The concept of a contemporary music festival with all the accoutrements – such as artisan stands, different stages and so forth – is still relatively new to Malta.

A very praise-worthy initiative that offered local indie outfits exposure to a diverse audience

Earth Garden, which had become a fixture in the summer calendar, was one. Sick Fest, the first edition of which was held recently in Buskett, could very well become another.

What made Sick Fest particularly intriguing is the fact that it focused on Maltese bands and artists from a different perspective to the commercial/pop music that these summer festivals usually offer.

The event brought together nine bands. The mix of ‘experiences’ was a good one. Clandestines, Stalko, Skimmed, Dolls for Idols, Three Stops to China and Errormantics have built a steady following of regulars who invariably follow them from gig to gig. The Man Upstairs, Yews and Stolen Creep are relatively newer arrivals but are also catching up fast.

The open-air location was an excellent choice for a festival. There was ample space for those who want to really get into it at the front of the stage to do so. Those who preferred to take a backseat and enjoy the music in a more mellow fashion were also accommodated.

The festival included two areas – the main stage (bands alternated with DJ sessions) and the modulation area, which offered sets from 10 DJs who are well-known on the electronic and techno scene. Although I didn’t spend much time in this area, I did notice that it was constantly packed – a testament to the huge popularity of the genre in Malta.

One aspect that annoyed me somewhat was the fact that music from the modulation area could be heard from the main stage. I’m sure that this was a distraction not only for the attendees but also for the musicians themselves, in particular those whose style depends a lot on the atmospheric build-up – Yews and Stalko come to mind, as do Stolen Creep to a certain extent. However, this was but a minor irritation.

Speaking of sound, it is very easy to get it wrong at this kind of venue and with so many bands playing. Soundmen Wombat Audio by Emerson Vella and Lincoln Spiteri certainly didn’t and the quality of the audio went a long way towards making up for the spillage of sound from the other area.

With a line-up this vast, it is difficult to give a proper critique of every single band taking part. Regrettably, I missed out on the opening acts – The Man Upstairs and Three Stops to China. Judging by audience comments when I turned up, they offered a great opening to the show.

I arrived to catch the tail-end of Clandestines, who were busy having a great time on stage and infecting the audience with their energy. This is one band that seems to improve with every gig and their verve usually gets everyone moving. They ended their set on a real high with Downer and with a new tracks that is, as yet, unnamed. Maybe next time round it might be an idea to move their slot later on in the evening.

Stalko were up next. A huge change in genre but – as usual – the trio’s near perfect rendition meant that they got the crowd’s attention with the first song. Yews followed, on this occasion accompanied by percussionist Manuel Pulis, who fits beautifully with Yews’ distinctly ethereal sound.

Stolen Creep was the last of the ‘mellower’ bands to go on. I heard them from the bar area upstairs; sound was still good and I could enjoy the music while comfortably seated. This venue does have a lot going for it; an eight-hour plus festival needs good amenities and this had them.

Errormantics brought back a more hard-core vibe. This was my first time hearing the band and I suspect that we’ll be hearing a lot more about this duo in the coming months. Sven Bonnici (guitar and vocals) and Mauro D’Amato (drums) balance each other perfectly, with a sound that’s on the edgy side of rock just to the right degree.

Skimmed was the last band I caught on the night. I have had a soft spot for them since they erupted on the scene some five years ago, and even here they didn’t disappoint. Alexandra Aquilina’s voice gets stronger and more distinctive every time I hear her. But it’s not just her; Daniel Borg (backing vocals and guitar), Christoffer Mercieca (drums) and Federico Cilia (bass) all bring their own ‘something’ and the result is what makes this band one of the top stars on the Maltese circuit.

The event came to an end with Dolls For Idols – I was sorry to miss this set but judging by reports those who stayed didn’t regret it. One thing that all the bands had in common is that they were very evidently having a good time and this translated into their performance. I’m sure that among the factors that inspired this general air of joie de vivre, the smooth organisation played a big part.

I’m pretty sure that this was one of the few festivals were the organisers managed to keep to a strict timeline, which, with the sheer amount of bands playing, was no mean feat. Bravo!

To conclude, this was a very praise-worthy initiative that offered local indie outfits exposure to a diverse audience. Let’s hope this event becomes a regular, maybe even a bigger, one.