Castlepalooza 2013

We really are spoiled in Ireland these days. With Knockanstockan hangovers only just starting to let up, it’s already time for Castlepalooza. Another cracking line-up is in store this year for the Tullamore-bound and the ever-helpful Goldenplec has picked its top ten acts to catch this year.

ADULTROCK

Friday 8:15PM, Metro Herald Stage

DJ and Producer Adultrock, AKA Gavin Elsted from Newbridge, will be serving up some techno delights and testing the bass range of the speaker set-up on Friday night. We’re hoping they turn it up loud.

NORMAN JAY

Friday Midnight, Metro Herald Stage

No better man to get the party started on Friday Night. Norman Jay (or Norman Jay MBE to give him his full title), the legendary, genre-defying DJ will be spinning tunes spanning all tastes and decades and every one of them will have you dancing.

DAN CROLL

Saturday 11:15PM, Vodafone Main Stage

This Liverpudlian singer/songwriter has increasingly embraced synths in his song-making, making his appearance near the top of the bill on the main stage a bit more logical than it would first appear. Expect some proper “illuminated smartphones in the air” moments nonetheless.

SLEEP MCEVOX

Saturday 10PM, Metro Herald Stage

Beautiful dirty noise from this Dublin producer will propel you along without you even realising it. Freshly invigorated from his trip around South America, expect hands and feet in the air.

WE CUT CORNERS

Saturday 10:15PM, Vodafone Main Stage

This pair of teachers make light of filling a large stage with their big songs, big melodies and just all-round likeability. Equal parts stomping and fragile, much-lauded new album ‘Think Nothing’ will no doubt be getting an airing.

FOXJAW

Saturday 5:45PM, Vodafone Main Stage

If you like your rock ‘n’ roll raw and dirty, like Mark Lanegan but with more attitude, you should check these guys out. And then take a (baby-wipe) shower afterwards.

SLOWPLACELIKEHOME

Saturday 3:30PM, Vodafone Main Stage

Saturday’s line-up has distinctly electronic slant and among them we find SlowPlaceLikeHome. Donegal’s answer to Royksopp produces lush electronic soundscapes on which he occasionally intervenes with vocals. The perfect soundtrack to your Saturday afternoon.

SUMMERCAMP

Sunday 11PM, Vodafone Main Stage

The missing link between Beach House and Best Coast, Summer Camp are an indie-pop duo from London. Like their aforementioned musical relatives, the name is not a misnomer but an indication of what you can expect – blissed out, synth-laden pop. All we need is the sun to play ball.

DAITHI

Sunday 11PM, Metro Herald Stage

Veterans of Irish music festivals will no doubt be familiar with what Daithi brings to his shows. There’s something mesmerising about a guy with a violin in one hand and a mixer in the other. Touring on the back of his debut album, ‘In Flight’, expect this show to be packed.

WE WERE EVERGREEN

Sunday 1oPM, Vodafone Main Stage

This Paris-born, London-based band will sit perfectly on the bill just below Summer Camp (see above). Jaunty pop tunes with a hint of Parisian folk, it’s good mood music all the way. Phoenix are clearly an influence.