Horton's halftime iceberg
Blooming Marvellous
Primavera this year definitely had some issues (2 water fountains for 80,000 people wasn't great), but otherwise was a very decent festival, its all in the Parc Del Forum site, so is just one big site. Some of the stages were arranged oddly, mainly that there were two mainstages directly next to each other, which just involved shuffling side to side, but I only saw Charlii XCX, Tame Impala, Fontaines and Pavement on that stage. It was pretty easy to get to the front if you planned well enough. The concrete floor, definitely takes it out of you moshing wise, and I stacked it during Black Midi and it definitely hurts a lot more than grass! Clashes were pretty bad to be honest, there were definitely some intentional ones to split the crowd (Wet Leg and Fontaines being the most annoying one), but that is the same as all festivals (actually Yo La Tengo and Charli XCX was another annoying one). They did have a Primavera in la Ciudad programme midweek, but to be honest that was a bit of a farce, as there were about 3 seperate queues for every event, as you could buy tickets, and people with both weekends got priority. I tried to see Alex Cameron, Ice Age, Beak, Slowdive, Wet Leg, Sinead O'Brien and Jockstrap at these but all were completely futile, luckily all venues were central so just went to a bar when we realised we were nowhere near getting in. One other thing, its illegal to drink on the streets in Barcelona, as I learnt, due to not wanting to drink 4.50 euro 33cl Estrella all day, I decided to drink a 1.15 euro carton of White Wine, only to be fined 50 euros by Spanish Police for drinking in the street (understandably urinating in the street is also 50 euros, but I feel like my friend deserved that).
I actually saw Parquet Courts myself at Brixton Academy last night, supported by Warmduscher who were really good. The new stuff is often a contrast to some of the older stuff, and while I do like the new album, I do think its one of their weaker albums (to be fair Light Up Gold and Wide Awake are albums that I easily describe as 10s). I would have liked to hear Master of My Craft / Borrowed Time personally, but not to worry. Jealous you got What Colour is Blood, we got Black and White off that album, would have loved to have seen them in Chalk, but the flight landed at 8:30, so would have been tight.
That's worth knowing, I imagine the heat can be a bit draining as well, the festival always has a great line up. Shame it was only Dana for Porridge Radio as saw them the other week and the band and album are really strong, she can hold an audience anyway. I really like Warmduscher they are great fun live and make great records. Sounds like that white wine was a very expensive tipple, what do they threaten you with for non payment jail or deportation. Would have been very tight for Parquet Courts as it was an early gig they came on at 8.30 and finished at about 9.50 I think. I really like the new album its s real grower especially when you read whats behind the tracks.
I always find gigs can dry up a bit this time of year as the festivals are in full swing I am tempted by Deliluh at the Hope and Ruin if I am free next week, I have been liking that new album. I got some Resident Instores and looking forward to getting my hands on the new LIFE album and instore (now August sadly). Been really liking the Just Mustard album and must sort out my ticket for them at Patterns latter this year as well. I see St Vincent is playing the De La War with excellent support from the great Big Joanie may have to wait for some pocket money before buying that one as its £32.