Pheonix Rising
Clashing with the Killers and BRMC unfortunately makes for a smallish crowd for the Ash guitarist in the Carling tent. With good sound and a tight band behind her though, Ms Hatherley still manages a good all round performance, with a good use of projections behind her featuring a collage of film and images.
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Showcasing material from her solo album 'Grey Will Fade', it's noticeable that many of the songs have more depth to them than her material with Ash but don't come across as instantly accessible. The slower songs are often atmospheric, uplifting affairs that build to powerfully restrained middle sections. There are rockier songs of course such as 'Kim Wilde', apparently Kim Wilde was asked to play tonight but was too busy with the Chelsea Flower Show! Go figure. With a good chorus Ms Hatherley demonstrates that she has the makings of an accomplished writer in her own right.
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The Kim Wilde theme is continued with a great updated cover of 'Kids In America'. The surprise of the set comes when Graham Coxon joins the band on guitar for a heavier, rumbling number that sees smiles all round across the stage. It's decent stuff without ever being overly exciting or truly memorable. Half an hour into her set more people filter out, myself among them but then it is The Pixies that are calling!
To view all photos taken during this set click here. There are 17 available.