Dot to Dot, Manchester

When it came to writing this review, I was struggling. The problem could be down to a number of things: the uninspiring Academy venues, the dodgy sound and organisation, the downgrading of the shows from Academy 1 so that most shows were packed to the rafters, the nice weather that meant it was a shame to be crammed into a sweaty dark basement at 6pm or the festival decisions that have to be made by committee. It was probably a combination of all of these but the fact remains: the memory I have of the inaugural Manchester Dot to Dot is of a series of mediocre gigs. I feel terrible saying that as it is rude to the many, many talented and hard-working bands on the bill, and there were some highlights, but as a festival? It didn’t work for me.

When you go to a festival with a group of people, unless you are happy to spend the day alone, sacrifices have to be made. A few days before the Bank Holiday Monday I had decided to forego the lovely folky line-up at the Deaf Institute – Alan Pownall, The Crookes and Lissie – to stick with friends who were keen to see the rest of the line-up at the Academy venues. From what I heard on the day a lot of people made this decision, leaving the Deaf Institute crowd a bit sparse.

So the day began with Goldheart Assembly (above) in Academy 3, who were really quite good. They’ve been around for a little while now and this came across in their confident show. They look hairy and intense, but there is a surprising lightness of touch to their songs, my favourite being the gentle So Long St Christopher which was released last year. The band was a popular choice and the room was packed and hot, but this couldn’t spoil the enjoyment.

We then wandered downstairs to Club Academy to have a listen to Washed Out, which was nice in a chilled out, background music kind of way. Again, venue was packed so we sat it out in the bar area at the back. Still, Club Academy is vying with Ruby Lounge and Islington Mill for worst designed venue in town.

We spent the rest of the evening wandering up and down the stairs between Academy 2 and Club Academy. Blood Red Shoes were loud and enthusiastic, and could have easily filled the main Academy. Field Music were bland in my opinion, as were Liars, but friends of mine would beg to differ as Liars were a favourite of the day and there was a lot of love going round for lead singer Angus Andrew. Watching Twisted Wheel (above) was like being at an underage disco full of twats, but the acoustic song the singer performed was a welcome break for the ears.

And so to the only band who gave me that good gig feeling: Beach House (above). I’d seen them at Islington Mill early in the year and they were spectacular, and Teen Dream is shaping up to be one of my favourite albums of the year. They didn’t disappoint at Dot to Dot, Victoria Legrand’s vocals are soulful and dreamy, and the crowd sang along to Take Care, Norway and Used to Be.

We decided that this couldn’t be topped, and sloped off home soon after. On reflection, the line-up would have to be pretty special to tempt me next year - I think I’ll leave it to the students.