For the last few years, I have been telling people that the golden rule of Iceland Airwaves is “never miss Grísalappalísa“, and I’m not changing my mind now. They have a new record on the way and plenty of old favourites ready to go. Essential for very late on Friday night.
Earlier that night and at the top of an amazing bill at Gamla bíó you will find Hatari. These guys were amazing last year, an incredible spectacle. It’s impossible to define their genre unless ‘not for the feint-hearted’ is a thing now?
Reykjavíkurdætur, as you can see, have already told me that I’ll regret missing their show for the rest of my life. I’m not going to argue. See you there on Wednesday for this exciting, clever outfit.
My very favourite of the many offshoots of Reykjavíkurdætur is Cyber. They’ve been brilliant for the last two years and play on Friday night, the same day that they release their new album. They have an early slot in the biggest venue, as last year, no excuses for missing this.
Late on Saturday night, in fact just a few hours before I need to check in for my flight home, you will find the Pink Street Boys – Iceland’s sweatiest, loudest rock’n’roll band playing at Gaukurinn – Iceland’s sweatiest, loudest venue. Easy decision.
What an amazing year it has been for Kælan Mikla since their jaw-dropping Gaukurinn show last year. They’ve been touring around Europe and supporting The Cure and now they come home to play on Wednesday night with an amazing new album to follow very shortly.
JFDR has just released her new EP as a chocolate bar. Whatever that means (I believe the packaging includes a download code), her show is one to target. She has the most wonderful voice and a strong body of songs to share.
Last year, Godchilla were one of those lovely Airwaves surprises – a band caught almost by accident, just ready to fall in love with. Their heavy surf vibe was just what I, and many others, needed at that moment. I’ll be back for more.
Mammút are a band, and a gang, that have been playing at Airwaves nearly as long as I have been coming. They keep getting better and better and, you lucky things, you have two chances to see them this year. I managed to miss them last year, I’ll be trying hard to not make that mistake again.
If you want to be one of the people to see Iceland’s next big music export then you may want to go and see aYia. This trio are being widely tipped as the next to break out. Last year’s show was a visually stunning representation of their electronic, gentle music.
There are, of course, many more bands just as brilliant as these. Bad decisions are hard to make at Airwaves. Good luck!