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ATP - The Nightmare Before Xmas - Day Three Review

11th December 2007 | by Gavin Riley

After astonishing sets from Portishead, Aphex Twin and A Hawk And A Hacksaw on the previous day of this festival, looking at the prospective line-up for day three seemed a lot less promising.

That is before we came across Black Mountain, but more of them later, as we first gaze our eyes upon Lucky Luke, whom we presume take their name from the famous comic strip. They certainly pay homage to 1960's folk music, and Lucky Luke proves to be the perfect tonic to a weary Aphex Twin induced hangover.

Traditional melodies, coupled with the pitch-perfect voice of lead singer Morag Wilson, show why bands like Belle & Sebastian and many others, regard them with such high esteem.

The Blessing must have been the easiest band for Portishead to pick this weekend, as most of the members are made up of ... well, Portishead.

Adrian Utley is also invited onto the stage to perform on some of the tracks, using a bow frequently on guitar, it adds a great contrast to some of the best nu-jazz around right now.

Boris are just a few months away from releasing yet another album to add to their vast back catalogue. 'Smile' is due in April, and it may mark a departure from their metal roots if today's performance is anything to go by. Many songs are stripped down with bass prominent throughout. The new material features Wata taking a leading role on vocals, much like 2006's 'Rainbow'.

But thankfully, Boris still know how to play hardcore punk and with Takeshi using a double-necked SG-style bass/guitar, the results are impressive. Their popularity will surely grow.

Which brings us onto Black Mountain. A band that have been together for around four years now, but has released just the one, self-titled LP.

In singer Amber Webber, Black Mountain have a sure fire asset, because she combines so well with Stephen McBean's blues-y vocals.

Indeed, the whole band combine particularly well, particularly on 'Voices', which is a stomping composition using every trick up their sleeve to produce a five minute blast of psychedelic beauty, utilising Webber's stuttering voice to the full.

A perfect end to just about the coolest festival in the world, ever.