Kent, formally known as The Garden Of England, isn’t known for its new music festivals. This has changed dramatically. Electric Gardens music festival featured some of Britain’s hottest bands spanning across all genres. What should have been a one hour journey slowly lengthened into a two hour journey. Driving aimlessly around the Kent countryside, I was once again confronted by my sense of direction, or lack of it. Eventually after a hot and rather anxious drive down the M2, I arrived at the VIP gates. With eyes peeled for anyone familiar, I gazed at the festival's spectacular surroundings. The luscious greenery and surrounding hills of Mount Ephram proved to be a spectacle in itself. Even though the ‘impressive line-up’ featured some of the hottest acts to date, the event included some of the local unsigned talent. Since the Myspace internet phenomenon that has handed bands like Elegant Bachelors, from Maidstone, an opportunity to publicise themselves on a global scale, Electric Gardens has promoted the idea by creating a stage sponsored by the website. Myspace
 | | Elegant Bachelors |
One lucky unsigned three piece from Maidstone, Elegant Bachelors, could be seen among many on the line up for the Myspace New Bands Stage.Ìý Their eclectic sounds seemed to be a change from the usual dance music that was on offer throughout the day. The fusion of rock and electro beats is now becoming a popular sound with bands such as Hot Chip and LCD Soundsystem leading the way. After a few technical hitches, the band were on their way. Even though the crowd were few in numbers to start with, people took notice of their electronic sound pumping out of the tiny white tent. As the set progressed the crowd were starting to enjoy the band's intriguing sound, and dancing commenced. "Thanks to the couple of drunks in the front" said lead singer Robb Gibson, "the crowd got a bit more vibrant". Its always a challenge when a band has to attract the attention of the crowd, but Elegant Bachelors achieved this easily enough. Main event
 | | Armand Van Helden |
There have been a few huge acts to step foot within Kent and Audio Bullies is one of them. Club legend American born Armand Van Helden was also on the bill, which meant the crowd was starting to fill by 7:30 that afternoon. With daylight now fading rapidly, the main stage suddenly came alive as Armand Van Helden briskly walked on stage, following a huge roar from the crowd. The suspense had been lingering for quite a while.
 | | Audio Bullies |
Famed for his hit single MY MY MY, it was clear to see that Armand was a familiar face amongst the crowd.Ìý Even though Armand Van Helden is known globally, the crowd were still there to see the Audio Bullies, who have recently seen much success in the UK. As the two piece walked on stage, the crowd erupted with excitement. The Atmosphere was electric, and everyone seemed to be in a dancing mood. The night finished with Audio Bullies bowing out in fine style. After the set everyone seemed to be in great spirits and eager to see what the next day would bring. | 
