Ben Caplan and the Casual Smokers. photo: Dan Skurok
I began the day at the bar of Rough Trade waiting for Derby's Lucille. Traditional fiftties rock 'n roll came blaring out of the amplifiers when the trio kicked off their set - and they make the genre sound just as raw and exciting as it would've done sixty years ago. Covers of Slim Harpo, B.B. King, and a rendition of Hound Dog filled the gaps between the band's originals, and their well responded calls for dancing gave many a happy beginning to their day.
The queue to get into Spanky Van Dykes could have resulted in disappointment after leaving Rough Trade, but no such bad luck ensued. I made it upstairs just in time to be thoroughly impressed by Ben Caplan and the Casual Smokers. With a voice like a man whose more than just a casual smoker, Mr Caplan's raspy vocals filled the room even if his physical presence was hard to see over the packed crowd. Supported by his talented group of country/gypsy/blues musicians, the band leader's diverse set was captivating, touching on all aspects of the blues genre spectrum.
I had intended to make the short trip up to Rock City next to see if I believed the hype surrounding Rat Boy, but a badly timed detour towards Hockley meant I missed the Essex musician. I instead caught a few impressive songs of American - Tallest Man On Earth sounding - Trevor Sensor at Bodega Bar, before heading up a floor to watch Lewis Del Mar. The New Yorkers put their hands in the middle, flung them in the air and away they went, performing with a confidence acquired from being from such a musically historical city. Tracks Loud(y) and Wave(s) were well received, and eyes were fixed on the charisma of frontman Danny Miller, wielding his acoustic guitar like a conductor's baton. Their music is built around the half electric/half acoustic percussion, and acoustic guitar, which projected itself well on stage, resulting in a barrage of applause when they finished.
Temper Trap. photo: Dan Skurok
Rock City Basement was my next destination to watch indie pop outfit The Rubens, who I had heard so much about in their homeland of Australia. Their hit track Hoops was the standout, with singer and guitarist Sam Margin providing the stage presence and between song banter, whilst also seeming rather pleased at the high number of non-Australian crowd members.
Sea Monster Eyes performed at the relatively young creative arts venue, The Lofthouse, and their sound was an indicator that maybe the owners should stick to art exhibitions. No Nothings - the band that proceeded S.M.E - fell victim to the heavy echo in the room’s acoustics, and when the next band stepped up, their set was lacklustre in performance and sound.
My evening concluded with performances by Temper Trap at Nottingham Trent Uni, and 94 Gunships at Jam Café. The experienced Australian act filled the Student Union, but the view from the balcony was good enough. They are a band still thoroughly enjoying themselves, and still sounding fresh and exciting ten years on from forming. JamCafé veterans 94 Gunships were suited and booted, and did what they do best in front of an audience already high off the festival atmosphere....and probably half cut.
Dot To Dot Festival took place at various venues in Nottingham on Sunday 29 May 2016.
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