Best Concerts of the Year 2016

After our favourite EPs, now it's time to unveil the list of our best concerts of the year! Reaching the the amazing "heights" of the live music seen during 2015 was nearly impossible, but still, the ten gigs selected below are full of unforgettable moments. Great veterans and exciting upcoming bands, several "first times" and a couple of "special situations". Hope you like it!  

10. Desperate Journalist (Minifestival, March 12th)
Too short to rank higher… but what a blast! Giving everything they have from second zero, kicking the gig with ‘Control’ and ‘O’ as starters, taking no prisoners. Heavyweight post-punk, with an unstoppable melodic power and an overwhelming breakthrough, led by the stormy presence of vocalist Jo Bevan. She's an authentic force of nature, able to shock the audience with her frantic performance to disarm you with the introspection of ‘Remainder’ or ‘Wait’ in a matter of seconds. Desperate Journalist are fated for greatness.

Desperate Journalist, the sound and the fury. Photo: Bloodbuzzed

9. PJ Harvey (Primavera Sound Festival, June 4th)
It ranks lower because of the unbearable, extremely annoying, disrespectful behaviour of people. So depressing it makes you think what’s the point of attending festivals or concerts (sorry, I’m not interested in drunk people or posers, just in music). And it’s even more depressing if you consider Polly Jean Harvey is one of the most incredible artists a concertgoer can see live. Goosebumps and wonder, goosebumps and wonder, what a show she put at Heineken! Surrounded by an incredible cast, the amount of mesmerizing moments was just unbeatable. The funereal march introducing 'Chain of Keys'. The otherworldly 'When Under Ether'. Or how 'Down by the Water/To Bring You My Love' became one haunting somber number. PJ is in a league of her own, adding real substance and real attitude to pop.

PJ, stories from the (real) world. Photo: Bloodbuzzed

8. Espíritusanto (BIS Festival, Espai Jove Les Basses, April 9th)
A truly stunning album ‘Algo nos va a pasar’ released by our friends at Discos de Kirlian. An incontestable live show, founded in the power of keyboards as thunderous as the percussion and, of course, in the vocal dialogues between Andrés Federico and Eli Maqueda. A couple of singers able to channel these emotional heartbreaks in overwhelming choruses, such as ‘Poligono Industrial’, ‘Flores de Bach’, or the epic and frenzied ‘Nadar a croll II’ and ‘La distancia sobrante’. Vine (at last in Barcelona), vidi, vinci. Kings of the BIS Festival.

Ready for another striking chorus? Photo: Bloodbuzzed

7. Tindersticks (Guitar Festival, Auditori, April 14th)

It has been a year heavy on “first times” seeing “major bands” (always a relative, personal concept) live. Like Tindersticks, in Barcelona to present LP ‘The waiting room’. What was I expecting from the Nottingham lads? Exactly what they offered at Auditori. That soundtrack for movies-yet-to-be-filmed. That clash between contempt and drama. Tension and space. That perfection in sound. That smoky, drowned nostalgia. And Stuart Staples’ voice. THAT voice. Since the opener ‘Second chance man’ kidnapped by that baritone voice. By the keyboards of David Boulter or the bass lines of Dan McKinna. And by tunes like ‘Sleepy song’, ‘Medicine’, ‘Boobar come back to me’, ‘We are dreamers!’, ‘My oblivion’ (oh my, oh my) or ‘Sometimes it hurts’. That medicine it works inside of you/ In your head/ In your dreams / In your dreams. The medicine we want...

Tindersticks, heartache surgeons. Photo: Bloodbuzzed

6. Robert Forster (La [2] Apolo, January 14h & Primavera Sound Festival, June 4th)

A bit of a trick here, as this is not a gig but two. But we are talking about Mr. Robert Forster so his inclusion on the list was a no-brainer for this blogger. More so considering I had never seen him live before. And despite both experiences were sort of incomplete, together blended majestically, as the maestro deserves. First, at La [2] de Apolo, enjoying his solo, acoustic show, where he proved he is a true showman, goofing himself with his “rock star” poses, asking for a coffee at the bar… while delivering the excellent ‘Songs to play’, with gems like ‘Let me imagine you’ or ‘Love Myself (and I always have)’, along with immortal classics as ‘Head full of steam’, ‘Part company’, ‘Love is a sign’ (hit) or ‘He lives my life’ (sunk). But we missed some of the brilliance of his compositions without the instrumental arrangements or Karen Bauler’s vocals. Luckily, there was a second chance awaiting at CCCB. One with full band, including Karen and her violin. The set was too short to consider it a proper gig, but what a pleasure every single minute it was. 2 for 1 of Robert Forster? Isn’t that the real deal?

With Mr. Foster and Co. heads full of pop. Photo: Bloodbuzzed

5. The New Raemon (Sala Apolo, January 29th)

More than a regular gig due to the format and length, two hours & thirty-three songs revisiting his career to date with a full, impeccable band. And because the special company coming from quite far. The occasion deserved. A chance, courtesy of Ramon Rodríguez, to join him in a trip to the (recent) past to celebrate the present and look into the future. Precisely, the night kicked in with latest "icebreaker trilogy" ‘Una historia real’, ‘Oh, Rompehielos’ and ‘Reina del Amazonas’, setting the festive tone of an event with a tone of remarkable moments. Like combining ‘El Refugio de Superman’ with ‘Estupendamente’. Or ‘La cafetera’ with ‘Sucedáneos’. Or knocking us out with ‘Hundir la flota’, ‘Variables’, ‘Risas enlatadas’ in a row, leaving us emotionally messy but with an ear-to-ear smile on the face. ‘Desencuentros’, ‘Fuera complejos’, ‘El fin del imperio’, ‘Te debo un baile’, guest stars like McEnroe’s Ricardo Lezón’, and, needless to say, the end with ‘Tú, Garfunkel’. Hymns for screwed romantics.

The New Raemon, our favourite icebreaker captain. Photo: Bloodbuzzed

4. The Posies (Sala Razzmatazz, April 21rst) And another first time seeing a loved band. And a very special one, as I had the chance of, together with other media, meeting Ken Stringfellow and Jon Auer in advance of the gig, chatting with them while we were discovering their flamboyant new record ‘Solid States’. An incredibly nice experience (made the right choice wearing my old, highly recognisable R.E.M. t-shirt) thanks to Scanner FM. And a cool way to warm-up and be prepared with what was about to happen at Razz. A relentless power-pop attack for two generous hours, full of electricity and passion, combining stunning new pieces like ‘We R Power’, ‘Squirrel vs Snake’ and ‘Unlikely Places’, their experimental side (check ‘The Plague’), alongside the unstoppable hits like ‘Dream All Day’, ‘Solar Sister’ or ‘Flavor of The Month’. Plus a heartbreaking rendition of Charlie Bell’s ‘I am the Cosmos’. The complete, knock-out Posies experience.

The Posies, making you dream all night. Photo: Bloodbuzzed

3. Minor Victories (Primavera Club Festival, October 22nd)
It was the “big name” of this year’s Primavera Club. And Minor Victories didn’t disappoint. First, thanks to a gigantic Stuart Braithwaite (Mogwai) at the guitar, blowing out our heads and ears to the ones that, like us, were located at the first rows (such a heavenly way to die) making the impossible: that the Rachel Goswell (Slowdive) hooligan in me got hooked by the irrepressible strength of the veteran musician, perfectly seconded by the muscular bass of Justin Lockley (Editors) and the shuddering drums of his brother James. But Rachel, that initially seemed to be on the verge of getting buried within the dense wall of sound of the instrumental trio, still had a lot to say. Like the epic fragility of the colossal ‘Breaking My Light’, the incandescency of ‘Folk Arp’ and ‘Higher Hopes’. And, of course the pop gem that is ‘Scattered Ashes (Song For Richard)’. Almost an hour happily lost in space…

Rachel Goswell, brekaing the lights. Photo: Bloodbuzzed

2. Whitney (Primavera Club, October 23rd)A highly enjoyable album crowned by a perfect tune named ‘No Woman’. It seemed like an easy, reliable bet, but far from being a must-see of the Festival. Until the bubbly Julien Ehrlich started singing with his high-pitched falsetto while commanding the drums and the guitar of Max Kakacek began drawing indelible melodies. And then, the miracle. A band in a state of grace, making every single tune bigger, prettier, fuller, dreamier than the album versions. Like The Band unabashedly embracing soul music —the «good old one»— and only playing at dawn. Vocal harmonies, keyboard, a fundamental trumpet, everything falling in its right place. Romantic without a sugar overdose. Joyful without being silly or part of a beer advertising campaign. Melancholic without selling the drama. The connection with the audience was immediate and the gig offered so many instants to highlight. Like the delicacy of ‘Light Upon the Lake’, the euphoric version of Dylan’s ‘Tonight I’ll Stay With You’, the end of ‘Follow’, the almost danceable ’No Matter Where We Go’. And of course, ‘No Woman’, with a reprise and a trumpet solo that should last forever. We have them back in Barcelona in June, so see you there.

Whitney, light upon the Primavera Club. Photo: Bloodbuzzed 

1. The Chills (Primavera Sound Festival, June 4th)
Who would have guessed I was going to see The Chills live, one of my all-time favourite bands, twice in a three years span? And who would have guessed that the second time, after all the special excitement of the “first time” was gone, it was going to be an even better experience than the gig at the indispensable Indietracks. That’s what happened at Ray-Ban stage. It could be the hour, late afternoon, when Primavera Sound is getting crowded but you can still breath. Or the scenario (the coolest one), specially when the sun starts to come down. Or that this humble fan, impatiently awaiting at the very centre of the first row, knew the lyrics and loved all the tunes of latest LP ‘Silver Bullets’. Or, most probably, because Martin Phillips and Co. just nailed it, making the newest pieces shine alongside with the expected “classics”. An hypnosis session with our eyes (and ears) wide open, with too many moments to treasure: 'Underwater Wasteland', 'America Says Hello', 'Pink Frost' for sure, ‘Heavenly Pop Hit’, where my throat said enough for the rest of the Festival and, in particular, 'Doledrums', as glorious as I ever dreamt of. Best show of the year. Here’s hoping I’ll be able to see them at least a third time soon. Perhaps in a smaller venue for a much longer gig?

Warm, mighty pop waweforms with The Chills. Photo: Bloodbuzzed

Want to check last year's best concerts? Just click here
What about 2014? Click here 
And 2013? Click here
Or 2012? Then check here
And 2011?

Best Concerts of the Year 2015

And the time has arrived. Let's begin our contribution to the best of the year lists' madness! So, ladies and gentleman we are more than happy to start, as we did on previous editions, with our favorite concerts of 2015. And what a top ten! Bands that we have been waiting to see for a long time, new and superb discoveries and much more! Hope you like it!

10. The Mountain Goats (Heliogàbal, Barcelona, November 23rd)

2015 has been a Mountain Goats’ year for us. We finally embraced their music, thanks to ‘Beat the champ’ (look for it among our best records of the year) after flirting with many of their songs for years. We enjoyed John Darnielle’s intriguing and absorbing first novel ‘Wolf in the white van’ and, out of the blue, he came to Barcelona to present his prose and also giving us a short but unforgettable gig in one of the most intimate venues of the city, Heliogàbal. A fascinating storyteller, among the best songwriters in the world, Darnielle is also a breathtaking performer, ready to blow you up with an instant of rage, a vocal tear or a gentle melody in which words and music merge becoming one. ‘There Will Be No Divorce’, ‘Woke Up New’, ‘Up the Wolves’, ‘No Children’… A brief but phenomenal dose of an immense song book. One full of songs that hurt. Songs that cure. Songs that remain with you.

The Mountain Goats - Heliogàbal - Photo: Bloodbuzzed

9. Sufjan Stevens (Auditori Fòrum - CCIB, Barcelona, October 29th)

It could had been the concert of the year, as almost every song of the heartbreaking 'Carrie & Lowell' was disarming live, with 'Death With Dignity', 'Should Have Known Better', 'Drawn to the Blood', 'John My Beloved', 'The Only Thing' shining... a stunning collection of tunes performed brilliantly, with Sufjan showing a fragility in his voice and gestures that added another piece of wonder to the gig and a terrific band leaded by multifaceted Dawn Landes. Vulnerability, naked feelings and honest intimacy for an audience of 3.000 souls. What a miracle. But it could had been the disappointment of 2015 too, as ‘Age of Adz’ tunes also appeared, breaking the unique atmosphere created. There was time still for a third transformation, with an encore devoted to “Sufjan folk classics" ending the gig in a lighter, cheerful way. So, despite not being our perfect setlist, one can't argue. We saw an immaculate performance, and a genuine, polyhedral, indispensable artist.

Sufjan Stevens - Auditori Fòrum - Photo: Bloodbuzzed

Torres - Primavera Sound Festival - Photo: Bloodbuzzed

8. Torres (Primavera Sound Festival, Barcelona, May 31st )
We didn’t stay very late on Saturday at Fòrum, because there was a mandatory gig to watch next day (and you usually are too tired to enjoy much music on Primavera Sound’s final day). Our first time watching Mackenzie Scott's live, finally. And she didn’t disappoint. On the very contrary, she excelled our expectations at BARTS, our only complaint is her performance didn’t last longer (only six tunes), but what an intensity! She left us wide mouthed several times, in complete awestruck while we watched her fighting against the threatening guitar lines, shouting and whispering her wounded lyrics, breaking and letting her voice disarm you. Superb artist.

7. U2 (Palau Sant Jordi, Barcelona, October 5th & 6th)
Being part of a U2 concert today is such a confrontation with the person you are now and who you were today. Tastes evolve and, most luckily, new and exciting bands and sounds occupy your head & heart. Your past heroes are no longer the ones releasing the record of the year. Even more important than that, there’s a sense that dimension & context are also very important too, making it clear, bigger doesn’t mean better. In what regards to music, it might as well be the contrary. But after years and years of dealing with small stages and terrible sounding, many bands that have more courage than talents, you find yourself at Palau Sant Jordi and all your hipster & let’s face it, cynical defences, crumble after hearing a stormy, intimidating rendition of ‘Electric Co.’. It’s just nostalgia channeling the younger you? It has to be more than that. A gigantic screen on which Bono recreates his teenager years got you completely. Sure it’s all a choreography fuelled by the highest technology but, for a while, it seems to point directly at you. ‘Iris’, not particularly your favourite tune on the new record, breaks you with the outstanding vocal performance of the aging, a bit weary, but still powerful singer. And so does ‘Raised by Wolves’, a glimpse of that primeval, raging urgency of their early days. Or hearing ‘October’ for the first time. Or seeing people surrounding you on a state of pure joy you don’t see (drunk people doesn’t count) at the coolest indie festivals or gigs (the rampant cynicism again), or collapsing, breaking down in tears as some of the classics arrive. Or sharing the gigs with two of the most important people of your life, and seeing your little brother get himself into the celebration that is now ‘Where the Streets Have No Name’ while you think this is something that you have shared with him for more than two decades now. Sure, there are a couple of forgettable moments during the show, some lame performances that seem to be done ‘on autopilot’ and songs choices that are regrettable, in your opinion. But it doesn’t really matter, because they are still there, still meaning quite a lot to you...

U2 - Palau Sant Jordi - Photo: Bloodbuzzed

Algiers - Primavera Club - Photo: Bloodbuzzed

6. Algiers (Primavera Club, Barcelona, October 25th)

They were our discovery just before the Primavera Club arrived, so we were aware this wasn’t “just another band”. But we weren’t prepared for such a powerful performance. Each song a strike, a statement, a howl for the one that are struggling but haven’t been defeated yet. There’s something genuine in the flammable rage and passion with which each member of the band plays, in particular their front man Franklin James Fisher spitting each word, hitting the guitar, or writhing on the floor. An unleashed beast at Apolo, their mutant, combat music comes from somewhere very deep inside every human being. A very needed band.

5. Twerps (Primavera Sound Festival, Barcelona, May 28th)

It wouldn’t be this Blog without an Antipodean band on the list, don’t you think? Twerps have delivered one of our favourite records of the year without a doubt, so there were we, with a gigantic smile on our face, waiting at the first row way before their gig began at Pitchfork stage. It was a shiny, joyful, carefree and warm gig. An impeccable afternoon with indiepop gems like 'I Don't Mind', 'Back to You', 'Shoulders', ‘Conditional Report’, ‘Stranger’... 45 minutes of pure magic, as it is done down under, making your mind disappear for a gentle while into the jangly guitar lines.

Twerps - Primavera Sound - Photo: Bloodbuzzed

4. Novella (Primavera Club, Barcelona, October 23rd)
Speaking of making your mind disappear, here comes our biggest “live discovery” of 2015. We knew Novella was a band to follow (we featured them in 2012) and we love the album ‘Land’. But we didn’t know how overwhelming and irresistible they were live. Psych-pop, shoegaze with kraut hints, with a ton of floating guitars in space. Echoing Pale Saints, Neu! as well as the Dum Dum Girls, the gig was a stunning, incandescent trip, guided by the vocal harmonies of Hollie Warren and Sophy Hollington and leaded by gems like ‘Follow’, ‘Blue Swallow’ or ‘Land Gone’. Love at first guitar line.

Novella - Primavera Club - Photo: Bloodbuzzed

Lambchop - Sala BARTS - Photo: Bloodbuzzed

3. Lambchop (Sala BARTS, Barcelona, July 17th)
Seeing Lambchop had become a pending, frustrating affair for many years but, luckily, we finally managed to solve it. And what a pleasure turned to be. Kurt Wagner and Co. have the rare ability to stop time while they are playing. Wagner telling us his stories in the form of gorgeous tunes, picking us up, carrying us to a place that’s light-years away from the maddening crowd, to an imaginary campfire with the rest of the band. A quiet, distant place, yet at the same time, so recognizable, so human and full of soul. A masterclass with too many highlights to choose among, like the impossible, poignant beauty of ‘Gone Tomorrow’, the jazzy atmosphere of ‘Sharing a Gibson with Martin Luther King Jr., the upbeat ‘Grumpus’ and ‘National talk like a pirate day’ or the great, arresting, ‘Up With People’ with the majestic finale of Wagner letting himself go vocally, unleashing something that can’t be faked: that there's a guy, well, a bunch of guys, enjoying what they do on stage. And giving us the time of our lives. Huge night.

Luna - Sala Bikini - Photo: Bloodbuzzed

2. Luna (Sala Bikini, Barcelona, April 23rd)
Celebrating Sant Jordi with a Luna gig seems like an unbeatable plan. Even more considering here’s a beloved band we never had the chance to see live. The night already started in a fantastic way with the lovely Flowers as their support act, so when Luna took the stage everything was set in its right place for a great show. And the group delivered. Fantastic, crystal clear sound, Dean Wareham and guitarist Sean Eden having and making fun with the audience, and a setlist including the majority of songs we hoped for Superfreaky Memories’, ‘Chinatown’, ‘23 Minutes in Brussels’, ‘Lost in Space’, plus the final renditions of Velvet’s ‘Ride Into the Sun’ and Beat Happening’s ‘Indian Summer’ . Nearly two house of haunting and hypnotic guitars, ethereal bass lines and moody drums. The best dreampop in Sant Jordi, not bad for a holiday, don’t you think?.

1. Sleater-Kinney (La Cigale, Paris, March 20th)

When the comeback was confirmed we knew it was one of these rare occasions when you do have to make an effort and watch them live, aside from a Festival slot where it’s much harder to see a band performing at their best. What a wise choice it proved to be. Mind-blowing from start to finish. La Cigale’s floor shaking (no, really) from the very beginning of ‘Price Tag’, 26 tunes with two encores, with ‘No Cities to Love’ tunes as celebrated as the old ones by a enthusiast crowd that was eager to let the performing trio (a quartet live) how happy they were to have them back. And the band was eager to give their 110% in return. Carrie Brownstein was electric. Janet Weiss thunderous but for us (consider we were just in front of her) the real star of the night was Corin Tucker, what an explosive, mesmerizing performance. To put it simply, one of the best bands we’ve seen live. One of the best bands out there. Welcome back.

Sleater-Kinney - La Cigale - Photo: Bloodbuzzed

Want to check last year's best concerts? Just click here
What about 2013? Click here 
And 2012? Click here
Or 2011? Then check here

A week with Boutade (part II)

Boutade, La Maceta, Barcelona, April 30th

Boutade, acoustic solidarity. Photo: Bloodbuzzed

Second chapter of our "underground adventure" alongside with local band Boutade. After the first gig played at L'Ovella Negra, a venue we could define as "familiar ground" for the band, the second concert in a week was quite a different thing. Acoustic format, on a extremely eclectic bill shared with two more bands, on a bar in the middle of Gracia neighborhood, where music and pool are in the same space (luckily not happening at the same time) on a special night with a solidarity mean: all the money gathered was destined to Arquitecetes Sense Fronteres to help funding their cooperation projects in Chile and Perú.

Boutade took the opportunity as a way to experiment and try to work on a different approach of their songs. They were placed in the middle of bill, and before their time to play arrived, you can clearly see they were nervous. Will the songs work? First, debuting band, opted for a collection of covers of well-known tunes, from Jarabe de Palo to AC/DC, showing more enthusiasm and playfulness than talent. Would Boutade's serious, slightly obscure tunes work on that sort of environment? Would the acoustic adaptations of the songs have the same intensity?

The answer to both questions was an empathic YES. The short set, which comprised eight tunes from 'The Best Hunter' didn't loose a single bit of their trademark force. On the contrary, it served us to enjoy a different side of the band, with more detail to Charlie's vocal performance, to Aitor's backing vocals (maybe even too high on a couple of tunes). They suffered from the volume limiter of the vene in a couple of tunes, and they need to assemble a couple of things here and there, but the foundations and the potential is enormous. Tunes like 'Lost Friends' are fated to shine on acoustic format. But the highlight of the night? The transformation of the already wonderful 'Way to Escape' into an almost new, equally exciting tune. Have a listen & watch! Thanks Boutade!

A week with Boutade (part I)

Boutade (+ Patty Lodeiro) Ovella Negra, Barcelona, April 23rd 

Boutade, roaring indierock. Photo: Bloodbuzzed

This is a double concert review of the same band, Boutade, split on two articles. Why? Because it also tries to be a slightly different account on what goes on in the underground of our local scene. And because it's a very special post (spoiler alert): you don't review the band on which brother play that often. So I warn you. My objectivity might disappear from time to time.

"Saturday night is alright for fighting", sung Elton John. A pretty accurate definition of how hard an unsigned band has to battle to put out a show in this city (that pretends to be cool, but in all honesty is just a colossal fake). Anyway, no time to waste on many rants. Our favourite trio from Barcelona, Boutade, geared towards the emblematic Ovella Negra (how many nights of our youth wasted there), gathering many family members, friends and colleagues for a highly anticipated show. The atmosphere was relaxed, the vibes were comforting and, in typical Spanish fashion, it all began quite late, according to schedule. But it was all worth the wait.

Patty Lodeiro was the opening act of the night, in a short, warm-up, solo affair. Even despite she was suffering from throat issues, she showed her stunning vocal range which, combined with her natural sympathy, made the crowd enjoy most of the songs of her debut album 'Behind The Wire'. Next step, Primavera als Bars.

Charlie "Boutade", singer in the dark. Photo: Bloodbuzzed

Quickly arrived the time for Boutade to assault the stage, introducing us into their trademark universe of bleak feelings, ever-growing developments, and blistering melodies. Told you before, 'The Best Hunter' , where craftsmanship joined ventures with life putbacks and struggling moments, but songs survived. The reason is simple. The tunes are real, fierce, the sonic catharsis of flesh, bones and soul wounds. Take opening tune of the night, 'Thundering Nights', for example. A harsh, ominous intro, followed by a whirlwind of a sound. Here's not a band to make concessions, but to tell you a story. Their story. Unique but yet at the same time, quite familiar. The universal curse.

'Way to Escape', 'Biggest Wings', 'Grey Is a Lie' followed, showing the trio's ability to easily morph from a straightforward alternative rock combo (Afghan Whigs anyone?) to a more oblique, experimental one in a matter of minutes. And although the sound at the venue wasn't perfect, losing the chance to grab the full depth of their rich compositions at times, the indierock engines were rolling during all their set.

Once nerves disappeared, the middle section of the gig, with favourite 'In My Own Desert', 'Drop of Sea', and their instant single 'White Rats', became the highlights of the night, accompanied with the fact Boutade added another member to the group in the form of a cheerful keyboardist (which is a very interesting option). This humble blogger got goosebumps a couple of times, getting lost into the music, admiring the guys giving the best they have inside themselves up on stage, getting specially emotional thinking on how one of them has grown. Yes, it's called pride.

'Melodrama', 'Dirty Water' (when will we hear new songs?) and another gem in the form of 'Lost Friends' put the end of the concert. But the night was far from being over. It was time to meet & greet the familiar faces. Another plus from dealing with talented musicians with their foot on the ground. Next chapter coming very soon, but before, here you have a video of Boutade performing 'In My Own Desert' from the gig. Enjoy!

Best Concerts of the Year 2014

The day has arrived... it's time to begin with our Best-of-the-year LISTS! As we did in 2013, we start with our favourite concerts. Exciting new bands, two amazing veterans I thought I was never going to see, the fulfilled dream of attending (at least one) Indietracks... and, in the most personal note ever, seeing your own blood brought you into tears. Yes, it's been a fabulous year in what regards to live music. Hope you like it!

Cosmen Adelaida - La [2] de Apolo
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

10. Cosmen Adelaida (La [2] de Apolo, Barcelona, February 5th)
One of my favourite Spanish bands, and they have just nailed this 2014 with the release of 'La Foto Fantasma' (look for it at the best albums of the year list), but this gig arrived even before we heard the record. Very powerful, tight and straight to the jugular show from start to finish, with stunning new indie-rock tunes like 'El Parque', 'Familia/Trabajo' or 'Becerro de Oro' adding diversity and strength to an already exciting collection of tunes (go hurry and check out '7 Picos'). Flawless.

The Chills - Indietracks
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

9. The Chills (Indietracks, Ripley, July 25th)

The first day of the Festival at the Midland Railway Center had a very special date, with one of Flying Nun's most unforgettable bands. Of course, I was eager to hear, for the first time, quintessential, eternal tunes like 'Pink Frost' or 'Heavenly Pop Hit' (sounded glorious, just glorious), but I admit I wasn't expecting to see a band in such full form, with still so much to say, something new tunes proved (looking forward to new album). It doesn't rank higher because it was too short, but still, for an hour I was in New Zealand, one of the realms of indiepop. 

Courtney Barnett - Primavera Sound
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

8. Courtney Barnett (Primavera Sound Festival, Barcelona, May 31st)
The Melbourne singer-songwriter is one of the most exciting acts that have appeared recently. She's charismatic. She's extremely talented, creating excellent tunes ranging from folk to rock packed with outstanding lyrics (she's easily one of the best lyricists out there today, funny, witty, thoughtful while being the opposite of pedantic). She's spontaneous and things look natural, unforced and genuine with her. And my Goodness! She really knows how to deliver a dynamic, relentless show. Courtney Barnett took Pitchfork's stage and won us over. Fingers crossed there's a chance to see her in a more intimate venue. Could be priceless.

Withered Hand - Indietracks
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

7. Withered Hand (Indietracks, Ripley, July 27th)

Indietracks again. Dan Willson has offered us 'New Gods', among the best records of the year. So expectations were high, very high. Then you realise Ms. Pam Berry is doing backing vocals. And you have your friend and admired musician Jeremy Jensen from the Very Most next to you, smiling just like you when masterpieces 'Horseshoe' and 'Black Tambourine' are played. Could it get better than this? Yes indeed. For me it did with 'Religious Songs'. Larger than life tune. Larger than life performance. More than five months after I still get goosebumps.

Savages - Sala Apolo
Photo: Rafa Piera - Indienauta

6. Savages (Sala Apolo, Barcelona, February 18th)

Unfortunately, the FAKE & DEAD city of Barcelona wasn't ready for a band like Savages. People prefer to chat or constantly check their stupid Iphones. That's why it ranks a 6. It's a shame because here's a band that battles on stage. They try to remind us there was a time when music was powerful, interesting, intriguing, meaningful. And they do taking no prisoners live. A gig without concessions, fuelled with dense and long new tunes. The quartet is one of the most impressive stage presences I have ever seen. The magnetism and fierce attitude of Jehnny Beth, the guitar transformed into a machine gun in the hands of Gemma Thompson and the terrific, striking rhythm section of drummer Fay Milton and bassist Ayse Hassan. They are an earthquake. A landslide. 

Slowdive - Primavera Sound
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

5. Slowdive (Primavera Sound Festival, Barcelona, May 30th)
Many will say My Bloody Valentine. Others Ride. Mine is Slowdive, by far, far, far. On a day where The National was also playing, this was the concert to remember. First time hearing live tunes like 'Avalyn', 'Catch the Breeze', 'Machine Gun' or 'When the Sun Hits'. First time seeing my dear Rachel Goswell on stage, shining. First time going ecstatic in a massive, open space with tunes always dreamt to be enjoyed that way. Slowdive, you made my forget myself for a while...

Boutade - Sala Razzmatazz
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

4. Boutade (Razzmatazz 3, Barcelona, October 17th)
And just when you thought it couldn't get more personal... I don't know if you can imagine what it means for someone so passionate about music to write about a band that is fronted by his own brother, also a stubborn music lover himself. And how hard is to write about it without losing your composure. Wasn't the first time seeing him on stage, but it was clearly the finest. In total command of the scenario-situation, the band was almost flawless, putting a show that ignited after 'Grey Is a Lie' and became simply majestic in tunes like 'In My Own Desert', 'White Rats', or that heavenly, breathtaking finale that was 'Lost Friends'. How you've grown, my beloved little brother. Here's a real band waiting for you to be discovered.

Ought - Primavera Club
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

3. Ought (Primavera Club, Barcelona, November 2nd)
We were tired and seriously considering leaving the Festival. We didn't have any expectations with this Canadians. But what a tragic mistake it would have been. We would have missed a mind-blowing, completely hypnotic gig from the very first second. An impossible and extraordinarily personal music, recalling Wire, The Velvet & The Fall at the same time. Explosive and expansive combination, full of twists, tone changes and surprises, and propelled by Tim Beeler, an incredible frontman, summoning Mark E. Smith, David Byrne and Jarvis Cocker altogether. What a discovery.

St. Vincent - Primavera Sound
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

2. St.Vincent (Primavera Sound Festival, Barcelona, May 29th)
Almost every magazine is rating Annie Clark's latest album among the best of the year. That's not my case (I prefer 'Strange Mercy' and her earlier works), but it's hard for me to suggest many better options to see an artists performing live. At Primavera Sound she delivered a masterful example of what does it mean arriving to a state of absolute control and knowledge about playing live while showing all possibilities of your own skills. Superb show of a unique, true artist.

Fear of Men - Primavera Club
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

1. Fear of Men (Primavera Club, Barcelona, October 31st)

Topping the list I have chosen one of the Blog most beloved bands, praise dand hailed recurrently from the very first time I discovered them. Was hoping for a great gig for sure, but at Primavera Club they surprised me in the most positive way. More upbeat and danceable than expected. Jangle-pop combined with the mystery of post-punk, far from the fragilty Jessica Weiss' sweet vocals can suggest on a first impression. With Daniel Falvey fabulous guitar playing and Weiss showing she's a strong, engaging frontwoman (striking rendition of 'Pink Frost' from The Chills included), the gig was a triumph from start to finish. I left my throat trying to reach the higher notes, I danced like no many people has seen and was lucky enough to greet them after the show. Just a perfect night...

Want to check last year's best concerts? Just click here
What about 2012? Click here 
And 2011? Then check here

The Night of Fear of Men

 Signed copy of 'Early Fragments' 

Great first night at Primavera Club 2014!

Comfortable festival, nice new venues and, what's more important, really interesting bands. Proper chronicle will arrive shortly, but I couldn't help writing about Fear of Men's memorable night at Teatre Principal in Barcelona. Amazing gig from start to finish, upbeat, mostly danceable and absolutely irresistible. Gold jangle-pop propelled by Daniel Falvey chiming guitars and Jessica Weiss immaculate performance. I knew she had a fantastic voice, but what a dynamic and engaging frontwoman she also is!

The setlist of a memorable night

Setlist prioritised the most energetic tunes, something that proved to be a superb choice. The beginning was terrific, with the quartet delivering flawless renditions of 'Alta/Waterfall', 'Green Sea', 'Mosaic', 'Doldrums' and 'Born' consecutively, but the highlights, at least for me, where the striking cover of masterpiece 'Pink Frost' from The Chills with Jess seeming to be possessed by the vibe of the tune, the incredible 'Ritual Confession', one of my favourite tunes from the quartet, where I almost crashed my voice trying to reach the highest notes before the spectacular chorus, and the epic climax of final tune 'Inside', where guitars (again Falvey, what a performance) exploded. Among the best shows of the year for sure. Just love them!

Such an excellent night deserved a final touch. It was very nice to meet the Brighton band, chat with them briefly and have my "fan moment", as you can see in the photos. A grace note and a huge payoff for an equally huge fan, thanks to a band no one should miss. Thanks Fear of Men!! 

More interesting promising music at the second day of the Festival! We'll keep you posted!

Meeting the band. Photo: Bloodbuzzed

Best Concerts of the Year 2013

It's the time of the season for... LISTS! We begin our end-of-the-year best-of with our favourite concerts. A very special 2013 has been in this regard, not only because the fantastic amount of live music seen this year, but for the places where we have seen the bands. Anyway, a great top ten, hope you like it!

Josh Rouse in Barcelona
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

10. Josh Rouse (Music Hall, Barcelona, March 8th)
One of my first tasks at Indienauta, and a complete surprise. An artist I thought it was "gone" (for me) "reappeared" (for me) in full form, because his latest album bring us back the melodic talents of the Nebraska's singer-songwriter while his charms on stage remain intact. Welcome back Josh. 
9. Savages (Primavera Sound Festival, Barcelona, May 24th)
I told you. This is not your average band. Despite the troubles lead guitarist Gemma Thompson had with her guitar halfway to their gig, which unfortunately killed the momentum afterwards, Savages proved at Primavera the mind-blowing quartet they are, with singer Jehnny Beth confirming her staggering stage presence. More coming soon in 2014, can't wait.
8. Adam Green and Binki Shapiro (Primavera Sound Festival, Barcelona, May 26th)
Hipsters doesn't go to massified Festivals like Primavera Sound until "the big names" are playing, so one of the best things a person that loves music can do is go as early as possible to enjoy the first performances of the day, under the sun and without hordes of "posers". That way we were able to fall under the very particular spell of one of our favourite "weirdos": Adam Green in his new, vintage incarnation. Showing his awkward, goofy charisma (how you can't love his dumb, crazy dances), his chemistry with "partner on crime" Binki Shapiro and his undeniable talent for creating a perfect pop pill was wonderful. What a fun thing to do is seeing Mr. Green live.
7. Jane Joyd (Music Hall, Barcelona, April 20th)
Please listen to Jane Joyd. Please do yourself a favour and discover what an amazing artist she is, you'll thank me, granted. She's not just a pretty, gifted voice. She's a musician with a purpose, with an ambitious scope and determination to arrive there. Surrounded by a fantastic band (still got puzzled when I remember the masterful drummer), at Music Hall she swallowed us into her particular, extremely intense and rich world. Don't miss her.
6. Beach House (Sala Apolo, Barcelona, March 13th)
I don't think Beach House will ever play again in such an intimate venue in Spain. Victoria and Alex are "too big" (and too attractive for "posers") so enjoying them in place where you can hear all the subtleties and experiment all the feelings their songs can provoke to the listener is a gift. Their music was made to became the soundtrack of your life, and at Apolo there was plenty of moments to be remembered. Now I can say at least once I saw Beach House as their music deserves.  
5. The Very Most (The Crux, Idaho, August 31st)
I know my dear friend and TVM's mastermind Jeremy Jensen won't agree with me. And truth is that some sounding little issues and a short setlist made the gig imperfect. But you cannot imagine what it meant being there, in front of him and his band, in Idaho, after crossing three States and sharing a weekend with him and his lovely family. If you follow this blog (if not, welcome!) you already know how much I love the music of the The Very Most. But this was much more than a gig. It's a friendship.
4. Camera Obscura (Regency Ballroom, San Francisco, June 19th)

Ready for "Desire Lines" in SF
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

Not really adjusted to the American time-zone and I'm able to watch one of my favourite bands, at the front row, with an audience willing to enjoy their music (my two previous experiences with them were so-so). An exciting day through touring the swinging city of San Francisco ended in a marvelous way, with Tracyanne Campbell and Co. showing all their indiepop mastery. Finally I saw Camera Obscura the way I dreamt of. Now to make it even better I just need to hear them in Scotland and meet Tracyanne after the gig. Easy, right?
3. Local Natives (Primavera Sound, Barcelona, May 25th)
A big surprise this year (look for "Hummingbird" among the best records of 2013 on the forthcoming list), so it was a very attractive bet for me at Primavera Sound, high expectations indeed. But I wasn't expecting them to be that amazing live! What an extraordinary performance, passionate and contagious. What a way to certify here's a band to follow.
2. Eleanor Friedberger (La [2] de Apolo, Barcelona, October 5th)
Pretty similar to Local Natives. Liked her previous disk, but not to the extent of expecting such a wonder like "Personal Record". Few things as genuinely addictive as this album have come out this year. So seeing her was mandatory. The night started promisingly with an acoustic show for a dozen of lucky guests. Then I had the chance to chat briefly with Eleanor, and finally, like everyone at Apolo, I felt in love with this woman after a stunning show: sweet, energetic, dynamic, vibrant. 2013 has been her year.

1. The National (Hollywood Forever Cemetery, L.A., August 11th)

Soundcheck with The National, L.A.
Photo: Bloodbuzzed

MY band. In LA..Front row. No fights. No massification. No fakers. The National full of confidence, relaxed and amused, making a miracle: transforming a cemetery into a place for celebration. The celebration of a band that, since 2005, is (un)arguably being the best around. Sound was terrific, performances were intense and I believe the audience had the feeling we were very close to them. Then the encore arrived. "About Today" was breathtaking. And the singalong version of "Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks" completely teared me down. I stop here or I'll get emotional again. One of the best music experiences in my life.

Want to check last year's best concerts? Just click here
And 2011s? Then check here