I can’t predict how the future will really turn out but I’d like to make it to at least one music festival this year since I will most likely miss all others. This year is the 10th year anniversary of Iceland Airwaves. I was there previously in 2004.
First acts have been announced:
“First off we have brazilian dance-rockers CSS, who are releasing their second album in the summer following their hugely succesful self titled debut of 2006. Fresh from supporting the The Kills on tour this spring, Those New Puritans (UK), will not disapoint those who like nothing better than to ruin the new Hedi Slimane suit on a dancefloor, and their signed to Domino which has to be our second favourite label here at Airwaves HQ. Our favorite label has to be Moshi Moshi though, and from them we have Florence and the Machine (UK) one of the rockets being prepared for launch from NME missile platform, into the stratosphere of cool’n’hip.
Those usually not on the rocket and dancefloor tip will appreciate the more refined tones of Final Fantasy (CA), or the beautifully melancholic pop of Stars Like Fleas (US). Sophisticated and yet something you can wiggle your tail to; Brooklyn band Dirty Projectors ooze confidence and craftmanship in their live performance.
Never known to ignore out Nordic brethren, Planningtorock (DE), Therese Aune (NO), Familjen (SE) will charm and enchant us with each of their versions of electronically based underground pop.
Some might be thinking; “where are all the guitars?” Fear not, White Lies (UK) might well be the next Interpol. Making the trek over the North-Atlantic from Canada are The Miracle Fortress and the Wolf Parade’s new project The Handsome Furs. The Young Knives (UK) might be one of the young guns of the indie scene according to the UK music press.
Going back to the electronic side off things, we have electro pop kings Junior Boys from Canada, club heroes Simian Mobile Disco. From Australia we have Pnau, who will certainly one the stars of 2008. Blog stars Crystal Castles are another band from Canada who’ll most certainly put on a explosive show as will electro girl duo Robots In Disguise (UK). Looking at these Jerry Bouthier (UK), Boom Box and Kitsune resident dj will have his work cut out, keeping the energy levels at 11.
But as always its probably the icelandic that will steal the show and blow the roofs of the venues.The loveable, lewd and not always so lucid local acts that have been confirmed are GusGus, Skakkamannage, Seabear, Retro Stefson, Dikta, Hjaltalín, Reykjavik, FM Belfast, Sprengjuhöllin, Dr.Spock, Dýrðin, Borko, Steed Lord, Glutus Maximus, Ghostigital. With more acts to be confirmed in the next weeks the 10th Airwaves promises to be the most action-packed and fun festival yet.