Primavera Sound Porto 2024: Review (english Version)

The Primavera Sound Porto festival will once again take place this year in the idyllic Parque da Cidade, a week after its sister festival at the Parc del Forum in Barcelona. While many line-up highlights from Barcelona carry over to Porto, the festival in Portugal remains smaller, more manageable, and better organized. The more intimate setting slows down the pace compared to its Spanish counterpart and retains the cultural aspirations of earlier years, despite increasing commercial pressure.

The first impression of the festival site is similar to the duty-free area of an airport: logos, raffles, and marketing activities dominate. However, the view of the sea and the first cold beers quickly create the right festival atmosphere in this beautiful Atlantic city.

Thursday

Royel Otis – Vodafone Stage Australians Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic kick off the festival with a refreshing set of self-explanatory indie pop. Their music, reminiscent of a mix between The Cure and Alessi Brothers, instantly connects with the indie-minded audience. A perfect start to the day that would be hard to top.

PJ Harvey – Porto Stage I spend the time between Royel Otis and PJ Harvey at the drink stands, which affects my mood. PJ Harvey, known for her dark and obsessive lyrics, delivers a powerful set that, however, does not fit the exuberant festival mood. The quality of her performance remains unquestionable, especially in songs like "Down By The Water" and "To Bring You My Love," which are deep and disturbing, reminiscent of Sonic Youth.

Friday

Máquina – Super Bock Stage The Portuguese band Máquina impresses with hypnotic beats, complex bass lines, and a screeching guitar. Despite the rain and plenty of beer, their psychedelic music unleashes fresh energy and ensures a strong start to the day.

Crumb – Porto Stage Crumb, an American band, surprises on the main stage with a furious set. Their dreamy pop, combined with jazz elements and peculiar dissonances, fascinates the audience. Singer Lila Ramani impresses with her coolness and manages to captivate even Lana Del Rey fans.

This Is The Kit – Plenitude Stage Kate Stables and her band offer pleasant indie folk, which fits wonderfully into the transitional time of the day. Despite the large stage and rain, she manages to captivate the audience with her harmonious sounds.

Lambchop – Super Bock Stage Kurt Wagner delivers an intimate piano performance, which is among the most magical moments of the festival. Classics like "The New Cobweb Summer" and "The Man Who Loved Beer," as well as a cover of "Once In A Lifetime" (Talking Heads), create an almost sacred atmosphere. Wagner proves once again that he is an extraordinary artist and a likable person.

Tropical Fuck Storm – Plenitude Stage The Australian band Tropical Fuck Storm, led by Gareth Liddiard, delivers a powerful performance with their garage rock and a monumental cover of The Stooges' "Ann," delighting guitar fans.

Lana Del Rey – Porto Stage Lana Del Rey's concert is a highlight of the festival but also draws large crowds. Her glamorous staging is reminiscent of a musical, though the intimate atmosphere is often lost. Despite technical problems and a distant performance, her music remains exceptionally beautiful.

Saturday

Pulp – Vodafone Stage Pulp achieves a triumphant comeback, led by the charismatic Jarvis Cocker. The show, marked by hits like "Disco 2000" and "This Is Hardcore," impresses with its melancholy and epic presence. Jarvis Cocker honors the late bassist Steve Mackey with "Weeds," creating an emotional highlight.

The National – Porto Stage The National, a band known for their emotional and intense live performances, impresses once again. Matt Berninger and his band deliver a set that combines personal and political themes, captivating the audience. Despite their melancholy, they manage to connect with the audience and convey the deep emotions of their music.

Conclusion Primavera Sound Porto 2024 showcases the challenges and changes facing modern music festivals. Balancing commercial pressure with cultural aspiration, the diversity of the line-ups, and the quality of performances remain central themes. Despite some cancellations and technical problems, the festival succeeds in creating unforgettable moments and presenting both established artists and emerging talents. The future of festivals lies in adapting to new generations and societal changes while preserving the artistic and cultural value of music."

Please also listen to my live radio show Alan Lomax Recording Trips #7 on July 04, 2024 at 17:00 on 674FM live. There I will also talk about the festival in Porto again, but also give a preview of the best smallest festival in Europe, the Haldern Pop Festival. no time? No problem! At www.mixcloud.com you can listen to the broadcasts and all the others in the series. Just search for Recording Trips by Alan Lomax...