A Glimpse of Mustock

Organised by the students of the Music Society, Mustock was a showcase of talent within the university and the local community, the only exception being London based Dub Pistols who spectacularly closed the show.

spinning the crowd around

Despite technically difficulties, Lionhall, a pair of Newcastle students, turned out an impressive set. Their original songs are beautiful and haunting, indie with an electro element. Like The XX, only Scottish.

One of the highlights of the festival was witnessing the effortless cool of the charismatic funk bassist, Steve Ojay, who you may have seen busking on Northumberland Street.

As he built up layer upon layer of funk melodies using a loop machine, he called his own set, “improvised, slightly weird Sunday shit”.

Holy Moly and The Crackers, who this year played the main stage at HopFarm Festival, were one of the most enjoyable acts to watch. Their high energy folk got the spectators dancing and was yet another example of the diversity of the Mustock festival. Pogue-esque and tonnes of fun, they’re a true credit to the Newcastle folk scene.

Headliners Dub Pistols attracted the biggest crowds of the festival and did not disappoint.

Downing pints, swearing, and just generally pissing off security was accompanied by a long, loud set and a crowd full of people drunk enough to try out their best ska dance moves.

The big-beat ska and reggae sound had everyone moving and the bands interaction with the audience was a particular highlight involving crowd surfing and spitting polystyrene!

I hope the members of the Music Society are pleased with their efforts, they provided an outstanding experience and a cool alternative to an ordinary Sunday afternoon.

getting into it

All the artists mentioned can be located on Facebook.

Photography courtesy of Harry Vann and Jamie House.

For a full set list and more photos, click here.