Review: Sound Recovery Festival – Sobar – 16-17 August 2014

My first ever festival at an alcohol free bar. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel without a drink at all during the whole time. Sure, I’ve been out to gigs and not drank before, but often I do enjoy a cheeky pint or two. I’ve also never actually been to Sobar before, so that was another new experience in itself. It turned out to be something that was awesome just in itself, and meant instead of cider I enjoyed a variety of beverages and snacks that were really fun to enjoy with a serving of Nottingham’s finest talents. With all the profits going to Double Impact, a charity that helps people recover from substance and alcohol abuse. It’s a win-win. Especially as I was treated to a free dinner, so thanks for that!

Sound Recovery festival was so utterly positive, relaxed and easy-going that it made it really easy to enjoy yourself. With a friendly atmosphere and modern uplifting décor, it was easy to chill out to the local talent from musicians to poets then to artists. It was varied and delightful, and kicking the event off were THE BREAKFAST CLUB who were perfect for the job with their charming and funny originals, combined with really emotive songs and also a couple of awesome covers for good measure. They had some great banter too which is never a bad thing!

Bringing the funk next were STOLEN WIVES who opened with Superstition by Stevie Wonder which introduced a new dimension to the day with heavy drums and some great work on the bass and electric guitar which were a bit quiet at times but still had me grooving. Next up was member of MOUTHY POETS, Katie Saltana who performs a few poems, including a Harold Norse work which both challenges and makes you smile. Katie performs eloquently and although I miss a few words here and there, she tackles emotive subjects and does it well. Following the spoken words, JASMINE ISSAKA provides us with another musical slice with some gorgeous covers and a sweet sound that is uplifting and relaxing. She performs passionately and plays a lovely, varied set. Bringing the poetry back is a thought provoking Martin Grey which had an offbeat delivery which made for an interesting performance. This is followed by HOTBOX which provided an injection of summery pop into the event, bringing some awesome instrumental sequences and emotive vocals. The excitable and airy sound also has a gritty side which is just as important.

Taking us in to the latter part of the day’s festivities was Georgina, again from MOUTHY POETS whose shorter, snappier poems are warm and friendly; it’s easy to enjoy her performance. She has a crisp, clear delivery and the comic slant on the material is also really welcome. Following her were the breezy beats of SUSPECT ALIBI, with bass driven pop and some awesome vocal melodies they were a treat. THE LUNADOGS were a favourite for sure with their funky, bluesy bass lines and dirty sounds they provided enough to really sink your teeth into. Stealing the show however were IVORYSERFS, with their experimental, ethereal pop-rock, it really gets people going, and the enthusiasm for them is notable. Their music has intensity but is also light enough for easy listening, whilst ‘Tethered’ warps time and creates some epic tension which is just awesome. They end the night on a massive high.

However that wasn’t the end of the fun to be had. The Sound Recovery Festival also took place on Sunday, with a day time acoustic line-up which was to die for. TOM ASH kicked the day off for me, and his lovely vocals and gentle song writing is enchanting and captivating, whilst also being relaxed and chilled enough to just hang out to. Neil Pique was next to the stage and provided an interesting poetic interlude, with works about Nottingham night life (notably Rock City) and also tackled interesting topics of social awkwardness and social media. Unfortunately he moved around the microphone quite a lot which meant it was hard to hear what he was saying at times, but I enjoyed the performance none-the-less!

MATT HENSHAW serenaded the audience with his passionate, gritty and gentle numbers, singing and playing guitar from his deepest tea soaked soul. His songs pick up the pace and add an element of urgency to the proceedings which is perfect. QM QUARTET also charm with their close four-part barber shop arrangements of golden oldies and also some more recognisable numbers such as ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’ and ‘Over The Rainbow’. It’s a great set and they are lovely people which just can’t help but make me smile and feel warm and fuzzy inside.

JIALLO change the pace bringing some funky jazz sounds, and the instrumental numbers are relaxed and upbeat, keeping the mood light and people smiling. There are some great collaborations and they bring out some excellent vibes which are so uplifting. Followed by OSCAR SPEED, his summerly lively pop is delivered in his fail safe cheeky-chappy manner makes the performance chilled and relaxed, and it’s easy to warm to the band. Although bits and bobs were ropey, they performed a great set full of character. Headlining the entire festival though were the gorgeous reggae vibes from THE ITES, who brought passion and enthusiasm to the early evening. They had some great instrumental parts, and the collaboration with RAM1 was lovely. He got the audience involved in the songs, usually audience participation makes me cringe, but this time the melodies were so sweet and it was such a good atmosphere I actually wanted to sing along.

I hope the festival raised plenty of funds for Double Impact, who do amazing work around the entire of Nottingham. I had a great time, and I’m sure many others did too. If you want to find out more, you can visit the website here.

Review by Cassia Helme