Rockaway Beach proves to be a fine musical buffet against all the odds

Rockaway Beach is the only one of these occasions with an all-you-can-eat buffet included (and some bands playing, too), so is clearly the best of three. With that in mind, we returned to the home of the year's first festival to check live music was still going, spot a few seagulls, and see if we could finally hit it big on arcade machines.

Arriving as one of the first bands of the weekend, Grandmas House are a shot of adrenaline. Spiky, gripping and raw, their set is an uncompromising call to arms, from early cut ‘Devil’s Advocate’ all the way through to scorching new material from their latest self-titled EP. They practically grab the lapels of early-bird festival-goers, each cut a step-up in pace and intensity. Scuzzy, fuzzy and immediately setting the tone, it’s an eye-opening confirmation that Grandmas House are a must-see force for the year ahead.

Simply being at Rockaway Beach this year feels like an achievement in itself. With acts understandably having to pull out just before the festival (due to factors relating to ‘you-know-what’ for the most part), some true magic is at hand to bring in replacements at the last minute.

One such Dork favourite to answer the call is Do Nothing, stepping in for Working Men’s Club’s planned late-night set on Friday night with the sort of accomplished and commanding set that leaves a mark for the rest of the weekend. The fact it comes at short notice makes it even more impressive, clicking play on a post-punk disco full of luscious grooves and visceral intensity. From swooning opener ‘Uber Alles’ through electric swings of ‘Glueland’, ‘Contraband’ and ‘Rolex’ - Do Nothing’s ability to take on any stage with ease and turn it into a wide-eyed party are on full display.

Picking across an already ridiculous catalogue of hits (‘LeBron James’, ‘Handshakes’ and ‘Gangs’ the sort of trio that most bands would do anything to have in their back pocket), Do Nothing seize the momen to prove themselves as one of the most exciting bands around, last minute call or not.