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2 Many DJs, RockNess 2010

Live Reviews

Bizzarely, it’s Donna Summer’s 'I Feel Love' that begins the hit-making marathon.

Since the proverbial granddad of dance Fatboy Slim began RockNess in 2006, 2 Many DJs have become regulars. This is their fourth year, and in a timeslot perfect to get any ailing punters refreshed and ready for the rest of their Saturday night: if anyone can do it, they can, right?

Dressed in matching white suits, the two Belgian brothers are clearly out to impress as they take to the stage. Choosing the Chemical Brothers’ ‘Hey Boy, Hey Girl’ as their opener, they make grabbing a crowd straight into the palm of their hands look like a walk in the park - or a swim in the loch, as the case may be.

The great, deeply subtle thing about this though, is the suspenseful air the duo bring to the first part of their set. The screens on either side of the stage flicker and turn black sporadically as they deliver danceable beats and short pieces of gripping melodies, but nothing much instantly recognisable. The crowd has to earn the full Radio Soulwax experience: and when they get it, it’s enough to blow Nessie out of the water.

Bizzarely, it’s Donna Summer’s 'I Feel Love' that begins the hit-making marathon and causes many fully grown, slightly muddy men to show how absorbed they are by attempting the high notes. From then on it’s a twisting, turning free for all, and stopping for a breath is impossible because every song seems a better choice than the last. Justice’s ‘Phantom Part 2’ is sped up and even more beat-heavy after the 2 Many DJs treatment. ‘Bicycle’ by Queen is a welcome change from the festival cliché of ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’. Blur’s ‘Song 2’ stands shoulder to shoulder with the likes of ‘Saturday Night Fever’: and the pair’s final crowd-pleaser is nothing short of genius. As the single cover for ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ flashes onto the screen the crowd anticipates a singalong worthy of festival legend- and that is what they get. The pretty white streamers that burst from the stage onto thousands of open arms help a bit, too.

2 Many DJs may be 'famous', but don’t let that fool you - these boys aren’t Peaches Geldof types pressing play on a slapdash iTunes playlist. Not only do they have real skill, there’s also a warmth and sense of humour about them that’s hard to beat. These guys know exactly how to party: or at least, precisely how to get thousands of festivalgoers ready for one. Rating: 8/10