Bored of over-priced UK festivals with curfews and strict limits on the volume? You might be headed to Romania’s Electric Castle festival tomorrow to join the tens of thousands of Romanian's who are increasingly seeing EC as the number one festival in their country.
Located in the magic environs of Bánffy Castle and running from tomorrow (18 Junly) until Sunday, this is a festival that’s aimed for the party-goer who wants just that little bit more. And quite right, too.
But with such an eclectic bill it can be bothersome to work out what to see. Well, never mind that: here's our foolproof guide that'll ensure you and your mates are in good musical company the whole time you're guzzling on some of the most affordable festival booze in Europe.
The Horrors
Over the course of five albums and 11 years, The Horrors have turned into one of the most dependable bands when it comes to festivals. Boasting a wealth of material that touches on a wealth of influences that includes 60s garage-punk, Krautrock, 80s synth pop, psychedelia, goth and so much more, The Horrors possess the chops to bring it all together into one seamless whole. And given that they’re on well after the sun has set, you’ll find them in their natural environment.
St Germain
The brainchild of French producer Ludovic Navarre, St Germain has been fusing a deep house sensibility with jazz and, more recently, West African influences, to create music that’s utterly infectious. Emerging from his homeland to seduce a global audience long before compatriots such as Daft Punk and Air, St Germain create music that’s aimed squarely at the hips and feet while simultaneously satisfying the area above the neck.
Idles
If ever a rock band has tapped into the spirit of the age, then it’s Bristol’s Idles. Already boasting a fearsome reputation, Idles laid waste to a number of festivals across the continent last year and their Electric Castle appearance should prove no different. Taking a well-aimed swipe at toxic masculinity, nationalism, immigration, and class inequality, you can expect a few tasters from upcoming album, Joy As An Act Of Resistance.
Yonaka
Hailing from Brighton, Yonaka have been steadily making a name for themselves thanks to an ever-increasing series of incendiary gigs that have seen the elevated from the UK’s toilet circuit to more prestigious venues. Their set at Electric Castles sees them pursuing that same trajectory that should blast them further into international acclaim.
Richie Hawtin
Quite simply, Richie Hawtin is one of the most influential figures to have ever spun records, remixed the work of others or pushed back barriers with his own work. His material under the guises of Plastikman and F.U.S.E. is incredibly forward thinking and in some respects is still daring dance music to catch up with him. This is going to be banger of epic proportions so make the necessary preparations and be ready to dance into next week.
Little Boots
Better known as Little Boots, Victoria Hesketh has been delivering delightful electopop for nigh on a decade. Having worked with a variety of collaborators and producers including Greg Kurstin, Hot Chip’s Joe Goddard and Simian Mobile Disco’s James Ford, Little Boots’ own personality and ideas shine through with absolute clarity. Her set should be the very stuff of parties and what they’re all about.
Cancer Bats
Hardcore Canadian punks Cancer Bats boast an absolutely formidable reputation as a festival band of quality and distinction. Their seven albums to date have contributed to the exponential growth of their fanbase but it’s in the live arena that Cancer Bats are best experienced. Loud, brash and with their collective foot emphatically pressed against the metal, this should be a thrill ride where hitting the breaks simply isn’t an option.
Damian Marley Nicknamed ‘Junior Gong’, Damian Marley is the youngest son of Bob Marley. In addition to working with the likes of Snoop Dogg, Gwen Stefani and Mariah Carey, Damian has also played on albums by Bruno Mars, Joss Stone and Sean Paul. But it’s live that Damian really shines and this is your chance to find out why.
Groove Armada
Seamlessly fusing dance beats with pop, Groove Armada have been a proven festival draw for what seems like forever. And with good reason too – they know exactly what an audience needs and wants for a successful party and they know how to deliver it. And now they can add Electric Castle to a long list of festival triumphs both home and abroad.
