MILHÕES STAGE
From all the bands on the lineup,SECRET CHIEFS 3 is, without a shadow of a doubt, my favorite. I’ve seen them twice and both shows were almost completely different; one never knows what to expect. Surf rock? Persian music? Grindcore? All of the above? One of the best live bands on Earth right now.
VIVIAN GIRLS seem to dig Portugal so much that they’re back after playing last year’s Paredes de Coura festival (and a show in Lisbon on early 2011). The cute NY trio will be in Barcelos to make you dance, but try not to sweat, though; that’s Snoop Dogg’s department.
TIGRALA is a trio composed of Norberto Lobo (possibly the best disciple of the legend Carlos Paredes), Guilherme Canhão (half of Lobster and part of Sunflare) and the Mexican Ian Carlo Mendoza. Instrumental, contemplative music opening the day on the big stage.
Man Like Me, Causa Sui and Kafka will also play the main stage.
VICE STAGE
ZU is not a band, it’s a force of nature. These Italians from hell, who worked with the likes of Mike Patton (and released their latest album, “Carboniferous” on his Ipecac) and David Tibet (Current 93) can rock without using a single guitar; the rhythms imposed by those drums, bass and sax will most likely make you sweat (sorry, Snoop).
Is BOB LOG III real? The one-man band from Tucson, Arizona brings the deepest and sharpest American sound to Barcelos. Expect beer being thrown around, ladies sitting on his legs, someone updating the Wiktionary page for the word “Boss” on his smartphone with a picture of this dude.
South Floridan Mike Diaz is MILLIONYOUNG, electro-pop bliss before sundown. “Replicants” will most likely be the hymn of this year’s edition of the fest.
ANTI-POP CONSORTIUM will be representing hip-hop music. Regarded as one of the most inventive acts of the genre, and after some years on hiatus, they’ll be presenting their latest effort, “Fluorescent Black” on the Vice stage.
Also on the Vice stage: Kim Ki O, Matanza, Rodas (DJ set).
L&L STAGE
BIKINI BEACH BAND is the main attraction of the day on the Lovers and Lollypops stage, placed on the banks of the river Cávado. It was announced that they’ll play for three straight hours and I dare anyone not to stay during all the gig. Coolest covers band ever? I’d book them for my wedding.
Also on the Lovers and Lollypops stage: Karma to Burn, Indignu
POOL STAGE
MKRNI is an electronic act from Chile that promises to bring that spicy South American flavor to this small town that they forgot to close down near the Portuguese northern shore. Another mojito, please!
Also on the pool: DJ Fitz, Long Way to Alaska, Mr. Miyagi and Traumático Desmame.
CHUNGWAVE @ XANO’S
I wrote this bio three years ago. It’s still realistic. FOICE HUMANA will play at Bar do Xano at 8pm, after a lecture on the Chungwave movement. Everyone with a sense of humor will be there.
“Foice Humana, the Human Scythe.
Yes.
Hailing from Leça do Balio, Portugal, Mr. Nunes made some of the best tunes of 2007/08 in Portugal. Buraka Som Sistema? Progressive kuduro? Seriously, that’s so 2006. Mosh em Tempo Real (Realtime Mosh) is the shit now.
Inspired by rock shows where no one seemed to have fun and sing along or jump around, “É só meninos” (You’re all kids) turned out to be the main war cry in Porto’s rock nights.” Unfortunately there are no videos of the star of the night, but you can listen to and download his party demo on Last.fm. Oh wait, I found a vid.
More at Bar do Xano: The Festmen and Feia Medroño.
Also, on the SWR Stage: We Are the Damned and EAK.
