Her set was a very polished club venue one which did jar a tad with how the rest of the weekend went. Good to see her though. 

I floated around and eventually settled in the seats at the back of the main stage with Keef and together we watched Build to Spill, who I thought I’d never heard of but when they began to play I knew more and more songs than I realised. I didn't see the entire set as it was pushing 2am which is wayyyyy past my bed time.

I loved ATP and completely forgot that it's at it's best when it's presenting you with you're new favorite band.I hope it's back for good, and I hope I can go again. If not it was a great way to go out.