FM4 Frequency Festival 2007 - Salzburg-Ring, Austria - 15th-17th August 2007

It seems that in the UK, from May through to September, at least three festivals happen somewhere in the country every week. While this allows anyone to find a festivals which suit their tastes within their locality, those looking for something a little different should definitely consider going to one of the growing number of festivals in mainland Europe, such as Frequency.

Located in Salzburg-Ring, Salzburg’s racecourse, surrounded by the mountains of Austria, the setting in itself promised that Frequency would be something different from your average festival. The central location attracted festival-goers from all over Europe. Although the majority of those attending were young people, the diverse line-up ensured that there was something for all ages and tastes, as did the range of on-site activities, ranging from bungee jumping to a chill-out area with hammocks.

At a glance, the line-up of acts performing at Frequency appeared extremely eclectic, with rock, dance and everything in between. However, despite the range of genres, all acts succeeded in creating a fantastic atmosphere, ensuring that everyone had a good time.

As is very often the way with larger festivals, it is impossible to see every act on stage, but I was lucky enough to see a wide variety of bands, all of which performed spectacularly.

Aside from the idyllic location, what set Frequency apart from the majority of British festivals was the diversity of music on offer, with bands from many countries. Many of these such bands seldom play in the UK, so it is well worth a trip abroad to discover what they have to offer. Among the first bands I saw was Vanilla Sky, from Rome, Italy. Although sounding similar to the multitude of British and American pop-punk bands, Vanilla Sky bring something fresh to the genre, with the kind of sound that is instantly catchy and memorable. Their cover of Vanessa Carlton’s ‘A Thousand Miles’ was certainly interesting – it is a song that really shouldn’t suit their energetic pop-punk treatment, but they succeeded in pulling it off spectacularly.

The Ark were another interesting band on the opening day of the festival. Whilst their Euro-Glam-Rock may not be to everyone’s tastes, their eccentricity, energy, and remarkable stage presence make them a band worth seeing. Although not unlike the majority of Scandinavian rock bands, The Ark blow all the clichés out of proportion, seeming to parody the scene, it is clear that The Ark have a firm belief in what they are doing, which makes for an innovative and exciting performance.

Of course there were many more mainstream, internationally known bands playing over the three days, and none of these disappointed. Day two ranged from the little know British band, Ghosts, playing an excellent set that left the crowds wanting more, to Snow Patrol, who now seem to be ubiquitous, with thousands of people knowing every lyric to each song in their set. In between, highlights included German band Fotos, who were extremely popular with their tight set of melodic indie. Although my knowledge of the German language is next to nothing, the band really sounded great, proving that music really can be universal.

Juliette and The Licks played a thoroughly entertaining set. Juliette was obviously born to perform, and she has such an aura that it is impossible to take your eyes off her every move. Unlike the majority of ill-fated actor-come-musician crossovers, Juliette and The Licks really know how to put a great rock tune together, as ‘Hot Kiss’ and ‘Sticky Honey’ exemplify, but the band are really at their best seen live.

M.I.A was something completely different and a refreshing change from the many rock acts performing. M.I.A is like no other artist I have seen, with her broad range of influences and personal experiences; her set was highly eclectic and certainly interesting. Perhaps any deeper message she aims to transmit was lost on the majority of the crowd, but nevertheless, hers was a thoroughly compelling set, complete with elaborate stage set, and ending in scattering half the festival site with glitter.

The third and final day of Frequency was a little more subdued, spirits dampened a little by the weather. Of course, fields of mud are hardly an unusual experience at any festival, but after trampling through a campsite knee-deep in mud, it seemed to take longer for the enthusiasm of the day to build up than it had on the first two days. With that, some acts early in the day perhaps did not get the response they deserved. Electric Soft Parade played early in the day on the Green Stage. In another setting the band would have been better received, as there was no doubt that the new songs they played were strong – perhaps just a little too mellow to draw enthusiasm from a relatively small crowd braving the rain. Their 2002 hit ‘Silent to the Dark’ drew the best response – it was surprising how many people were singing along given that I doubt the Brighton-based band have often played to an Austrian crowd.

The Locos were an eccentric and amusing band, who undoubtedly lifted spirits. They obviously don’t take themselves particularly seriously, and it is difficult to imagine how their sound would translate on CD, but as a live act they were entertaining, and a change from the majority of bands who so often seem to forget that one of the most essential aspects of music is to have fun, and ensure all those watching do too.

I’ve personally never really liked Fall Out Boy, simply because their kind of stylised emo-pop doesn’t really appeal to me, but after seeing them live, my opinion was totally changed. Their set was pretty much perfect from start to finish – perhaps even too polished – and there is no doubt that the band are talented musicians and accomplished performers, striking all the right rock’n’roll poses in all the right places. They really seem to know their audience and what they want from a live act, playing a relatively short but exuberant and dynamic set, leaving the audience wanting more.

Alongside Fall Out Boy, other major bands playing the festival included Nine Inch Nails and Kaiser Chiefs, with many slightly lesser known bands in between. It is impossible to describe every band’s set in great detail, but the cumulative effect of so many fantastically diverse acts made for an excellent three days of entertainment and Frequency Festival a resounding success. For those that want something a little different than watching the same old bands at British festivals, Frequency offers just that.


Review by Ellie Harvey


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