Where does the time go? It seems like only twelve months ago that we were hanging out in Stradbally Estate, catching the multitude of sights and sounds that Electric Picnic had to offer. Well, that time is almost on us again and if you’re lucky enough to be making the trip to this year’s hooley and don’t know where to begin with the eclectic line-up, we’ve gathered a few acts that we reckon might be worth your time…
The Altered Hours
This Cork five-piece are bona fide gig junkies, and they’ve honed their live show to a lean, volatile sonic assault. Theirs is a soundscape of swirling psychedelia and garage-flavoured drones, augmented by the dual vocals that move from primal howls to deep intonations. The band released their Sweet Jelly Roll single on Anton Newcombe’s A Records label this year, a hypnotic, swathed slice of ethereal shoegaze-y magic. Get yourselves on over to Body & Soul to catch one of the best live bands around.
Warpaint
As one of the finest Indie acts going, these guys are a must-see for the weekend of music. Californian musicians Warpaint are merchants of some of the most sultry, sexy and wonderful indie rock music on offer today, and their live shows are a wonderful testament to this. They’re definitely well up there on our list of must-see acts this year.
King Kong Company
Here’s some feet-moving, body and soul enlivening music from Waterford. The quintet have a simple descriptive line – “King Kong Company make music to destroy dancefloors” They did just that at this year’s Indiependence with their disco-inflected tunes incorporating drums, bass, guitars, brass and samples. We’ll be somewhere within dancing range of this one.
Mick Flannery
Who doesn’t have a soft spot for this man? He’s not Ireland’s finest showman, but he doesn’t need to be. Flannery’s music speaks for itself. Between the folky-style tunes, and the jazzier numbers, any live show from this man is sure to impress. Bringing his acoustic stylings to EP on the Sunday of the weekend, he’s worth a look in for any hungover punter looking for a relaxed end-of-weekend gig.
Blind Yackety
We caught Blind Yackety recently at the Knockanstockan afterparty and well…let’s just say we were glad we decided to stop in to Sweeney’s on a whim. They fill a stage nicely – there’s a few bodies milling around up there, wielding guitars, percussion, horns, clarinet, flute and a healthy dose of eccentric arrangement. The songs offer a unique blend of Eastern-tinged, folky, psychedelic, jazzy pop…ah here, just go see them, seriously.
Halves
Off the back of the release of their wonderful new album ‘Boa Howl’, Halves are quickly becoming one of Ireland’s best upcoming acts. The Dublin band based themselves around a series of their biggest inspirations, between musicians and composers; from this developed Halves, in music, artwork and appearance. Appearing on the Saturday of the Picnic, they’re well worth a shout over the course of the weekend
The Viking Project
Hailing from Dublin, this bluesy as folk band specialise in solid, honest to goodness tuneage that brings in country, rock and soul influences as well as that folking blues. They caught our attention at Castlepalooza last year and their recent Knockanstockan gig went down a treat.
Le Galaxie
Le Galaxie are certainly one of Ireland’s most popular festival acts. With their intensely upbeat and dancey live shows, this is the perfect band to head to if you’re up for a bit of a boogey and a few cracking tunes. They’ll be appearing in the Body & Soul section over the course of the weekend. Bring your glow sticks.
Cathy Davey
No stranger to Electric Picnic, Cathy Davey returns this year to play the Salty Dog Stage. With her rich catalogue of material, as well as her wonderfully enticing live shows, she’s one of our top choices for an easy-going set over the course of the weekend.
Myles Manley
Myles Manley and his band set the afternoon off nicely at Castlepalooza this year, so we’ll be looking forward to catching the quartet on a bigger stage this time around. Manley certainly has a distinctive vocal , well served by the propulsion of the players behind him, and his bittersweet vignettes should no doubt pull in a few inquisitive ears.