Festahwid 2 Album Review

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Wednesday 21 Jun 2006 (Michael Bugeja - The Malta Independent)

After six editions of the notorious festival of the same name, Reciprocal Records recently released a second volume of the infamous Festahwid Compilation. Featuring 18 cuts culled from various editions of the shambolic but entertaining gathering, the new release is as verbally ‘colourful’ and explicitly freewheeling as can be expected of an ‘in-yer-face’ punk festival. Brandishing the DIY ethic to the hilt, the featured bands don’t actually waste much time in being picky about sound. Instead, they prefer to shift their unbridled energy towards the prime(val) aim of giving everyone present who is up for it a weekend of fun, fun and more fun!

One of the more prominent features here, as with the first volume, is the significant presence of songs sung in our native tongue. It is a trend that has grown from strength to strength in recent years, even going as far as prompting the emergence of spoken word artists such as the remarkable (and undeniably unique!) Vixaw and the inspiring yet comical Delli Wah Du. The track-listing includes cuts from established names such as BNI, Dripht and The I-Skandal, with grating contributions from the likes of Pupi Tal-Loghob, The Vegetables, The Alazobombz, Riotous Future, Oddonesout and Malta’s newest rising stars, the mighty Xtruppaw! Apart from the collective singalong interludes on offer here, Woody’s coarsely spontaneous performance of the event’s unofficial anthem captures the mood perfectly! Recommended for those who still hold the spirit of punk dear to their heart!

Reciprocal Records website