Sunderland LIVE: Park Lane

Park Lane:

Jack Critchley reviews:
If Glastonbury announce a new stage entitled ‘the opposite a newsagents and adjacent to a bus station’ stage, Sunderland Council will most likely be on the phone furiously debating the copyright issues. For this was the slightly unusual setting for one of the two stages at Sunderland Music Live Festival. There was no mud, there were no burger stalls offering salmonella in a bun, but what this festival did have in common with its larger counterparts was that it offered a mighty fine selection of music and a wonderful crowd to boot.

Sunderland LIVE: Logo

Local favourites We beat the system and Sonner were embraced by the sun soaked crowd, the former soon to play the O2 academy in London as finalists in a national Unsigned Competition. A far cry from taking to this stage, however they rifled through their set like their lives depended on it.
Half way through the afternoon, it was the turn of Manchester’s The Whip to entertain the on-looking audience. A perfectly executed electronic set which included their single ‘Trash’, a song recently popularised by its appearance on computer game and a lager advertisement. They even garnered a small selection of dancers throughout their set, however watching their moves, Diversity won’t be having sleepless nights anytime soon.
Viva City occupied the 4pm Slot, a healthy proportion of the audience remained in place to witness the Newcastle band produce a concoction of meaty tunes spliced with electronic offerings.
Wrapping up the days entertainment selection were the Little Comets, a local band making a name for themselves in wider circles and it’s easy to see why. A large audience gathered in anticipation as they blasted through a tirade of catchy songs and memorable choruses. Previous singles ‘Adultery’ and ‘One day in October’ are musical treats which simply refuse to leave your head each time you hear them. These featured towards the end of the set before concluding with ‘Dancing Song’, I believe we will be hearing the name ‘little comets’ more often whilst humming their music will be compulsory for anyone lucky enough to own their records.
A wonderful day of entertainment which was abetted by a combination of free live music and a large proportion of sunshine.
Interviews by Jack Critchley of three of the bands performing are available below:

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For information about the Sunderland Fringe Music Festival check out: www.sunderlandevents.com

If you would like further information or would like to get involved in next year’s event please contact Jessica Bell; jessica.bell@sunderland.gov.uk.

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