Parklife Day 2, Manchester 9th June 2013 6.5/10

Parklife's new location at Heaton Park to the north of the city is a vast improvement on the previous Platt Fields, and in glorious sunshine created a joyous atmosphere. It has the makings of a great festival, yet I hope in future they'll broaden the lineup.

Johnny Marr 8/10
In the absence of Savages, who pulled out at the last minute, my highlight of Day 2 was Johnny Marr. He received a hero's welcome in the Now Wave tent, and the audience engagement was memorable. The most rapturous reception understandably greeted his Smiths back catalogue; much fun was had.

Everything Everything 7.5/10
Another Manchester band came after Johnny Marr; a difficult act to follow, the set excited more intermittently. The intricate songs from Arc were immaculately delivered, with elements of math rock and electronica. Ultimately I was more impressed than moved, yet if the music engages you more than it does me, there was little to criticise here in their execution.

Liars 7/10
There was an almost punk energy in the New York band's electronica, yet the downbeat, eerie tone of WIXIW felt a little incongruous amongst the party atmosphere of a summer festival. Their intensity cannot be faulted, and their minimalism proved haunting, even if I wished for a more exultant kind of escape.

Toy 7/10
Rising band Toy gave some substance to the Now Wave arena's tag 'Sounds of the Near Future'. Their stage craft is less developed than a veteran like Johnny Marr's, with an appearance of disengagement. The Londoners have attracted advocacy from The Horrors (by whom they were followed on stage), and to my taste their  psychedelic sound has greater nuance.

New York Brass Band
This impromptu  outdoor performance next to the Big Top dance stage demonstrates the organiser's recognition that the smaller details, beyond the headliners on the main stage, are key to the festival experience.

Heaton Park