The West…
Oh Boland // 17.30 Friday // Body & Soul: Earthship Stage
To put it plainly, Oh Boland are the best live band in Ireland at the moment. They have been throwing out absolute stompers of shows for years now, earning them a string of high-profile support slots with the likes of Parquet Courts, The Growlers, Speedy Ortiz and Protomartyr. Their latest album, Spilt Milk, is bloody brilliant (new albums coming soon!) but the best way to experience the Tuam boys is by going to one of their shows and getting wild. Below video is a prime example of what to expect at Electric Picnic 2017.
Field Trip // 13.45 Saturday // Body & Soul Mainstage
This is a set I am really looking forward to; Field Trip have been on hiatus for the summer and they’ve been sorely missed! The Galway based indie-poppers write music with a real focus on sonics. The rhythm section is tight and groovy and the melodies are always smooth. I’ve said it before and I’ll said it again; “Graveyard of Ambition” is one of the best songs to ever come out of the West of Ireland. This is essential listening and viewing for the weekend. Read Farren McDonald’s review of Evening’s Over HERE – he puts everything much more eloquently and provocatively than I ever could.
My Fellow Sponges // 17.05 Friday // Salty Dog Stage
My Fellow Sponges are a band in constant evolution. At the start of their four years together they focused more on roots, acoustic and folk music and did that charmingly well. But they have incorporated so much more into their sound recently, especially in their live shows. You can expect to hear electronic influences streaming underneath jazz/ska rythms and theatrical vocal performances. The Sponges always bring a surprise and Electric Picnic’s Salty Dog Stage is the perfect setting for their mad and quirky shows.
New Pope // 16.45 Sunday // Body & Soul: Earthship Stage
The patron saint of music in the West of Ireland; David Boland organises Citóg (a weekly showcase in The Róisín Dubh), is a founding member of Citóg Records and plays a huge role in the music and art section here at An Áit Eile. All that aside, he’s also a fantastic song-writer. Nostalgia and warmth will wash over you as New Pope’s voice soothes your Sunday Electric Picnic hangover and makes you gaze off into the hills surrounding Stradbally Park. Make sure to check out his recent series of music videos with equally warm and fuzzy visuals from a bygone era of North West Ireland
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX4m-r5UM4M
Maria Kelly // 14.15 Sunday // Body & Soul: Earthship Stage // // 17.00 // ArtLot
I first heard Maria Kelly when we (Majestic Bears, that is) were playing a show with her for Westport Radio, probably more than 3 years ago. Her voice gave me goosebumps. Since then she has grown exponentially as a musician and as a songwriter. She moved to Dublin to commit herself to music and it has proved a good move. Her music is emotional, sometimes dark, but beautiful. It is drenched with tense atmosphere but can also be catchy and uplifting thanks to its honesty. She reminds me of early SOAK but more sincere. Her music video for “Stitches” is the perfect example of the tone her sound creates (and she’s not a bad actor either!).
The Rest…
No Monster Club // 19.00 Friday // Trailer Park: Mobile Home Stage // // 16.30 Sunay // Salty Dog Stage
No Monster Club were my highlight of last year’s Electric Picnic. Guaranteed fun!
David Kitt // 21.20 Sunday // Salty Dog Stage
A legend of the Irish music scene; Kitt has been making records of serious quality for years and his latest is no exception. Check out a classic below…
King Kong Company // 15.30 Sunday // Electric Arena
The electronic/dance band are rumoured to be an amazing live experience; they were crowned “Best Irish Live Act” by Pure M. Pop along to their show at Electric Picnic and you might even get your hands on their own alcoholic creation; Buckfast infused beer called Commotion Lotion!
Myles Manley // 19.25 Friday // Salty Dog
Manley makes quirky, funny, honest and, above all else, catchy pop songs.