Possibly one of the most beautiful yet remote settings for a music festival, but that didn’t stop the hardy Arran festival goers, myself and the Mrs. included, from having a blast, even the weather played ball! If only the same could be said of the ferries from the mainland, carrying musicians and punters alike, which contrived to make it as difficult as possible to get to the Isle of Arran, with fires, groundings and broken gear boxes all featuring to the watery transportation mash up.
But, travel disruptions aside (and they did ease considerably allowing most bands to arrive and perform, although not always in the planned order!), the vibe at the 2024 Isle of Arran Rock & Blues Festival was chilled, friendly and relaxed with some awesome acts, fantastic food stalls and delicious local ales.
Long Road Home took to the stage earlier than planned on the Saturday, due to the re-shuffle following said transport issues. The band were told that they may also be asked to play a second set later in the evening to cover absent artists, alas this was not to be. Due to the earlier starting time, aprox. 1.30pm, there was a smaller than expected crowd in the main hall, but this did not stop the band from pulling out all the stops on the opening song, “Long Road Home”.
The band rocked their way through several tracks from the debut album, “Are We Invisible”, including the title track, “I Lose Again”, What They Call The Blues” and “Perfect Afternoon”. The highlight of the set, for me, was a stand-out performance of the Deep Purple influenced, “Where I Wanna Be”, complete with blistering solos from guitarist Steve Summers, growling Hammond work from Ian Salisbury and all ’round great work from each band member, fab stuff!
One new song made it on to the lsit, “Voodoo Moon”, a real rocker with bluesy overtones and a really catch chorus, if this is the shape (or sound!) of things to come, roll on album number two!
Great set lads, such a shame there were not more bods in the room to appreciate it!
Phil Cooksey