Science of Eight Limbs/ EjectorSeat @ Palmerston Park, Southampton

Hidden away on the cultural map, Southampton is now making its mark and this year sees local long-standing DIY promoters EjectorSeat holding their first arts festival. Featuring a range of music from alt-folk to minimal electronic and an even wider range of art, this acts as a showcase and celebration of all things creative on the south coast.

The early afternoon saw a varied array of acts take to the bandstand stage. Baku Bankai made a startling performance, not only with their silver-masked live presence, but also with the droning noisescapes and intense vocals. At times they seemed in battle with a pile-driving drum sound, which surely cements their position as one of the most interesting bands on the local scene today.

The festival organisers’ very own Boadrums-style drumming session briefly turned the whole park into a giant stage, with festival goers encouraged to join in with the professionals. This proved a worthwhile act totally in-keeping with the festival's DIY ethos.
 
Amongst the stage and film tents were also a variety of local artists, crafters and illustrators exhibiting their work and selling their wares to keep us all entertained. Special mention must go to Red Hot Press with their extreme Steam Roller printing press.

As day turned into night the families left and the site took on a more party minded atmosphere, with Venice Ahoy and headliners Science of Eight Limbs providing the perfect mix of agit-pop, noise punk, whilst Haunted Stereo and Drawings gave mellower guitar soundtracks for the last rays of sunlight. 

Staying true to its DIY nature with a decent roster of acts, and providing a great snapshot of the local arts scene EjectorSeat Festival proved that, even in its infancy, it was a surprising oasis in this often musically overlooked city.