Easygoing Features

With the summer drawing to a close and with it the festival season, Electric Picnic is a fitting send off as we proceed into the autumnal months. Here's a look at who you should go watch.

by Peter Cooney

With no Oxegen for 2012, Electric Picnic is the stand alone King of the big festivals this year and just in case you haven’t quite highlighted the must see acts, JOE’s here to give you a helping hand before you make your way down to Stradbally this weekend.

Theres no shortage of artists to choose from with headliners The Cure, The Killers and Sigur Ros to homegrown talents like The Cast of Cheers, Mmoths and Le Galaxie. But Electric Picnic is not just about the music, with comedy, art and theatre, as well as holistics and culinary treats enhancing the Picnic’s delicious fusion.

Bats – Cosby Stage – Friday - 17:15 – 17:45

A combination of math rock, post hardcore and more with lyrics drawn from the realm of science, the Dublin band have forged quite a reputation on the Irish music scene. Formed in 2006, they released their first E.P. ‘Cruel Sea Scientist’ the following year. In 2009, ‘Red Tooth & Claw’, their debut album was released with a follow up titled ‘The Sleep of Reason, due out later this year.

Enemies - Crawdaddy Stage – Saturday - 13:20 – 14:00

Hailing from Wicklow, Enemies have been crafting their post rock instrumental sound since 2007. Picked up by Japanese labels following the release of their debut E.P. ‘Alpha Waves’ in 2008, the four piece have toured extensively, releasing their debut album ‘We’ve Been Talking’ in 2010. Enemies are set to release their follow up album later this year.

Not Squares – Saturday - Little Big Tent 17:45 – 18:30

The Belfast dance trio have been carving a reputation on the Irish scene since their formation in 2008. They released their debut album ‘Yeah OK’ in 2010 and are now in production on their second full length record. Their latest track ‘Fall Far’ is available for free download from here.

Grimes – Cosby Stage – Saturday - 11:45 – 00:30

Since releasing her debut album in 2010, the Vancouver native has has been steadily building a reputation as a formidable electronic artist. Her latest album ‘Visions’ was released to rave reviews and has been nominated for the 2012 Polaris Music Price, the Canadian equivalent of our Choice Music Prize.

Land Lovers – Sunday – Crawdaddy Stage – 12:30 – 13:00

Opening up the Crawdaddy Stage on Sunday is Dublin band Land Lovers. With last years ‘Confidants’, the four piece released one of the albums of the year. A wonderful collection of tracks with fine hooks and beautiful melodies. An outstanding live band and one you will not want to miss on Sunday afternoon.