Latest 7 magazine

Latest 7’s Nick Aldwinckle takes us through the highs and lows of the Hove Festival 2008 in… Norway

View of the beach from the festival

To describe the small island of Tromøya, off the South coast of Norway, as stunning is an understatement. Beautiful fern woodland, majestically craggy rocky terrain and a sandy (not to mention oddly sunny) beach looking out to the North Sea make it one of the prettiest music festivals in Europe. In the middle of summer, it never quite gets completely dark as the midnight sun plays tricks on the mind. Add to this a strong line-up of bands both established and making their first steps in the music biz along with the standard array of weird and wonderful stalls, tents, film and art installations and general hijinks and you have the recipe for a memorable week long festival.

Read on for photos and reviews of 4 days of live music »

Simon Amstell has had a haircut. His signature huge mop of floppy curls has been cut back. Luckily Simon is no Samson and his cutting humour and vert funny cruel quips have not accompanied his curls onto the floor.

Telling tales of identity, from his own sexuality and self-absorption in relationships to the influence of celebrity – including his own – this was a far more interactive show than Amstell had bargained on. More than heckling and less than conversation, surprisingly this only added to the enjoyment of the show. Great fun.

The Dome, 13 June
5/5

Victoria Nangle

A weekly review of local and national releases

Recorded with Bjorn (of Peter, Bjorn and John), Youth Novels by Swedish singer-songwriter Lykke Li is a stripped back yet glowing affair featuring harpsichords, flutes and theremins as well as guitars and drums. The childlike vocals of Li beguile within the emotionally direct chronicles of her life so far. A bit over-long, sometimes a little stylised, nevertheless a superbly constructed album.

New Orleans most famous son, Dr John is back with a new album; City That Care Forgot is a somewhat bitter yet elegant homage to his drowned hometown. One of his best works for many years there’s the never tiring collection of barrelhouse funk, gospel and blues-inflected tunes. Special guests include Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton and Ani DiFranco.

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A sold-out gig equalled a packed crowd as the band emerged to a huge slice of classic cheese rock: ‘Eye of the Tiger’, then we’re off with ‘I Knew I Loved You’.

Frontman Matt Bowman’s frenetic energy got the crowd up and bouncing as he sprinted up and down the stage, knocking over drum kits and playing lasso with his mic. Tracks from the new album were confidently dropped in with hits from the last, leaving little doubt that the boys from Leeds are swaggering all the way to the top.

5/5
The Dome, 3 June

Alison Swann