Webcuts Music

For the third year in a row the brains behind Way Out West bring us a great mix of interesting newcomers, some artists who are just beginning to find their stride and a couple of absolute legends. On the 14 of August 2009 it is time, once again, for lovers of good music to take over Slottskogen in Gothenburg. Webcuts was there in force last year and this year is shaping up to be bigger and better.

The festival actually starts the day before at different clubs around the city. Expect big crowds queuing up to get into these venues to see artists such as the energetic Jay Reatard who brings a mix of garage rock and punk, Crystal Antlers with their noisy retro-pop, the melancholic yet charming Vetiver, Woodpigeon, who continue the tradition of quality indie-folk acts from Canada, the singing Bird called Andrew and the list goes on. But special mention goes to Liverpool’s Echo and the Bunnymen who will perform their classic Ocean Rain album in its entirety.

So who should we look forward to see in Slottskogen? Well, skip eating ‘cause it’s going to be a tight schedule. To help you out here’s a look at what’s on the menu. If you don’t want to feel left out Antony & the Johnsons backed by the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra will be a must see and likely to be on everyone’s lips the following week. Just imagine Antony Hegarty’s remarkable voice accompanied by over fifty people playing violin, cello, trombone, clarinet and other instruments… will it be anything but amazing?

There is plenty more to look forward to though. Some of Sweden’s finest ladies will be out in force including Jenny Wilson and her soul infused beats, El Perro del Mar (playing at a club, not in Slottskogen) will remind us of our broken hearts and Fever Ray who will not only showcase her out of this world music and vocals but also a light show that won’t be soon forgotten.

But it is not just the Swedish acts that lure us to Way Out West. Managing to secure artists from around the globe 2009 boasts appearances from the magic couple Amadou & Mariam who will bring a bit of Mali and world music spice into town, Calexcio who will transport us to the American South with their mix of country, rock, folk and latin, while Zach Condon’s Beirut will enchant us with their Balkan indie pop and their friends in Grizzly Bear will likely to divide opinion as it has on this site. Who’s right? You be the judge.

Scotland’s Glasvegas need no introduction; their debut album last year was widely lauded from many including ourselves. Their last show in Gothenburg sold out in minutes so expect the stage to absolutely rammed. But it is the thought of seeing legendary My Bloody Valentine that has Webcuts enraptured. If it’s anything like their gig at Roskilde 2008 it’ll be worth the almost twenty year wait. But please, bring your earplugs!

Not on Webcuts “too see” list but sure to draw considerable crowds are hip hop heavyweights Nas and Dead Prez and pop princesses Lily Allen and Robyn.

Other bands not to miss: Vivian Girls,Vampire Weekend, The Big Pink, Bon Iver, Wilco and Hajen.

We’ll see you there! (Make sure you come back after the festival for Webcuts’ in-depth review and photos).

www.wayoutwest.se