It is now a week since I went to the last day of the Way Out West festival in Gothenburg and saw one of the most amazing compressed festival line-ups ever. Five gigs in 5,5 hours, all rating from excellent and upwards.
Earl Sweatshirt - Faucet
Earl served as a bit of a warmup and didn't reach the heights of the later gigs. No crowdpleasing hits, no big showmanship. But uncompromising, highly accomplished rap music that I can't help just getting hypnotised by.
Christine and the Queens - Girlfriend
Now, this was a surprise. As much as I loved
Tilted, I didn't expect more than a nice pop concert. But then
she appeared on stage, with six dancers and some fireworks
, and
electrified the audience from the very first note. I've rarely seen someone whose charisma and voice so completely transcend the circumstances. By the end of the gig I had tears running down my cheeks and just kept dancing. And turning around I saw other people next to me who like me, were cry-dancing. It's pointless trying to put into words
. Even now, listening through her albums, I only find evasive hints of that experience. Just go see if you get the chance. She's magical.
Erykah Badu - Window Seat
After that lightning-strike of emotions and energy the rain started again and my sky-high expectations for Erykah were somewhat muted. But for no reason as it turned out. Because Erykah Badu is supernatural. Supernaturally talented. Supernaturally cool. Supernaturally in control. My mouth remained opened, gasping and screaming. I don't need God or religion as long as there are performers like this to elevate me to a higher plane.
Stormzy - Crown
I love Stormzy. The kids love Stormzy. Sweden loves Stormzy. A strange feeling to see something so rooted in South London suddenly make my hometown go mental.
Solange - Binz
Stormzy moshpits made me forget my age. By the time of Solange I started to get tired. But what a solace for aching feet and ears she is. The elegance. The sensuality. The fierceness.
