by Dylan Graham

Gaz Coombes

Gaz Coombes, ex-frontman of 90s Britpop band Supergrass, performed at CardiffÔÇÖs Tramshed along with his backing band in support of his latest solo album ÔÇÿWorldÔÇÖs Strongest ManÔÇÖ. Coombes is a sophisticated songwriter and performer, effortlessly filling the venue with feel good music. The crowd was very receptive to the high energy of Coombes and his band, it seemed that not one person was stood still in the Tramshed for the entire performance. Coombes has a powerful and distinctive voice, which can only truly be appreciated from his live performance. Gaz Coombes solo career has taken him to new heights, a real talent and a great performer.

Boy Azooga

There was an overwhelming sense of excitement in the crowd during the buildup to Boy AzoogaÔÇÖs set at Tramshed, so much so that it felt as if the band had a lot to live up to. After releasing their debut album ÔÇÿ1, 2, Kung Fu!ÔÇÖ to critical acclaim back in June, Boy AzoogaÔÇÖs appearance at this years S┼Án Festival was the homecoming show of their UK tour. The band looked genuinely humbled by the size and enthusiasm of the crowd as soon as they stepped on stage, which maintained throughout their hour long set. Boy Azooga fed off the positive energy from the crowd, delivering a fun, enjoyable set. They ended things on a high, performing a cover of T-RexÔÇÖs ÔÇÿI Love to BoogieÔÇÖ and inviting their friends on stage to dance along with them. A brilliant set by an awesome up-and-coming young band.

Goat Girl

Goat Girl delivered a moody performance late at night in Clwb Ifor Bach. They performed songs for their self-titled debut, released earlier this year. There was little interaction with the crowd from the band, yet they still managed to deliver an engaging performance. Towards the end of their set they played ÔÇÿThe ManÔÇÖ, during which a small mosh of dedicated fans opened up, which didnÔÇÖt really close until the end of the performance. Goat GirlÔÇÖs energy seemed to feed off this rise in energy, with their performance ending better than it started.