Basement Jaxx carnival shakes up Jisan fest

Basement Jaxx were the highlight of the three-day Jisan Valley Rock Festival, which ended Sunday with a rousing performance from Oasis.

The venue is cozier and more pleasant than other Korean rock festivals, with lush mountains surrounding it.

The first main act Friday is Jimmy Eat World. They rip through their biggest songs and attract a healthy crowd for a Friday afternoon.

Fall Out Boy follow, and while singer Patrick Stump performs admirably, it takes desperate attempts by bassist Peter Wentz to get some reaction from the audience.

Saying the only Korean he has learned so far is "bayae" - whatever that means - Wentz tries to lead the crowd in a chant, which falls flat, and in the end his schtick simply jars.



Crying Nut perform with their usual gusto, but see a minor exodus when Starsailor start on the second stage. The Korean punks counter with "Mal Dallija," bringing some running back, but it is a much depleted crowd that saw the end of their set.

With a cover of John Lennon`s "Jealous Guy" thrown in, Starsailor give a strong set. Full of rousing choruses, the band make the whole thing look effortless.

Weezer are last on the main stage, and frontman Rivers Cuomo has an improbable knowledge of Korean. Showing Fall Out Boy how to do it, he thanks the crowd, asks them to sing and congratulates them on their performance.

He doesn`t get it right all the time: "1, 2, 4, 3" he says, counting into "Say it Aint so."

It is Weezer`s first time in Korea and they drift into overkill - Cuomo shows off his "Be the Reds" guitar and leads a rendition of "Pilsung Korea."

The band rattles an encore medley including songs by Blur, Katie Perry and Lady Gaga. But after all their efforts, they end their set 15 minutes early, and the night ends with a whimper, rather than a bang.

Lee Han Choul and the Runrunrun Aways continue the language theme. Lee acknowledges Cuomo`s efforts and he should know - "To all the Spanish people, Grazie," he says, to bemused silence.

It was an easygoing afternoon set, and created a mood the main stage will struggle to shake off for most of the day.

Human Instinct look like they were old 20 years ago and sound like they were old 30 years ago.

"This one is a rock and roll song; you can dance," says drummer and vocalist Maurice Greer.

Nobody does. He appears to forget the name of another song. It doesn`t look good, but nobody really seems bothered.

Delispice perform decidedly better. They might not set the world alight, but they put enough energy into their set to give a bright atmosphere despite the dark clouds above.

The Kim Chang Wan Band follow, charming and whether it`s the classic rock sound or not, for the first time the crowd are on their feet singing along. Whatever Kim is doing, it works.

Reggae band Windy City headline the second stage, bringing with them a host of good vibes. For the first time the subdued atmosphere has lifted.

Basement Jaxx have DJed in Korea before, but Saturday`s set is their first live performance.

It`s a hell of a show, and their five singers make costume changes galore, from bridezilla divas to circus skeletons.

From opener "Good Luck," the duo and their entourage lead a carnival of a performance, only pausing for breath during a slowed down semi-acoustic version of "Romeo."

Heading a line-up that had little in common with them, it is a performance that helps confirm their reputation as one of the best live acts around.

Sunday has Jang Gi Ha and the Faces perhaps wondering why they aren`t further up the bill. Their catchy retro pop songs draw a bigger afternoon crowd than anyone else.

Japanese rock band Asian Kung Fu Generation follow, but struggle to inject much energy into their performance or produce a sound that stands out.

Patti Smith has energy from the get go. This is clearly a woman who enjoys what she does and it rubs off onto the crowd. Her peacenik rants are well received, if strangely directed.

"This is the only weapon we need!" she says, holding up her guitar. She might want to tell the North Koreans that.

Next up, Jet, from Melbourne, Australia, bang out 75 minutes of garage rock with scarcely a word to the crowd. Pushing through a breakneck set, they show the crowd the business end of some straight down the line rock `n` roll.

Sister`s Barbershop top the second stage with a set of bouncy pop songs. It`s hugely popular, but while their music is infectious it`s hard to see what they have on the other acts.

For a pint-in-the-hand, bash-em-out band, Oasis are about as good as it gets, even if the crowd is told it has to sing along at one point.

Liam walks on with the trademark swagger of a man unaware that his hair is sticking up.

Having always been a very take it or leave it band - charm has never been the strong point of the Gallaghers, who put their faith in their rousing choruses. The band play with all the confidence you expect, and provide a solid end to a good debut festival.

(paulkerry@heraldm.com)



By Paul Kerry