Stradbally, Co. Laois, Ireland is not a particularly remarkable town. In fact, it is just the sort of sleepy, peaceful town you would expect to find near the Irish midlands. But, for three days every year, music lovers descend in their droves off buses, cars, vans, bikes and any mode possible to witness Electric Picnic, Ireland’s premier music and arts festival, this year celebrating ten years, the tenth picnic if you will. Set in and around woods, the festival is celebrated for its eclectic line up and an unwavering focus on services. CHASSEUR magazine popped along to see what all the fuss was about.
Friday night saw Fatboy Slim, My Bloody Valentine, Miles Kane and Hudson Taylor all take to stage to treat the early arrivals. Giorgio Moroder was due to play but could not make it. Beautiful sunshine welcomed day two and anyone who had went mental the night before had their work cut-out for them to stay perky. Daithi unleashed his explosive mix of fiddle playing and electronic pop early on Saturday, and with the aid of a giant screen displaying visuals, (rumour has it he stole it from Curry’s) he was his usual frenetic self, continuing his growth into a sensational live artist. Manchester duo Hurts, dressed sharply in fine suits, bring their synth pop to fans eager to get a glimpse before they head off on tour in November. A huge banner adorns the stage, blue lighting sets the mood and Theo and Adam reel off songs from their two albums. “She is really coming into her own” Chasseur is told by a fan before Elle Goulding strolls onto the main stage wearing a black and red sports top and shorts. She bangs on a drum, shakes her blond hair and reels off her hits getting Starry Eyed sang back to her by the younger than normal crowd gathered. Her top may say ‘Run home’ but I don’t think anyone is leaving her in a hurry.
As the sun continues to shine outside, inside Little Green Cars are taking to stage in the electric arena. The Dublin folk rock quintet may have scored a number one album, but their live stage presence borders on boring. Their music may be intimate but they seem to struggle to hold people’s attention. Not having any of those problems, with arguably just as intimate music is Dubliner Gavin James. Standing on-stage alone, guitar in hand, Gavin has no problem garnering affection and attention from his fans, proof again of why he scored a number one on the Irish iTunes chart.
Space Dimension Controller in the little big tent could not be more different from preceding acts, mixing electronica, funk and techno with a huge lcd screen and smoke aplenty. If you wanted intimacy, this was not the place for you. With a sci-fi concept album released earlier this year, his set was never going to be mundane and he doesn’t disappoint. Savages appear over on the Cosby stage, the place almost in darkness bar a few spotlights on-stage. Comprised only of girls, dressed mainly in black and with only one album to their name, this post punk outfit are impressive live, definitely a band to keep a fixed eye on.
Bjork either suffers from shyness, is a control freak or is just plain strange as a huge sign asks everyone not to take photos of her concert. She also bans the media, never a popular decision. Still though, whether you love her music or not, the multi million selling queen of eccentricity has enough of a reputation to gain respect. Making a rare live appearance, she appears on-stage preceded by a small choir, wearing what looks like an Alexander McQueen dress and a Philip Tracey hat. Much more petite in person than you expect, her music is as large as her personality. The crowd is a mix of devoted fans and those who have come “just to see what she is like”.
Electronic pop duo Young Wonder keep the Icelandic theme going as lead singer Rachel takes to stage in a quirky head piece and bird-like dress. Spending most of their summer at festivals and working on an upcoming album and collaborations they look delighted to be at EP; and genuinely surprised at the size of the crowd. This Cork two piece have been steadily amassing an army of followers all down to their eccentric character and dreamy music. They are a little ropey in-between songs though, feeling the need to fill the silence with “we are going to play another song now”, their thick Cork accents killing the Scandinavian illusion. It is no matter however, as the fans show their love by screaming “Rachel, Rachel, Rachel!” after practically every song. Keeping To You as the outro song is a clever move as the entire tent dances away to Ian’s synths and Rachel’s undeniably gorgeous voice.
As darkness now fully descends on Stradbally, Two Door Cinema Club light the place up with a stunning visual show which looks like it could be seen across the whole county of Laois. The electro indie pop band thrill everyone here to witness them, proof of why in only three short years their popularity has grown exponentially. The lights dance across everyone as the warm air slowly chills, and anyone waiting for that M&S song didn’t leave disappointed as they throw This Is The Life early into the set, dancing masses is the result. Truly impressive live, headline shots are sure to follow all over the globe and they set the scene for Disclosure to end Saturday night on a high.
Read about Day 3 here ..
Photos | Clive Mulvey © CHASSEUR MAGAZINE