Leeds Festival, Bramham Park, Day Three

This morning we rise to the anthemic sounds of British Sea Power. With a usual varied, bizarre turn of events the group's show normally involves mad antics, a lot of foliage and occasionally a man dressed as a bear. Today, however watching them on the main stage is a strange concept. With their larger than life tunes, they mainly stick to latest album ‘Do You Like Rock Music?’, ditching old favourites for building rhythms and a flux of feedback. The eccentricity is lost however, leaving you with a hollow feeling instead of gaping awe. The day continues in that vein with Collapsing Cities and Kids In Glass Houses failing to excite - luckily there's a punk band who are about to shake things up.

Wallowing in a sweat induced pit of teenagers the frontman of Fucked Up is being carried through the crowd like the church collection plate on Christmas Day. Within moments he will drop his trousers, yell in youngsters ears and completely whip 'his' band (he certainly runs the show) into shape- and every minute is utterly enthralling. As the remainder of the band stay fixed to the stage playing every chord at a jumped up hyperactive speed, this group may have just claimed band of the weekend.

As far as unexpected events go however, no one could predict the ending of Mystery Jets’ set. Arriving on-stage ten minutes late the band rattle through the hits of their latest album along with 'Diamonds In The Dark' and, despite lead singer Blaine's recent bout in hospital, they seem relaxed. Following 'Two Doors Down', however, the group are told to leave the stage - ten minutes early according to them - resulting in a fist fight between the band and crew as fans bottle the stage for more.

It is at this point we decide to make a dash to the hotly tipped White Lies. Decked all in black and with songtitles like ‘Death', they're the polar opposite of the cheerier Los Campesinos!, who might not play any songs from their upcoming second album but deliver a set full of glee, dancing and very twee antics leaving you with silly grin on your face all day. Then, as Dirty Pretty Things try to claw fans disillusioned with their lacklustre second album with sheer enthusiasm, Seasick Steve becomes the bizarre act of the day with his traditional guitar techniques. With the addition of a drummer, some of his guitar work is lost in the bang and clatter however his unique act as he introduces each song with an anecdote definitely has people enthralled.

The Raconteurs are up next and attempt to bring some old fashioned manners to the festival. Introducing themselves quietly and politely, Brendan Benson remains subdued as Jack White brings his unique improvised solos to the stage. It's great to watch Jack & co. enjoying themselves, however – there’s a clear leap in quality since their first album. Foals, meanwhile, are a band more suited to a small stage, but you know today's set will be one of the more riotous of the weekend. Positioned all facing inward Yannis and co take it in turns to face the audience throughout their set but they, like Mystery Jets, are also a victim of time, with drummer Jack Bevan fighting to play as stage managers drag the band off stage. Justice are up next and while it's a little too early to be in dance mode the pair certainly give it their best shot. Positioned in the middle of a high stack of amps the pair breaks beats, mixing indie tunes of the weekend with their larger hits, culminating in a massive 'We Are Your Friends' dance off.

Then, as Bloc Party play one of their best sets so far, Sheffield's Skeletons play the BBC Introducing stage, leaving their catchy indie pop resonating in our heads for the rest of the night. Finally, Manic Street Preachers deliver one of the highlights of the day with a greatest hits package to die for, however we nip off to the end of Gallows to watch Frank Carter vent his anger on the NME and a selection of amps before throwing his gear into the audience. After all, if Leeds Festival had ended trouble free something wouldn't have been right…

This article can also be found over at The Fly.