So who was lucky enough to bag a Saturday ticket? Or are you going for the Friday only? Shag that, we’re heading along for the whole weekend. How could you miss it?
We sat down and picked out a list of ‘must see’ acts for you guys over the Longitude weekend.
The Academic – (‘Plec Pick 2014’)
Saturday
What to Expect:
We have to kick off with one of our very own ‘Plec Picks 2014’ (see article here). We tipped these fledgling indie chaps to do big things in 2014 and as of yet, they are not letting us down. A string of high profile gigs and supports slots around the country was topped off with the news of the lads signing a international record deal. Not a bad first few months for the Mullingar four-piece.
Set Highlight:
Bear Claws, their first single is the one that stands out amongst a set that seems to change quite often – understandable for a band so young. Perhaps the set highlight will be when you glance around, knowing that you’re witnessing the early makings of one of Ireland’s most promising young bands.
What It Will Sound Like:
Bonobo
Friday
What to Expect:
Bonobo is simply a magician of downtempo producing. We were lucky enough to catch him at Glastonbury where he dominated a huge crowd at the West Holts stage despite losing one half of the speakers at the stage. While his solo DJ stuff can be pretty intense, it’s when Bonobo brings his full-band that he is at the height of his live powers.
Set Highlight:
Kiara (see below). Just imagine that in a field, the sun showering down, beer in hand, everyone off their tits – glorious.
What It Will Sound Like:
Lasertom (Live)
Friday
What to Expect:
Just a few short weeks ago, at Body & Soul, we declared Simon Cullen’s (aka Lasertom) set “Easily one of the finest acts on the Midnight Circus tent all weekend.” You simply don’t want to miss Lasertom in a live setting especially as Longitude and it’s array of electronic music is the perfect fit.
Set Highlight:
The slow build and eventual release of Call.
What It Will Sound Like:
I am The Cosmos
Friday
What to Expect:
What started as a nascent palette of bedroom electronica grew into something much more than an exploratory pursuit. With two people, the music became a living, breathing entity. And this translates perfectly to a live setting somewhat surprisingly. An act who will no doubt be making their way up festival billings in years to come.
Set Highlight:
Look Me in the Eyes
What It Will Sound Like:
Tvvins – (‘Plec Pick 2014’)
Saturday
What to Expect:
Probably one of the most interesting “supergroups” out of Dublin comes in the form of Conor from The Cast of Cheers and Lar of Adebisi Shank fame. Both members bring together immersive robot-rock outfit which tends to have the volume turned way up in a live setting. Catchy hooks and a style standing head and shoulders above many other acts at Longitude. Another GoldenPlec ‘Plec Pick 2014’ (see article here).
Set Highlight:
Two Worlds
What It Will Sound Like:
Bondax
Sunday
What to Expect:
Bondax can either count themselves lucky that they have come out at a time when English electronic-music-producing duo’s seem to be all the rage. Bondax, however, go far in their attempt to cut through the noise. Bondax offer up a more summer/lo-fi vibe than their contemporaries. They also know how to deliver a killer vocal hook during their setlist.
Set Highlight:
Gold
What It Will Sound Like:
Rudimental
Sunday
What to expect:
Rudimental are just killing it right now. Having burst on to the scene with massive singles like Free, Waiting all Night, Not Giving In and Feel the Love. As a live entity, they are a truly spectacular spectacle. A product of that popular school of oh-so-British drum and bass – they are just the perfect festival band. If reports from their recent appearances at festivals are anything to go by, you’ll be sure to see us up the front throwing shapes like good things.
Set highlight:
Waiting all Night -a good shout for best live song at the festival.
What it will sound like:
Conor Oberst
Sunday
What to Expect:
The man responsible for Bright Eyes, Monsters of Folk and whole plethora of legendary acts is taking to the Whelans 25 stages meaning that you’ll get to see one of the best emo/folk musicians around play to a crowd of about 2000 people which will see him pull from a career spanning repertoire as well as his latest solo effort. A must see.
Set Highlight:
Where does one start when there are not only numerous albums to choose from a but a variety of bands. If the set is anything like his solo stint in the National Concert Hall last year then you will be in for a treat of acoustic renditions of his best Bright Eyes work mixed with some Monsters of Folk as well as the Mystic Valley Band. Here’s hoping for some tortured beauty that is easy/lucky/free.
What It Will Sound Like:
Massive Attack
Sunday
What to Expect:
The perfect band to close a festival, and probably one of the most unappreciated headline acts out there. Often described as experimental and trip-hop, Massive Attack are genre defining and are probably the best way to bring yourself down from the weekend, in a good way.
Set Highlight:
Tear Drops (yes, that song from House)
What It Will Sound Like:
James Vincent McMorrow
Sunday
What to Expect:
A combination of falsettos and ethereal tropical sounds plucked straight from his sophomore album Post-Tropical which combines James’ beautifully crafted vocals with a range of influences. Probably the best Irish album out this year, if not internationally and one of the most astounding live sets you will come across in Marley Park.
Set Highlight:
Gold
What It Will Sound Like:
Contributing writers: Ros Madigan & Greg Synnott