As is usual I really enjoyed myself at the LPF. The regular crew who stayed with Jackie and I were brilliant. Despite going for a world record number of Facebook messages in one morning, clewsr and I managed to avoid each other for the second year running
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
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However, for me, this year's event really did seem to be more of a social event than a musical one. The atmosphere was great, I got to meet up with some excellent people, some for the first time, others appear to be regular visitors to Liverpool now. The highlight for me was the Kikagaku Moyo set which was absolutely excellent. I also really enjoyed the sets by Silver Apples, Cavern of Anti-Matter and Flavour Crystals. I was really surprised by Plank who played a very stripped back set as a bass/guitar/drums three-piece without the usual analogue synths. Their new drummer is outstanding.
Low points (which didn't stop me enjoying myself) included the headline acts who were just really, really dull; the rubbish lights/net curtains interface in the Camp for the main late acts (I would have preferred a traditional light show); and the absence of cake and cushions at the Bold Street Coffee setup.
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
On a positive note, the pop-up record shop was a bit rubbish so I am not impoverished now
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
. Actually providing enough PA to play loudly without clipping and remembering to turn it on while the artists are playing would good thing too (Silver Apples played through the monitors without a PA for most of the first tune).
The introduction of drinks tokens seemed to earn universal disapproval, as did the alcohol-free gin and tonics. It seemed that there were far fewer people than last year which made it easier to get around but made for a strange atmosphere. I guess that following on from last year's LPF with its absolutely stellar lineup and brilliant atmosphere would be a challenge for anybody. In some ways the 'Psych Fest' is a victim of its focus on a single genre as there just aren't enough decent bands who haven't played it yet. There was an unwelcome smattering of cod-indie rubbish filling out the lineup
![Mad :x](./images/smilies/icon_mad.gif)
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The most important development was the failure to repeat the great blockage incident of 2015, for which Jackie and I were very grateful.
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)