The second day of Bearded Theory is a carnival of good spirited friendliness in the sunshine as we all bask in the impending heatwave. A few people are actually saying it could get too hot but most would agree that sunshine and warmth are welcome relief. So with advice to wear sunblock, stay hydrated and wear a hat the only difficulty is navigating the stacked lineup.
First band of the day for me was Split Dogs.
Split Dogs are ferocious, fun and full of energy as they entertain the crowd on the Pallet Stage today with their spirited punk/rock and roll music. They are releasing a new album in September ‘Nice N’ Rough’ and are touring festivals this summer. Well worth catching if you can.
BCUC (Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness) are a percussion heavy 7 piece band from South Africa who brought their infectious rhythms and charismatic frontman making new fans with their performance. As Nkosi Zithule marshalled the band, dancing around and the rest of the musicians provided a frenetic, driving pulse for the crowd to limber up to. The soothing, soaring additional vocals of Kgotmso Mokone provided a lovely counterpoint to the set. Near the end of their set there is a call to remember those no longer with us before the set ends with Nkosi shouting out “Ain’t no party like a Bearded Theory”. How correct they are.
Big Special, the Black Country duo, kick off their set by proclaiming that the Disco is now open! The band share their happiness at being back in the Midlands and their gratitude as they have been touring heavily recently. They tear through a too short set with ‘Desperate Breakfast’ an early standout. ‘Black Dog, White Horse’ is as beautiful as ever. The crowd happily join in with the sarcastic refrain “We will sell your shit,” from ‘Shop Bastard”. As Cal introduced ‘Shithouse’ he spoke about how they have toured around the World and come to the conclusion that the World is fucked. As he noted sometimes you have to get together in a field and scream into the void together.
Big Special brought us together this evening reminding us to keep looking after one another and to avoid the fear and division all around us. The band finished their set with an emotional version of ‘Dig’. Always life affirming in their own special way.
Article by Jason McDonald
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