EMMECOSTA
Day 2 and once again we tread on the mud as a result of the heavy rainpour. It is up to EMMACOSTA from Sweden to kick off the day. We can start by saying that they did a marvelous job. A well arranged set with sounds inspired by radiohead and sonic youth. A wonderful vocalist hitting high notes with ease and a dynamic drummer keeping time and blending off beats and great patterns around the kits. A lot of cymbal work and floor tom “pounding” made his presence the foundation of the songwriting. A tipically gorgeous Fender sound for the boys from Gothenburg blending guitars and “fat” bass, proved that they were not phased by the early timeslot and the rain. In the end, everybody showed approval and appreciation by screaming for more. A wonderful day to start day 2….Thank you for the sounds.
KEROUAC
The second act of the day comes from Dublin and represent the most friendly country in our continent: the republic of Ireland. Probably the heaviest band so far. A mix of heavy riffs and tricky drum patterns made this, a very gripping set. At times reminding us of Biffy Clyro they went from solid, intense parts to more quiet sections reading from the book of modern rock songwriting. A Trio with so much full brimming sound deserves admiration and that I’ll give them. A super Tight set with great vocals. Thank you Ireland!
CAFE JAZZ
Ok, let’s dance. As soon as they kicked off I knew we were in for a good time. We danced, we sang along and we watched in amazement the technical skill from each one of the musicians in this band. A 5 piece from Dresden, in the former East Germany that made the international finals after a 2 year try. Last year they placed second and this year they won their national final so here they are, entertaining us with their funky, infectious grooves. Blending saxophone and piano with an extraordinary rhythm section and a super guitarist. They communicated with the audience a lot and the crowd responded with warmth by moving closer to the stage and dancing like people under their spell. A special mention goes to the drummer who was absolutely perfect with his captivating groves. A very engaging set… fun times!
NO COMMENT BAND
The Russian national winners are actually from Belorus. Emergenza went to Belorus for the first time last season and they took top prize. A 5 piece playing pop rock with heart. Wonderful songs sang with passion by a front man who was instrumentless (first one all week-end so far) and so had room to move and entertain the bunch in front of the stage. Competent musicians blended borrowed western sounds with energy and enthusiasm. A first rate show and proof that the world is closing in as far as quality. Spasiba!
COURS TOUJOURS
A band from Canada fronted by a gorgeous woman playing soprano sax? Yes please! Djembe, Acoustic guitar and Acoustic bass made this an interesting and laid back affair. A Delightful vocalist that sang with ardor was leading a band that merged acoustic sounds with a great “feel” They gave us a buzz of folky, happy tunes that were conducted with a smile on their faces…...A dazzling show from Quebec’s best band. Thank you for the music but especially thank you for creating this lovely atmosphere.
RUBY CUBE
Ok, first thing you notice about this band’s set up is not one but two Microkorg analog synthesizers. These teen-agers from Toulouse started the set with sickly sweet tunes in the form of indie/dance straight from the “great british book of sounds”. A confident “togetherness”, unusual from such young musicians, proved that age and experience don’t count when you’re good……you just have it in you and they certainly do. The cool factor is there and they have plenty of time still so that’s quite remarkable considering the “package” is almost finished and ready to be launched on the big time. They have spunk, they are vibrant and they work perfectly on the big stage. France the last few years has had some real gems coming through the Emergenza festival and this is the sign that it’s persistently getting stronger and stronger. A spectacular band.
NICO & VINZ
When you see ten people on stage you know there’s going to be a party and that, we got. A cornucopia of sound and more visual impact on stage than a Broadway production. This group from Olso, Norway closed the day with a set of Hip Hop from the heart citing “love and feeling good”…..these were their main topics that we absorbed like sponges. Basically a perfect way to get people involved with grooves that penetrated in our hearts and guts and hit us in the nuts. They worked the crowd with ease and super professional attitude yet showing confidence and smiles all round. Competent musicians and a three-girl choir topped with two rappers made this one of the most exciting bands we’ve seen all year. Let’s party Norway!!!!
