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Text & Photos : Ezra Natalia
| Next up was Editors, another fantastically dramatic U.K. band. The dark indie act led by frontman Tom Smith is about to release their third studio album, In This Light and On This Evening, and are on tour this summer promoting it. Smith is joined by Chris Urbanowicz (lead guitar/synth), Russell Leetch (bass/synth/backing vocals) and Ed Lay (drums). Their new material sounded great, and a lot more electronic than expected, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it went platinum like their other two releases, The Back Room and An End Has A Start. Lots of synth, heavy drums, dirty guitar riffs and a voice that is truly possessed. You can’t keep your eyes off Smith, who sings like he is literally just the messenger not knowing what words will come out of his mouth. He looks surprised and a little pleased at what he ends up singing. He passionately ripped through hits “Blood,” “Munich,” “Bullets” and “All Sparks” to an entranced crowd. The performance was very dramatic, with lots of sweat, lots of emotion and Smith was clearly exhausted after it was all over. Well looking at how he keeps jumping from one instrument to the other, handled three instruments on each songs. Amazing (and he’s performance was goddammit sexy).
Manic Street Preachers were up next and yes, there was a piñata onstage. Weird that not much people know or interested to watch them, maybe because they are pretty much old. They had a decent crowd, but not near as many as the nights before at this hour. But if ya know them thru heart, you definitely will sing along til the end of the show, and I do. Klaxons, another indie rock/new rave band from the U.K., took the Main Stage as the sun was starting to set. Simply, this is just a really cool band. With only one complete album, Myths of the Near Future, they have been kicking ass and winning awards since 2006. The London quartet are about to put out their follow-up album and from what I heard here the material sounds great. They played new songs like “Imaginary Pleasures” and “Silver Forest,” but oldie favorite “Golden Skans” seemed to be the highlight of the show for many.
Headlining Saturday was Placebo, an alternative rock band from the U.K. They’ve been around since the early ’90s, put out six albums, including 2009’s Battle For The Sun, and have gained international recognition along the way. The live band currently consists of singer/guitarist Molko, Stefan Olsdal on bass and new drummer Steve Forrest. The crowd seemed to love them, who wouldn’t – they are legendary (well at least for me). |
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Brian was fucking amazing, they lived up to my expectations and so much more. Have I mention how I love their gig?! It was so worth it, damn!!! You just making my year Placebo.
Sunday, August 16. Maximo Park, I went to the Main Stage to see Maximo Park. The U.K. alt rock group consists of Paul Smith (vocals), Duncan Lloyd (guitar), Archis Tiku (bass), Lukas Wooller (keys) and Tom English (drums). Standing in front of a sparkly gold backdrop, frontman Smith donned a bowler hat and half-tuxedo. Think a happy A Clockwork Orange. He sang with personality and animation, jumped around onstage, and even brought his journal with Hungarian translations so he could communicate with the fans. Songs that really stood out to me were “Girls Who Play Guitars,” “The Kids are Sick Again” and “Books from Boxes.” They are fun!
Looking back, for the people that loved the main acts, this must’ve been the best week of their life. Everyone was happy to be there and I was happy to join them. Can’t wait for the next Festival. |
