King Kong Company
We’ve said it before, we’ve said it plenty, we’ve said it bigger, better, and longer, and we’ll no doubt say it again (probably at 4.30pm on Sunday), so this is going to be concise: King Kong Company are the best live act in the country. This is their fifth Electric Picnic, this around time in its biggest tent…music by hedonists, for hedonists. This will be packed, so get in early. Don’t say you wasn’t warned. JMD
WHERE & WHEN? Sunday – 3.30pm – Electric Arena
WHAT IT WILL SOUND LIKE:
Farah Elle
Farah Elle just keeps getting better and better. Anyone that has seen her band (or solo) performances in the last 12 months will have seen an artist grow and develop with each passing show. This gig will be bitter sweet for Farah Elle as it marks the last performance of her band in it's current guise, with her backing singers moving to pastures new. It's due to be a special and emotional performance from one of Ireland's rising stars. RM
WHERE & WHEN? Jerry Fish Electric Sideshow, Saturday @ 17:00
WHAT IT WILL SOUND LIKE:
Rejjie Snow
With his debut album just around the corner as well as a recently-released mixtape featuring guest appearances from the likes of Joey Bada$$, Rejjie Snow is all set for the big time. Several well-received slots at festivals around Europe’s festivals make this an unmissable show. NS
WHERE & WHEN? Friday @ 18:45 in the Electric Arena
WHAT IT WILL SOUND LIKE:
Oh Boland
If you like your garage rock played with maximum guitar freak-outs and melodic Flying Nun-style hooks then make sure you’re in early doors on Friday, get your tent set up, drink some cans and get down to kick off your weekend with the Tuam trio. JMD
WHERE & WHEN? Friday - 5.30pm – Body & Soul Earthship Stage
WHAT IT WILL SOUND LIKE:
Jafaris
Little by little, this artist (one of our Plec Picks for 2017) is knocking on the door and it's only a matter of time before he makes it in to the big time. It's simply not a question of how long but when? Jafaris is simply one of, if not the outright, leading light in the Irish hip-hop and rap scene. Playing Rankin's Wood early in the day, but the Other Voices appearance is the one to look out for. Don't be surprised if by this time next year, we're talking about an artist signed to one of major labels. Don't miss him! RM
WHERE & WHEN? Saturday - 1.45pm - Rankin's Wood - AND - Saturday - 5.20pm - Other Voices
WHAT IT WILL SOUND LIKE:
Ailbhe Reddy
Ailbhe has recently signed a worldwide publishing deal with London-based boutique publishers BDi and is set for huge things. Reddy’s inter-song banter is second to none on these shores and the tunes are well up there too. NS
WHERE & WHEN? Sunday @ 14:50 on the Other Voices stage.
WHAT IT WILL SOUND LIKE:
Bob Skeleton
Wielding some of the catchiest melodies you’ll hear all weekend Bob Skeleton’s breezy guitars and understated cool. The Galway lads fuse west coast indie influences together with cherry-picked elements of new wave brit pop. FH
WHERE & WHEN? Friday - 5.00PM – Body & Soul Stage
WHAT IT WILL SOUND LIKE:
Almost Ghosts
Indie-electronic trio Almost Ghosts have impressed us at every turn this year. If you like your indie-rock packed with twists and full of surprises - then these guys will not disappoint. For fans of Foals, Two Door Cinema Club and Parcels. RM
WHERE & WHEN? Saturday - 10.00pm - Play The Picnic Stage
WHAT IT WILL SOUND LIKE:
Spudgun
We had the pleasure of catching Spudgun at Castlepalooza last month and it turned out to be one of the most memorable sets of the year. The multi-instrumental hydra moves through grunge, rock, psych, hip-hop, punk, post-rock, pop, prog, jazz and whatever else you can think of, its many members creating a wholly singular noise while their frontman channels Zappa and a host of enigmatic dancers intensify the trance-like state. Absolutely one of our highest recommendations. JMD
WHERE & WHEN? Friday – 10pm – Trailer Park Mobile Home Stage
WHAT IT WILL SOUND LIKE:
Pillow Queens
Angular and crunching riffs ahoy! Pillow Queens pack plenty of hummable choruses and rapid fire tunes that don’t pause for breath. Full to the brim of punk attitude and razor sharp pop sensibilities. FH
WHERE & WHEN? Sunday - 1:50PM - Other Voices
WHAT IT WILL SOUND LIKE:
Wolff
Wexford’s Wolff specialise in a type of hard rocking blues that’s as much inspired by Jon Spencer and Rage Against The Machine as it is by The Black Crowes or Crazy Horse. A high-octane Castlepalooza performance convinced us that these are the lads to check out to blow off the dusty Friday night head come Saturday afternoon. JMD
WHERE & WHEN? Saturday – 2.45pm – Jerry Fish Electric Sideshow
WHAT IT WILL SOUND LIKE:
New Pope
Having masqueraded in a previous existence as part of sadly missed The Depravations , David Boland struck out alone and has lost none of his charm, wit and ability to craft a killer tune under his current moniker of New Pope. FH
WHERE & WHEN? Sunday - 4:45PM Body & Soul Earthship Stage
WHAT IT WILL SOUND LIKE:
Rusangano Family
The Choice Music Prize-winning trio bring their ‘Let the Dead Bury the Dead’ album to Stradbally as they continue to vie for the position as Ireland’s best live act. With new single Tea In A Pot out today, expect to see some more new material make its Electric Picnic debut.
WHERE & WHEN? Saturday @ 18.30 on the Rankin Wood Stage
WHAT IT WILL SOUND LIKE: