OK, so it seems it’s Electric Picnic week on the blog, so I thought I would put up some music from bands that are playing the festival this year. We alll know what most of the headline acts are we want to see so this post is going to highlight some of the smaller acts playing. I hope you find something you like and If you’re going, go see the band! Simple.
1. Tilly and the Wall
Foggy Notions Stage Sat- 20:00-20:45
From Omaha, Nebraska, at first glance they appear to be just another indie pop band with infectious melodies and good time music, they are said to be a different prospect live. Known for their energetic fun handclapping shows, their uniqueness is emphasised by foregoing of a drummer for much of their songs and instead relying on the amplified tap dancing of Jamie Williams.
MP3s
Tilly and the Wall – Bad Education
Tilly and the Wall – Nights of the Living Dead
[ Myspace | Official Site ]
2. Archie Bronson Outfit
Foggy Notions Stage – Sat – 14.00-14.30
I haven’t heard too much of this UK band yet but the only song I’ve given a proper listen to is called Cuckoo and is the best blues-tinged laid back rock song I’ve heard in a good while.
Archie Bronson outfit – Cuckoo
[ Myspace | Official Site ]
3. Amadou & Mariam
Main Stage – Sat – 19.00-20.00
These blind Malian singers have already crossed over to the mainstream from their world music perch and have sold 500,000 copies of their album ‘Dimanche � Bamako’ to date. Distinctly African sounding with funky blues rhythms and catchy melodies, the album sounds fresh and is the voice of modern African music. The album is produced by Manu Chao and he has left his mark on this album, even singing on a couple too. Their set is bound to be celebratory and uplifting enough not to miss.
Amadou and Miriam – MBif Balafon
Amadou and Miriam – Senegal Fast Food
[ Myspace | Official Site ]
4. Pendulum
Bodytonic tent – Sun – 14.30-15.30
On Sunday afternoon, you’re going to need something to drag you out of your tent and wake you allowing to stave off the inevitable grogginess of waking up on Monday morning. That’s where Pendulum come in.
The drum and bass outfit from Perth, Australia will be serving up some of the most epic, energetic and over the top beats and breaks you’re ever likely to hear. Top that with piss-taking intros (“..the sonic recreation of the end of the world. “), this is guaranteed to blow the roof off. I blogged about the Pendulum Essential Mix before but it’s an amazing piece of work – 2hrs of non-stop dancing and big silly grins. After witnessing their set in the Music Centre a few months back (I couldn’t walk after), I can’t wait. Will be one of the highlights of my weekend.
Pendulum – Fasten your Seatbelt
[ Myspace | Official Site ]
5. Spank Rock
Bodytonic tent – Fri – 17.00 – 18.00
I have enthused about Spank rock before but a gentle reminder won’t hurt. GO SEE! The group’s debut album ‘YoYoYoYoYo’ is one of the best club hip hop albums I’ve ever heard and has been in constant rotation since I picked up a copy in early July. Anybody that was at Garden Party will know what to expect, dirty lyrics delivered with an awesome flow, electronic / funky / hip hop beats. In many way’s the album reminds me of M.I.A’s explosive ‘Arular’ as it’s club oriented and is almost a pop record. Take Sweet Talk as a case in point. It’s a funky club song until 3 minutes in when a wonderful breakdown led by the group’s affiliate female group Typical Girls drop a sun-kissed pop vocal into the mix. Spank rock will get the party started this Friday.
[ Myspace | Official Site ]
6. Jape
Foggy Notions Stage – Sat – 15.00 – 15.45
Folk – electronica side project from the Redneck Manifesto’s Richie Egan gained a nice bit of publicity recently when Jack White’s other band the Raconteurs played a cover of Floating on their recent tour. Perhaps labelling Jape as a side project is a misnomer being that much of what I’ve heard is equally as good as the Rednecks stuff. I’ll admit to never getting around to seeing Jape live before so i’m looking forward to it. Incidentally, the Rednecks are playing a set at the Big Tree on Saturday night at 1am. After their amazing self-financed show in 1,000 capacity Vicar Street in May, they are throughly recommended.
[ Myspace | Official Site ]
7. Saul Williams
Crawdaddy Stage – Sun – 18.15 – 19.00
Big Tree – Sun – 8:00-8:45pm (Poetry Reading)
One of the most entrancing emcees / poets to come out of New York in the last 10 years with a powerful live show brims with insightful social commentary on topics ranging from the state of hip hop to growing up with black skin to more abstract topics. Complete with potent hip hop beats, on stage he illuminates his audience with so much energy he will blow you away. A must see. This track features former Rage Against the Machine singer Zack de la Rocha.
Saul Williams-Act III Scene 2 (Shakespeare)
[ Myspace | Official Site ]
8. Nathan Fake
Bodytonic Tent – Sat – 15.00-16.00
Nathan Fake (real name!) is a young DJ / producer who specialises in mostly ambient electronica which is at once beautiful and danceable. Comparisons to Boards of Canada are inevitable but the music on his debut ‘Drowning in a Sea of Love’ has many textures. Looking forward to spazzing out to his visuals from his mate Vincent Oliver who has made clips to suit each song.
[ Official Site ]
9. Messiah J and the Expert
Electric Arena – Sat- 13.00 -13.30
Big Tree – Sun – 8:00-8:45pm (Poetry Reading)
Dublin hip hop is far from prolific on the world stage and the exception of some quality beatboxers (White Noise) and reknowned DJs (Tu-Ki, Mek) actual hip hop groups has been fairly static since the days of Scary Eire, but that’s where Messiah J and the Expert come in. 2003’s ‘What’s Confusing You?’ marked them out locally but the boys have been making ground for their latest EP which features C Rayz Walz of Cannibal Ox. Could be an interesting prospect live.
Messiah J and the Expert – When The Bull Gores the Matador featuring C-Rayz Walz
[ Myspace | Official Site ]
As well as the bands featured here there are other bands playing which I’ve blogged about before: Mogwai, Semifinalists, Modeselektor (highly highly recommended), Cut Chemist, Super Furries, and BSS. Roll on the weekend and enjoy the tracks!
Related Tags:
Electric Picnic
Tilly and the Wall
Archie Bronson Outfit
Amadou and Miriam
Pendulum
Spank Rock
Jape
Saul Williams
Messiah J and the Expert
Nathan Fake
