Me, myself and I, chillin’ at MdF, cumps
Another year gone by and here we are, August coming and still the memories of a fully enjoyed weekend at Barcelos, Braga, Portugal. Yes, it’s Milhões de Festa 2013 and its post-depressing nostalgic memories. But enough fussiness, what’s left of the past weekend? Here’s what, in the first of four parts of the festival’s journal.
Vodafone Paredes de Coura 2013 Printable Timetable
Once again and again and again we teamed up with P3 to provide you with the most functional and better looking printable festival timetables. Vodafone Paredes de Coura 2013 takes place exactly two weeks from today (13-17 August) in the idyllic banks of the Taboão river right next to the little town of Paredes de Coura, north of Portugal (near the Northern border with Spain) and this years’ lineup features the likes of Calexico, Belle and Sebastian, The Knife, Alabama Shakes, Echo & the Bunnymen, Justice, Hot Chip, Phosphorescent or Iceage, along with some of the finest Portuguese acts from the last couple of years: Black Bombaim, Noiserv, The Glockenwise, Tape Junk or Sensible Soccers. We’ll be around, come and say hi.
If you can read Portuguese, P3 has an entire section on their website devoted to the festival. You should go there.
-DSS
First of all, my apologies to those who were more anxious regarding our review on Día de la Música, the event that took place at Matadero Madrid, outdoors, past June 21st and 22nd. It has been a rather busy month. Srsly. And secondly… well I have to admit that there isn’t much to say about it. It wasn’t bad, I had a good time (as in it was fun), although good company always helps in that field (:3). But, with no further delay, here are the highlights of this light and low-cost (this you’ve gotta hand ‘em) urban festival – VERANIEGO!
In the first day there was plenty of people. It was so cheap, and Spaniards have such a huge love for music made-in-Spain. Even when it’s not that good, like awful Lori Meyers (I only heard ‘em slightly, but everybody seemed to enjoy it; even on the queue to take a piss there was this guy who approached a friend of mine and I to be outraged acknowledging our dislike for that act), or when it’s better, like Hola a Todo el Mundo. And then there was one of the most acclaimed indie acts of 2013, Autre Ne Veut, which I wasn’t able to watch as I was having a delicious stake in Madrid on some sort of celebration (not gonna get into details, soz). Oh, and The Horrors was, in a scaring way, quite bad, adding ugly illumination and stuff like that. Had to left before the end, not without ordering an expensive gin and tonic – told you, it was a celebration! Meh…
Fortunately, there was yet to happen a second day saved by, and I’m starting by the very end, Disclosure. I thought I disliked them, by hearing their LP a couple of times, plus that catchy single (RIGHT? AND IT STARTS TO SPREAD?), but c’mon, what a fucking party, gals and guys, geee! 9.0/10, to say the least. Oh, and Darkstar with some beer before those tapas and always very pleasant conversations was cool and gave me a good profile pic for me [sic] fcbk page. Finally, this review wouldn’t be “complete” – will never be without the quotation marks, as I lacked the interest to watch the other unknown or dislikeable names in the line-up – without the amazing performance of Waxahatchee: she was (is) cute, her band played nicely, her songs are sweet, the “““crowd””” (lol, three people) was the best, and then that beautiful cover of “Knocking on Heaven’s Door”…
Sure, I missed Spiritualized, but for that price, it’s pointless to regret going, or to complain about it too much. It was what it was: okay. Let’s wait and see what these guys will do next year. They had already had great acts. I can only wish them luck!
-RC
Before I talk about the bands to see at the last day of Milhões de Festa, let me first introduce you to a cuppa surprises. The first I could have mentioned back then at the premier article of novelties for this edition, but the truth is that the performances will occur during these three bigger days of festival, while they occurred in the first last year. Yes, Redbull City Gang is back, now making the connection between the afternoon concerts and main site ones. I will very quickly give you the names, the locations and the time without any further analysis. I guess you’ll catch them just as surprisingly as me. So, if walking near those locations you’re listening to:
Friday 26th
18:00 – Okkur (at Circulo Católico de Operários de Barcelos)
19:00 – Repressão Caótica (at Campo de S. José)
Saturday 27th
18:00 – Loops (at Xispes Bar)
19:00 – Vila Nazca (at Loja de Ferragens)
Sunday 28th
18:00 – Solar Corona (at Rua da Palha)
19:00 – The Classified (at Largo do Apoio)
This information is also available in our enlightening schedule of the festival, alongside with a map of Barcelos indicating all those places, a Bolachas.org and P3 partnership.
Now the second surprise, while it may be a bummer for those who will be camping, is still great: the pretty people of Coronado collective will launch a warm-up party at Xispes Bar, Wednesday the 24th, a day before the first day of Milhões de Festa! Although now we can’t decide what to call it, if “day zero” or “day minus one”, it is no matter what great news for who is really looking forward to have a great time without the burden of concerts to watch. But as it would be expected, there’re still concerts to watch in this one, as for example our fellas SAUR. Don’t you worry about who’s playing, worry instead how to spend the previous night to the first night of Milhões de Festa.
After this, only to miss talking about the artists performing Sunday. Let’s conclude it then!
Hopefully this will happen again.
Pool Stage
Sequin is probably what was missing during these days at the pool: a feminine voice over a cute electronic pop. So necessary after Saturday’s hangout, a trigger happy mood concert this one. By this point, the following artists to perform at the pool have already played in Milhões. At least Torto’s frontman Jorge Coelho has, and if you’re familiar with his guitar skills you know this one is worth a watch. A scattered avant rock to give a more serious feel to a plenty of party local, this actually works (as past events proved), so stay focused. Another return to the festival and Poll Stage too is Long Way to Alaska. I happened to attend that concrete concert and it was alright, it felt a bit minimal on the instrumentation. Let’s see what awaits us this time, with also some new songs on the bunch, because these guys picked a great Grizzly Bear vibe, less saddening however. Finally, get ready for the return of the Hosts DJ of this Milhões’ edition!If you can’t remember who they were, DJ Lynce, DJ Pedro Beça, DJ Quesadilla and DJ TOFU are the names. Let’s hope they achieve the same or better party as Thursday night (yes, I know it will be a great party a priori), and while in it enjoy your last moments of swimming and diving with the appropriate soundtrack.
Taina Stage
I’m somewhat disappointed that this year the Pool Stage lacks some punk bands (there’s one or another who approaches the genre, but still the number’s short this year). Malcriada could be a great get for the pool, but so it is for Taina. If the pool is too soft to cure your hangover, then fear not for Malcriada to start you a new one. And speaking of bands that are pretty much faithful to a genre per se, WASTE is in for the thrash metal. Really, as straightforward as it gets. What a manly start for Taina today. Until BiarooZ is to perform. Suddenly, here’s an electronica band giving you sampling, digital processing and full textured synths. Not what to expect at Taina. Of course, I don’t think it will be reserved a bad reception for them, it’s not unusual these genre mixings in Milhões – the main stages being an unequivocal example -, but it seems curious still for the most rock ‘n’roll stage. Whatever, they took the big hit and now Evols can comfortably play without the pressure of sounding harder to please the staying crowd. I mean, it’s still rock, but in much more sober terrain. While it might be a “no, thank you, I pass” to some, the common person who listens to a corporate rock should really dig it. But meh, Taina deserved a much more representative band to close its food stalls. But wait if you’re hungry for more.
Main Stages
Milhões can really choose the best bands to perform at the sunset. For this last day it’s The Partisan Seed. A one man show made of electric and acoustic guitars and, surprise surprise, a loop station. However, don’t take it for granted as a sameness act, it sometimes gets astonishingly loud, others carefully introspective. And for a fact, Filipe Mirada, the man behind the alter ego, can sing. Gentlemen, start your engines.
Another alter ego in the house! Alex Zhang Hungtai as Dirty Beaches. This Taiwanese evil Elvis Presley is no unknown to Milhões, having performed a tremendous gig two years ago in possibly the worst stage ever known to the festival, something like an unshaded river beach with some sandstorm emerging. Now given a reliable stage, let’s hope he can top that rage and dismal rock ‘n’roll few witnessed back then.
Okay, it’s becoming a little depressing informing of yet another returning band to Milhões de Festa. But hey, it’s the last of the bunch. Riding Pânico to repeat its thrilling performance and unstoppable rock, and this time supporting their new album “Homem Elefante” – Dirty Beaches also has a new record; I really shouldn’t forget to mention this info. That’s it, go crazy with those dance moves.
Time for a Siesta? Not that kind of afternoon nap, you could have plenty of that at the proper time, because like their motto says, “siesta es la fiesta!” (“Nap is the party!”, roughly and unnecessarily translated). And it really is, if the party occurs in the intergalactic space and the duo was shooting each other for ruling the whole galaxy. Don’t worry, it’s not as geek as it looks, there’s a little tongue in cheek to prog rock. In short, one of the greats of the night.
Orange Goblin? Is it some kind of horrorcore hip hop Tyler, the Creatoresque? Nope, another sludge stoner metal band coming to Milhões. But c’mon, you know these shows are always a riot, right? For Orange Goblin, expect more leading guitar and leading singing. The singer is a natural, his voice timbre is just right and by no means forced (like, you know, much others metal acts). I’m seeing some non-metal fans enjoying this, give it a try indeed.
Not in your head but onstage, Zombie Zombie to follow. After you had a laugh with this light Cranberries joke, I must warn you it’s not that kind of DJ set. What kind? You know! Half crowd on drugs and the other half figuring how to dance accordingly, no. This is much more dance moves wise. Great, by this time of the night all you don’t have to let is linger. Good god, moving on.
Hey, Jibóia next?You lied, he played last year!Well, make it a half-lie,because this time is Jibóia Experience. For those who missed Óscar Silva’s performance last year (guilty as charged), now it’s your opportunity to watch an enhancing act! I wonder who he will be bringing onstage (wink, wink, Equations wink, wink). Just make it rock ‘n’roll, there’s not much Milhões left.
Missing some hip hop in this Milhões, right? No more! Finally with Mykki Blanco. I’m just guessing this crave will favor Mykki, as if you know, the cross-dressing wouldn’t at this point of the night! Yeah, it’s weird. Milhões-weird. Besides that weirdness, don’t focus a lot on that, there’s actually good hip hop to listen. Word, ma niggas.
Just like theelectronics brand, El G is digitally yours. At least this show will turn out a lot more fun than I do. Reggaeton? Check. Cumbia? Check. Techno-stuff? Check. And there are more ingredients to this crazy Buenos Aires recipe, what a closer for the festival they managed this year. Jesus.
And here it is! All you can count this Milhões de Festa, 2013 edition. Unless there’s some cancellation ahead, bah. Whatever, enjoy your Milhões! See you there.
You too, Lil’ Rosie.
Photos by SMF
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bernardo@bolachas.org
Here’s what to see at day two of Milhões de Festa, usually the most crowded of the festival, being Saturday and all. I’m just mentioning this just so you won’t be still confused about our numbers designation. Without further do, here it is, right after you click “Read More”.
Pool Stage
Surya Exp Duo. Now, if you’d have to guess their genre just reading their name, you’d say they’re an experimental rock duo, right? And it isn’t far, just add some cosmic ambient and a few tribal drones and it’s pretty much it. Let’s hope you can find your nirvana as soon as it’s afternoon.And what afternoon will be straight ahead. Cuzo’s next and you can also expect some galactic sound, but wrapped in phased guitars and jiggling drums. The jam is strong in this one, the simplicity and power a trio does. But wait, isn’t a little bit of heaviness missing in the pool? No more! Besta to come. Much to say? Nope, not-even-two-minutes song and a brutal load of violence unleashed. As for the vocals, well, if they’d tell me that’s the devil singing, I would believe it. Best to do the exorcism in waters. Speaking of the devil (and people who canoodles kittens), I can’t even tell you how excited I am for this show of Slimcutz, Supa & J-K, who will represent Monster Jinx in a DJ set. Practically the basis of Portuguese hip(ster) hop, and not that there’s anything wrong with that, I can only be looking forward to jive along those sharped beats and fresh loops while those three boys and girl parley some words. Not a bad day to be at the pool, heh?
Taina Stage
Neither at Taina Stage, right with 10000 Russos. I’ll explain the name of a band from Taina again, it’s becoming sort of a habit – 10000 Russos, while it translates to 10000 Russians (not even a funny name), in Portuguese it works as a pun for Demis Roussos (which is hilarious). And of course, its sound couldn’t be more outlying than “Goodbye My Love, Goodbye”: heavy artillery of drums and guitar, trying to fill the most gaps possible while you figure out to make the most of a journey for all that. A pretty strong reason for postponing the pool. Another reason could be Dreamweapon, providing us guitar feedback for snack, gulping with some safe rock. After this you won’t be hungry for more, trust me. Or maybe trying a little more to the roots menu? Because The Quartet of Woah seems the choice, since the 70s looked cool for some reason. Really, this couldn’t be more traditional: drums, guitar, bass and Hammond. To please a lot of the old and the young. Also, the transition to Perro Peligro should be one of the most effectives of the festival. This instrumental act is all but shabby: focused guitars, jumping, grove on, grove off rhythms, progressive stuff, it’s a rumble. Hope to check those guys if no unforeseen arrives.
Main Stages
Pay attention, you new experiences lovers: HHY & The Macumbas to start really soon. Electronic music combined with tribal percussion, horns and masks? Yeah, it’s a show. Expect to enhance in some ritual to some make-up god, and worship It. Never the sunset went more gazing. And accordingly, with the moonrise comes the metal, in charge of Process of Guilt. Don’t worry, the world won’t end and there’s more Milhões after this slap of doom metal, but feel free to evaporate some demons off yourself.
The next band to perform will be Loosers, and the concept is at least somewhat unique. Keeping post punk in mind, Loosers manage to fulfill their songs with increases and decreases of drums, buzzes and whatever they’ll pick, all this while the bass guitar tasks the quantity of each one. Should be interesting to watch, as much as the next name I had already mentioned in the previous preview, Dam Mantle, this time with a few more elements than a mere DJ set. Probably I’ll make it to both concerts, we’ll see what differences this’ll have in comparison with the pool gig.
Once again the game of “guess what it sounds reading their name”? Because this time you’ll lose, given Egyptian Hip Hop is neither Egyptian nor hip hop. It’s pretty much a influenced 80s pop band from modern Madchester. Their pair of singers also try to play a little charismatic as those bands back in the day, but fail a little. Nevertheless, this promises dancing and yelling girls, and by that we thank you.
Definitely we’re on party mode by this time, and you might better be ready, otherwise this will hit you pow!, right in the kisser – or better spoke in Spanish, ZA! En toda la boca. Very impressive the consistency of this rock beat music for only two Catalans responsible for all the stuff used. Seriously, it’s a rich sonorous fest. Quite a must-see of the night.
Back to the metal, time to Eyehategod. What to say, they’re clearly masters of the sludge, if not the. Besides that, their show always look so intense, the compounded overall of distortion is simply mesmerizing. Let’s hope the late hour won’t retract a few (as what I’m concerned, fucking not).
Whatever, if metal isn’t your awaking medicine, Octa Push will do. Time for the electronic music to take a step and teach us the choreography. I guess their uplifting music and strong bass will do well, but if this really isn’t enough for you, DJ Marfox must kill all resistance with kuduro! Oh my, you can’t say this day won’t be fun. Saturday accomplished, sirs.
And don’t you forget to eat “Panadão do Xispes”
Photos by SMF
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bernardo@bolachas.org