Les Ardentes Festival (Belgium): Epic Stretches
I was on a quest and I got there around 5pm: Jason Pierce has plugged in again, and Spiritualized came on in a loud way: the opener 'You Lie You Cheat' is like a wave crashing, 'Shine A Light' is like angels soaring, and 'Sweet Talk' is like your mother swaddling you in comforting blankets. John Coxon isn't playing on this tour, but Doggen and Jason's guitars blazed around each other perfectly, and the rhythm section is at its peak, most notably during 'Sweet Talk'. Two gospel singers added sweet texture, especially to 'Sitting On Fire' and 'Come Together', and the closer, Spacemen 3's 'Take Me To The Other Side', was Immense. Capital I. 50 minutes was not long enough to comprehend what was hitting me, and when it was over, I walked dazedly through the mud. Until I realized I was late for the Kills, that is. Thus I ran clumsily to the other stage. Earlier in the week, I checked out the art exhibition It's Not Only Rock N Roll, Baby! at The Centre For Fine Arts in Brussels. The Kills participated in the exhibit, their work underlining the fact that they are also a compelling band visually. Watching VV & Hotel's chemistry, as they joined & parted in the middle of the stage, the time kept by the tick tick of the drum machine, it's impossible not to dance & let their intensity fill your head. The huge crowd they attracted was obviously intoxicated by their set, a major highlight of this sprawling and diverse festival.
MP3: The Kills - Live On WOXY
Labels: concert review, guest blogger, les ardentes festival
2 Comments:
Good review, but..
Nothing about the pumping set of Dizzee Rascal who surprised everybody and showed that hiphop does work at festivals?
Nothing about the chaotic sounds of The Mars Volta, who played a smashing 2 hour set like only they can?
And about the revived Mike Skinner, who obviously bounced back from his problems the last years...?
Anyway, good times, splendid music, lots of mud!
Cheers
I would have LOVED to catch those acts, but I couldn't stay after the kills :( believe me, the entire line-up for the whole festival was amazing and i want to go again!
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