You wouldn't normally utter the words 'eden project' and 'live music' in the same sentence, but for the last week the famous cornish gardens has seen some serious musical talent. From young pop sensation Labrinth to timeless rockers Blink 182, the environmental project has attracted fans from every era and every age.

My friend and I decided to embark on the little trek from my sleepy village in Somerset to (a very hilly) Cornwall. A two and a half hour train ride later and we were taking in the Cornish scenery and dodging the rain (don't you love England?) on a 'teen girl' filled bus on route to the pretty place that has been hosting a series of little festivals.

We were attending the last and, in our opinion, the best line up of the whole event, The Vaccines and Noah and the Whale were on the main stage from 7.30. But it was only half past two when we arrived so we decided we would try and take in as much culture as we could, after wandering for about half an hour we ended up at the cider tent.

There was to be no money on the eden site, instead you pay for as many 'poker chip' tokens as you like for food and drink and if you didn't use them all then you get your money back at the end, nifty idea.

So with our tokens we were able to taste some cold cornish cider, (they're not even known for their cider?) and settle into the afternoon entertainment. With sounds coming from the smaller stage, we didn't realise that we were sat on the bench near the backstage area, cue The Vaccines rocking up and us going as loopy as the teen girls surrounding us.


After our teeny tiny encounter with one of our favourite bands, which resulted in us standing around listening to their sound check (how sad) we decided to look for some food. The cider had hit us.

This was something that let down the whole little festival experience, though they had a lot of food on offer, it wasn't available all day. With a wait on our hands we pulled up a pew on a wicker bench and enjoyed the limited sunshine.

After one or two more ciders we decided to make our way to the main stage area, the teen girls already firmly in place at the front railings we stood a few feet back and waited for The Vaccines to make their appearance. We had some music to keep us occupied though, Palma Violets were the support act and to be completely honest a slight disappointment for me.

I had read up on the band knowing they were going to be at this little festival, and expected good things, but they seemed to have a musical manner you would see from a more established band, often asking the (bewildered) audience to motion things "for us." They have the opportunity to be a good new indie-rock band, they just need to get rid of the Gallagher vibe that they have not yet earned.

Then came the main event and not even the abysmal weather could dampen the spirits of the hardcore Vaccines fans. Noticeably hairier, the band did what they do best. If you ever get the chance to see them live, do it, they are one of the greatest indie bands you will ever witness, and I say that as a critic not a fan.

After a shy and retiring set from them at Isle of Wight last year they played as many festivals as they could and built up their confidence and with that an epic fan base. The 40-minute set was loud and exciting, offering the audience old classics such as Wetsuit (very apt for the weather) and Norgaard along with a few new songs we will be seeing on their second album Come of Age in September such as Teenage Icon and their new single No Hope which is out now.

With a fond farewell it was time for Noah and the Whale, it seemed an anticlimax somehow but not in a bad way. From the exuberant band before them, they took a much calmer approach on stage. I had first seen them at Glastonbury Festival last year and fell in love with them, their manner is sincere and there is something about them that feels almost European? It's hard to believe they are English.

Their set was cute and humble playing their classics such as 5 Years Time and Tonight's the Kind of Night, even though it was disrupted from yet more hard rain downpours and the crowd becoming a little more intoxicated than they had been for The Vaccines. My friend and I had to move away to the 'family corner' of the stage as we had a guy pissng in a cup (we think we attract this strange people) next to us, ready to throw into the crowd.

Noah were onstage for a mere 65 minutes (including encore) so I think it was the general question from everyone, why were they the headliners? Nevertheless, this little festival was a hit wet weather and all, and a great early birthday present for me.

The Vaccines - No Hope

Noah & the Whale - L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N

Normally when I do a wish list for summer it is filled with pretty summer dresses and floral prints, but due to the wet weather (I don't think I've actually seen the sun at all in the last month) this particular wish list has taken a more subdued fashion styling. Although I have purchased an array of pastel jeans (purple, green, pink, you name 'em I've got 'em) I feel a little silly wandering around my home town in such glaring and optimistic clothing.

Saying this, I could not resist the pink pastel beauties shown in the picture from ASOS, teamed with heels or ballet pumps and vest it's a look anyone can pull off. And who cares if you get stared at? We all need a bit of summer optimism right now.

I am a huge lover of jewellery, even though I do not wear it all the time, it is something that I have hanging around for the 'girls night out' or if I just feel like brightening up an outfit. And team a lovely pendant with an animal dangling on the bottom then you are on to a winner in my books, this fish pendant from Topshop is currently in the sale (you can't beat a Topshop sale) and would be a cool accessory on anyone's jewellery stand.

Another love of mine is accessories in my hair, I change my hair A LOT. I've been mouse brown, blonde, jet black, red, light bulb blonde and brunette (which is my current hair colour), and headbands are something that I absolutely love as they easily make your drab run down hair feel lively again. The headband reminds me of a 1950s housewife doing her daily chores or a 1960s free spirited teenager with golden locks flowing behind her as she runs through a field.

I didn't live through either of these era's, can you tell?

Then there's the skater dress, something that I didn't take to straight away but I know see it as a staple in any girls wardrobe. Something you can team with heels and have a causally elegant night out outfit or with leggings and wellies for your festival outfit.

Which bring me on to my last two less optimistic buys, a pair of the most sought after wellies around especially during festival season and a gorgeous knitted jumper from Topshop that I am sure is going to be selling out pretty soon (I tried to get it in my size today with no luck). I have always wanted a pair of Hunter wellies, but at £80 a pair it's not something I can yet justify getting my money's worth from.

Then again, have you seen the weather forecast?

There is a new sound hitting the indie scene and it comes in the form of Daniel Hopewell, Russell Bates, Alex Saunders and George Waite who together are known as The Crookes. Formed in 2008 from Sheffield they boast the sounds of The Smiths and Belle & Sebastian and have a number one fan in the shape of legendary disc jockey, Steve Lamacq after they performed a live session on Radio 1.

Their first album is already firmly tucked under their belt, Chasing after Ghosts was released in March of last year and it showcased some of the greatest british songwriting since Noel and Liam first came about. It is clear from the romantic and often poetic sound the young band had been listening to The Smiths for quite some time before this record was released.

Singer and frontman George Waite charismatically sings sweet lyrics such as "we'll find a better way to spend our time alone" from the single Bloodshot Days. Barely louder than a whisper, he finds a way to reach out to fans even though you can rarely work out their lyrics on some tracks (Laundry Murder, 1922). It is this factor that makes the band more charismatic and compelling, they glide through a song rather than annunciate every single syllable, something they make look effortless.

My very trustworthy music friend told me to give them a listen, and after the second or third time I was hooked, I immediately looked online to see if they were touring at all. They were. Were they playing any time in Southampton? Yes! They were coming to the small city to play a cosy indie rock venue called Lennons, the perfect place for them to showcase their new music for this all important second album.

With the cheap drinks flowing and a great warm up act (Sean McGowan, give him a listen) the stage was ready for the indie four piece. They played a lively and sweaty set much to the pleasure and excitement of one or two 'hardcore' fans who had been waiting eagerly at the front for about half an hour before. The whole way through this gig I found myself thinking that I could have quite easily been listening to their album at home in my room, they were pitch perfect and the happiness they got from performing came across to the audience.

And now they have a new album out and it is as old school and charismatic as the first, but this time the four romantics seem to have found their footing as a strong indie band. Afterglow was the first single from the album and it sets you up for their whole sound, from louder drum hits to the woaahhhhhs and ahhhhhhs in the background, you are listening to an already more experienced band.

The songs leave you humming for hours after you've listened, memorable melodies and complicated lyrics are what make the band unique, they do slip back into the sound that first made the popular though. American Girls offers a 30 second haunting introduction with beautiful words (you never crossed my mind/ I slipped away) that make you stop and give the song your undivided attention.

It is The Cooler King that is the surprise song of the album, with more of a rocky Buddy Holly and Elvis sound, it is not necessarily a song you would associate with the cool indie band, but it works. Waite reaches a whole new level of high notes and with the clapping and whooping prominent in the background from the other band members it takes you back to 1950s rock 'n' roll nostalgia.

This band are already making themselves known on the British indie scene, if only there were more musicians out their doing what The Crookes seem to be doing so easily.

The Crookes - Afterglow

King Charles seems to have been on the music scene for quite some time, and with good reason. His eclectic and somewhat strange musical manner is what makes him far more unique than other 'musicians' we are hearing nowadays.

Whilst many 'heart throbs' out there are wearing chinos and sporting the likeable polo shirt, King Charles is not one for conforming to this modern music fashion show. Normally wearing a pirate-esque blouse with velvet jackets (of which he seems to have a whole array) and tight jeans he would not normally be someone I would find myself listening to.

The dreadlocked lothario's new album, Loveblood was released in early May, and yet it still seems to be on constant play from my iTunes. His wit and charm is able to come across in his music from unseemly high notes to his ludicrous lyrics. A key example would be lines from Polar Bear, a later track on his album, "she's got the hot blood of polar bear, smooth hands of a crocodile." 

Bit different, huh?

I first witnessed King Charles' folksy sound, energetic and disorientating personality when he was touring the UK earlier this year. He created a furore of excitement as he casually walked around the small music venue in Southampton wearing a dashing pink jumper. And when it came to his performance he did not disappoint, this time donning zebra print leggings and yet again another pirate blouse with his dreadlocks carelessly tied back.

His songs were played to make you dance and sing along, you really have no choice, even my friend who rarely goes crazy at gigs was getting into the King Charles spirit. His songs such as Lovelust, Mississippi Isabel and Lady Percy had everyone screaming for more, accompanied by his misfit band he is definitely a favourite of mine now.

He's already toured with Mumford & Sons and is making a name for himself on the festival scene here in the UK and Europe, if you get the chance give him a listen.

My personal favourite: Lady Percy