So Off we went on a jolly to Porto for a week. I won’t bore you with our holiday stories although there are some crackers but they are for another time. This was my first festival abroad so I have nothing to compare it to but It was fucking awesome!
No posers, No queing yes folks that’s right no queing for the toilet or the bar, how ridiculous is that! If you lost someone you found them in a minute, everyone was so happy and chilled, no fighting just one big party, god I’m gushing here a bit. Let’s move on to the Music which I guess is the main point here. Here is what we saw and how we rated what we saw.
THE DRUMS
We kicked of our festival with the drums, who were a lot better live than I expected as their songs came across with a bit more punch than they do on record. Plus their front man Jonathan Pierce does lots of crazy dancing which is always a bonus. Biggest Cheers of the night came for their most well known tunes including “Money” and “Let’s go Surfin”.
SUEDE
I’m not ashamed to say I like Suede, I was into all that Britpop when I was a teenager so seeing Suede brought me back to that era, although I seemed to be the only one screaming songs such as “Trash” and “Beautiful Ones” at the top of my voice. One of my Festival highlights I have to say.
THE RAPTURE
It’s 2am we are all quite pissed and we are waiting in the dark for the Rapture. I felt like I was in a state of genuine hysteria while watching this band. The sound was great the crowd going crazy, everyone was well up for it. “How deep is your love” was a definite one of those when you with your mates and everything is just fine moments. One I won’t forget in a hurry.
BLACK LIPS
I must confess I only saw the last 10 minutes of this as we were faffing around and missed most of it. But what I did see was the security guards throwing people of the stage. Can’t really comment much more on this.
NEON INDIAN
On we go to Neon Indian, I only really know one Neon Indian song “Polish Girl” so didn’t know any of their set but it was energetic enough and got the crowd dancing along happily.
THE WALKMEN
This was the one I was looking forward to the most, and they did not disappoint. It was a toss up between The Walkmen and Beach House and The Walkmen won. The whole festival seemed to be going in the opposite direction to us to get to the tent to see Beach House, but we stayed put. Songs like “The Rat” and “In the New Year” made me question why this band aren’t fucking massive. See them at any chance you get.
NUMBERS SHOWCASE
Myself and Karl snuck away from everyone else watching M83 To go see the Numbers showcase. There was only about 20 people in the tent including a suspicious looking man in a white suit. Up first was Redinho, it was a shame the crowd wasn’t larger as he is rather good. Also playing were, Spencer, Deadboy, Oneman and Jackmaster. As M83 finished the crowd grew massively and they got the audience they deserved as we danced till the sun came up, an epic evening.
THE WEEKND
This was another massive highlight as he doesn’t seem to do many live shows. Backed by a full live band he tore through all 3 of his albums with an assured cockiness. And hearing “Glass Table Girls” live with a band is something else I can tell you.
WAVVES
One of my faourite bands were up next. They ripped this place a new arsehole they were that good. Had a moment of wanted to get in the mosh pit but thought against as I may have died. Tunes like “King of the Beach” and “Post Acid” made sure this was a night to remember.
WASHED OUT
A similar vibe here to Neon Indian, Don’t really know that many Washed out tracks but it was rather enjoyable. A tough act to follow after Wavves as they kind of left a gapping whole in the stage.
THE XX
We were quite far away for this at the top of the hill, and I seem to remember there was a lot of hay, don’t ask. Anyway me and my mate Shiv had a grand time dancing around and screaming to songs such as “VCR and “Crystalised”. Apparently they played some new material but I obviously failed to notice this, boo to me.
JOHN TALABOT
Sprinting of to see this guy after The XX, Wasn’t sure what his live set up would be, it was him and another guy. The tent was bursting at the seams, Tunes such as “Destiny” and “So will Be Now” Sounded amazing. He has defiantly made one of the albums of the year without a doubt.
EROL ALKAN
And last but no means least Erol Alkan. A two hour set till 6am of the perfect tunes to end this festival. This part is a bit blurry…..
KINDNESS
On the Sunday the gigs were off site, so we saw kindness at the Hard Club in Porto. This is the 3rd time I have seen them, Karl the 4th, Slight super fans here, and they only have one album! Everytime I see them they get better if that’s even possible. The two backing singers always steal the show with “That’s Alright” They even sang it twice! Absolutely bloody brilliant. GO SEE THEM LIVE AS SOON AS YOU CAN!
