If Friday night at Victorious serves up an amuse-bouche for the festival experience, Saturday delivers more filling fare with the opening up of the rest of the stages, providing us punters with a wider selection of auditory morsels to be sampled.
There's something for just about everyone here, even to a somewhat jaded and cynical gig monkey such as myself. Therefore, with a larger menu to pick from and with distances between stages taken into consideration, I've tried to be slightly more selective with my recommendations. Are we sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin...
Happy Mondays (Common Stage, 1315-1400)
The boisterous bunch of Madchester survivors have an early afternoon slot on the big stage and, whilst this might reduce the possibility of a shambolic performance, it does rather increase the chances of random incidents of Dad dancing amongst the crowd (and I have a sneaking suspicion that there will be at least one person present sporting some sort of melon-related paraphernalia).
Pins (Castle Stage, 1450-1520)
Pins are rockers. They rock out. They hail from Manchester, they've featured on the soundtrack of Lucifer and some scenes of their recent their visual EP (below) were filmed in a public convenience. And yes, they're really rather good.
Sleeper (Common Stage, 1620-1650)
Louise Wener and chums have dusted off their Britpop credentials, acquired a new bass player, and hit the road. Having quite liked Sleeper back in the day, yet having heard indifferent reports of their live prowess from some of my chums who've seen them, I'm somewhat intrigued to see what they bring to the stage.
Coasts (Castle Stage, 1650-1720)
If you've not seen Bristol's Coasts play live before then, sadly, their Victorious appearance will be one of your last chances to do so; after several years, a couple of albums and a soundtrack appearance on Made In Chelsea, this five-piece are calling it quits. If you are lucky enough to catch them on the Castle Stage, and like what you hear, tickets for their Farewell Tour in October are on sale now.
Neneh Cherry [DJ set] (World Music Stage, 1700-1800)
It's Neneh Cherry. Spinning tunes. Honestly, I shouldn't really need to sell it to you.
Gaz Coombes (Common Stage, 1720-1805)
The former Supergrass frontman has released consistently interesting material since going solo; Matador was an excellent long player and this year's follow up, World's Strongest Man, has received critical praise. Plus he sports a natty pair of sideburns, and that's a thumbs up in my book.
Trampolene (Seaside Stage, 1800-1830)
Once upon a Southsea Fest I found myself, standing in a packed Fat Fox, watching a three-piece blow minds and unhinge the projector screen. They were Trampolene. And they still are, mostly.
Shoot The Duke (Beats & Swing Tent, 1815-1900)
Portsmouth's very own alt-skiffle band, Shoot The Duke have been entertaining punters at various venues and events across the city for a few years now; expect an infectious blend of roots, rhythm and blues. Which is nice.
Chaos DJs (Soul Circus, 1915-2020)
Chaos was/is a Pompey institution, a regular indie-alternative night that took over one of the bars (and occasionally both) on South Parade Pier, providing their target demographic with loud music (see below), a bouncy dance floor and (for those on a budget) access to some suspect looking (but reasonably priced) Sangria. Ahh, memories...
Barry Hyde (Acoustic Stage, 1945-2015)
Formerly of the sadly defunct and much missed Futureheads, since going it alone Barry Hyde has released an EP of Ivor Cutler covers and an LP that features a suite of songs reflecting his own experiences with mental illness. Whilst some might be hoping for an airing of the 'heads' Kate Bush cover I'd rather hear some of his solo material (OK, and maybe his Prince cover too).
Everything Everything (Castle Stage, 2020-2110)
You know, that band that aren't Alt-J or Django Django. Yes, I have been known to get the three of them mixed up too. No, it's nothing to be ashamed of. Honest.
China Bears (Real Ale Stage, 2045-2115)
Direct from Somerset, via Guildford, indie rockers China Bears have won praise from Steve Lamacq and Frank Turner, information which, depending on your viewpoint, has already informed your decision on whether you'll like them or not. It's a festival, there's beer adjacent, go check them out.
Paul Weller (Common Stage, 2120-2250)
The Modfather himself. If you're expecting him to dredge some Jam classics out of his considerable back catalogue then you may be disappointed. Or not, he's mercurial like that.
And if that wasn't enough to keep you entertained then Simon & Dave of Hipshaker will be at the Common Stage all day, spinning some righteous tunes between the acts playing there. Well my lovelies, that's my selection for Saturday, tune in next time for my Sunday recommendations.
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