MOJO's Great Escape: Day 1

1:33 PM GMT 16/05/2008

Welcome to MOJO’s coverage of The Great Escape!

200 acts, 10,000 people and enough great sounds to sate the most rapacious of musical appetites, this year’s Brighton bonanza kicked off last night in characteristically jovial style, with venues everywhere bursting with festival cheer.

Having almost missed our train, MOJO’s Great Escape began with a lengthy trek through Delegate Registration. A strange and bewildering process, in which forms are lost, webcam photos are taken and voices are consistently raised. We managed to escaped this treacherous place relatively unscathed and, having found our hotel, made our way to The Old Market – MOJO’s venue for the weekend and the best place to be at this year’s festival (yes – we would say that).

As the crowds formed on this, the first night of three, MOJO overheard one particularly well-refreshed attendee holler, “Who’s on first then?”. Step forward Swedish orch-pop maestro Peter Von Poehl. A humble, gallant individual who, with Hammond organ, a variety of brass and vintage guitars in tow, managed to provide the perfect opening to MOJO’s Great Escape 2008.

On then to inimitable folk warriors Tunng, whose panoramic harmonies, chiming acoustics and vast array of headwear sends their assembled fans (and most of the industry) into a frenzy that paves the perfect way for hirsute man of cosmic country, Sam Beam (aka Iron & Wine). Accompanied by a full band, his mellifluous ballads and rustic psyche jams make an already great evening even better.

Remember to stay tuned to MOJO4MUSIC.COM for more updates over the weekend.

In the meantime, check out our exclusive pictures from last night, by clicking HERE!.

Posted by Ross_Bennett at 1:33 PM GMT 16/05/2008