#it's always happened but the last year or so feels like an endless conga line of apps and websites

[angsttronaut]

honestly, why the fuck is microsoft getting rid of the mail app, and why are they already forcing me to move to outlook

[findasongblog]

Rock Im Park & Lollapalooza Paris - The Bands*

Review by Mig-El

*check back here tomorrow for a comparison of the two festivals (site, transport, etc.)

The festival season is practically over. This year, I visited two major festivals: Lollapalooza Paris and Rock Im Park. I attended both days of Lollapalooza but only one of the three days of Rock Im Park just to see my favourite bands. So here are, in my personal opinion of course, the best acts I got to see this summer. Rock Im Park has a lot of heavier rock bands and Lollapalooza pop and electronic artists, which are not featured in this post.

Snow Patrol (Rock Im Park)

Anyone that knows me would roll their eyes, but yes, I am starting with my favourite band. After 5 years, Snow Patrol is finally back on stages. This was probably the best sounding show I have attended so far. Still playing it safe with their most popular songs like Run, Chasing Cars and many more off Eyes Open but introducing some of their new songs like Don’t Give In and Empress which are sounding pretty good live. For now, their show is very simple, with only the artwork of their new album Wildness as their background. Frontman Gary Lightbody went off stage to give a hug to a fan who was requesting it on a sign. Apparently, the security staff liked them so much that they danced back and forth along the barrier in a conga line. I never saw something like that happening.

The Killers (Lollapalooza Paris)

My favourite act of the festival. They played on one of the two Main Stages which are basically next to each other and since the previous band on the other stage was still playing when they were supposed to start, The Killers came out and played Mr. Brightside in an amp vs amp battle that they could not lose. Everyone was astonished by that. I wonder how the other band and their crowd took it. With only two songs off their latest album, The Killers played a set with all their hits which pleased everybody. Brandon Flowers is super charismatic and he really takes care of his crowd. They invited a guy to come up and play drums during For Reasons Unknown. By the end, as originally planned, they finished with Mr. Brightside, the first half being a remix version. So we were very lucky to listen to it twice and in different versions.

 Muse (Rock Im Park)

I couldn’t miss the chance to see my other favourite band playing so close from home. And this was one of their very few European concerts of the year. Their recent shows don’t focus on any album in particular. They are shorter sets than usual with their two new songs (which I don’t like at all), their greatest hits and a couple rare songs like Take A Bow and Unsustainable. It feels less epic but more natural since they have no “choreography” to follow. One of the best live acts ever. The love for the band made it overall a better experience with everyone united for one and a half hour of jumping, screaming and singing. Sadly for old fans of Muse, the new direction of their music might change things a lot in coming years.

Kasabian (Lollapalooza Paris)

These brits played a crazy show at the Main Stage 1 before Depeche Mode that made it look like the place was on fire. That band knows how to lead a proper rock concert. I really recommend seeing them live. No big show, just pure rocking. Just be careful if you are not the mosh pit kind of person.

Kaleo (Rock Im Park & Lollapalooza Paris)

This band from Iceland is one of my favourite discoveries from last year and their sound live is as good as it can get. I saw their impeccable performance twice. Their lead singer has an unbelievably powerful voice (and a huge wardrobe apparently), all of them are great musicians and have a wonderful clean sound. These guys are the proof that rock & roll is not dead. They try to keep their set quite upbeat, which is a good idea and they totally pull it off. See them live if you can and listen to their album A/B. They have a song in Icelandic which is simply beautiful.

Nothing But Thieves (Lollapalooza Paris)

Another of my favourite bands of the past few years. Due to technical problems they came out very late so their show was shortened. I could notice them having some new gear, which might be the reason for their sound being better than on previous concerts. They are also playing more around with songs, which shows their growing confidence. They managed to gather a very big crowd considering they played the small stage. These kids will be big. Trust me.

Depeche Mode (Lollapalooza Paris)

I am not a big fan of Depeche Mode so I waited until I could see them at a festival. It’s cheaper, shorter and easier. They have just finished touring their album Spirit. Personally, I was expecting more of their concert. The 70s/80s vibe is impossible to miss. From Dave Gahan’s (lead singer) endless dance to the equalisation of the music, and the style of playing of the musicians. I hope that is because that is who they are and want to be, and not because that is what they think will please their audience, but I am not really into those older styles (no offense). My personal favourites Precious and A Pain That I’m Used To were both played in more electronic versions, which disappointed me very much. The classics Personal Jesus and I Just Can’t Get Enough were enjoyable, but the one that really stood out by far was Enjoy The Silence. Definitely the climax of the show. The festival set consisted only of high quality video clips and simple animations on the background screen. Nothing too big for the almost 40 year old band. If you like the old school Depeche Mode, you will certainly enjoy it but if you are more into the 2000s style of their Playing the Angel, you might be disappointed.

Gorillaz (Lollapalooza Paris)

Another act I wanted to get to see live once, as I have heard good things about their show and it’s a band that doesn’t tour too often. I don’t really like the last couple of records they have released, with more pop and electronic influence. The old songs were quite enjoyable though. It is very interesting to see all the different styles of music, the musicians and the virtual band. All revolving around Damon Albarn. It was a great surprise to see Noel Gallagher joining the band for the last song We Got The Power.

 Catfish And The Bottlemen (Lollapalooza Paris)

On an earlier slot at the Main Stage 2 the Bottlemen were fun as always. They haven’t released anything new in two years so they are still playing pretty much the same set as in past years, with an even longer version of Tyrant to finish with a jam that they seem to enjoy more than anyone. Another very good band with simple but quality rock British style.

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds (Lollapalooza Paris)

First time seeing Noel live willingly. This time around I have enjoyed it since it’s been very slowly growing on me. His new album has some good songs. Particularly the opening track Fort Knox is very powerful, almost instrumental, with a girl doing some incredible vocals. Noel is serious as always but he and his band deliver a very good performance. Wonderwall is always nice to listen to from him.

Special mentions

I saw some good bands playing from the distance whilst waiting for my favourites on another stage: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Bastille, Tom Walker and Stereophonics. Not a big fan of any of them but they all did sound good. I particularly enjoyed Stereophonics, I have known their music for a while but it definitely caught me by surprise how much better they sound live. The difference is big.