Sam Genders is somewhat an anomaly. He fuses traditional folk music, with a more contemporary rock sound. Picture Oasis meets Fairport Convention and you're on the right lines. Somehow it works. Saturday afternoon at the acoustic stage Genders popped his acoustic stage cherry in style. Apparently that morning his car had broken down on route to the site, and he wouldn't have been appearing at all but for the kindness of strangers. Accompanying himself on guitar and occasionally harmonica Genders gave an assured performance and more than proved his song writing credentials. He possesses and excellent sense of rythmn and his songs play around with their time signature, making them full of interesting surprises. I couldn't help but feel his music lends itself to being performed by a full band. This could be because up until 1999 he was playing in bands, even supporting Gomez whom he shares his Cheltenham routes. He has not completely ruled out working with a band again, so it could be worth watching this space. Sam Genders is currently writing and performing in London. Words by Phil Jones