More about: ESNS

ESNS possess a formidable reputation for breaking some of Europe’s best new artists – a fact that becomes immediately apparent and as you hop between bars, clubs and open-air pop-ups dotted throughout the host city of Groningen. The place is quite simply teeming with brilliant music, from indie buzz to hip-hop beats and everything in between.

Simply appearing on ESNS’ comprehensive bill represents high praise. But while the best of the best are commended with awards given out during the festival, there were seven acts which caught our eye, and appear to the on the path to something truly special.

Gallus

If an out-an-out rock and roll band is going to break in 2023, all your money would be on Gallus after witnessing their performance at ESNS 2023. The Scottish band already have so many powerful anthems in their armoury, and the rip-roaring ‘Looking Like A Mess’, ‘Marmalade’ and exceptional ‘Are You Finished’ are used to devastating effect.

Great on record and even better live, this five-piece undoubtedly have a big twelve months ahead of them. Catch them while you can.

Orange Skyline

Local lads Orange Skyline bagged themselves a late night-slot in Groningen’s central market square, in ESNS’ free-to-enter Eurosonic Air amphitheater. The show came with a big crowd and therefore big responsibility – and luckily Skyline responded with the kind of ferocious energy exuded by Kasabian in their mid-noughties pomp.

The music borrows heavily from 90s britpop and more traditional rock and roll, but stage presence sets this band apart. New album cuts ‘Hungry’ and ‘Meet You In The Middl’e are brought to life through the charisma and passion of frontman Stefan van der Wielen, whilst also hinting that Orange Skyline are capable of producing rich, complex soundscapes.

Big Joanie

Emerging for a late-night slot at pop-up theatre Blauwe Hemel, Big Joanie are up against it slightly. It’s day three of the festival, and the band notice their audience is starting to flag – “I know many of you are working, but cheer up a bit!” jokes guitarist Stephanie Phillips.

It’s not always easy when a band is asked to play to an apathetic audience, but the London punk trio wrestle everyone in the tent on-side with a captivating performance. By the end Big Joanie have their wish, and as the set draws to their close everybody is on their feet moving to the music – which chronicles old favourites and highlights from recent record ‘Back Home’ like ‘Happier Still’ and ‘Confident Man’.

Jungle By Night

It’s clear from the opening crescendo of Jungle By Night’s set just how beloved this band are amongst the student-heavy population of Groningen. Eurosonic Air is absolutely packed for their performance, with the nine-head collective delivering an eclectic set encompassing jazz, pop, hip-hop and electronica.

The vibes are, quite simply, exquisite. Jungle By Night’s sound has such universal appeal, and the longer they go on the more people are drawn in. While they haven’t made huge waves outside of the Netherlands, it is surely only a matter of time before the rest of the world catches up.

The Vices

Through high-profile support slots with the likes of Nothing But Thieves, Dutch heroes The Vices have already made a name for themselves in indie circles. It helps that the band possess an eye for a melody and natural showmanship, which elevates them from Strokes-immitators to full-on contenders.

Besides the obvious admiration of 2000s indie sleaze, the Vices use elements of ska, surf-rock and pop to good effect in a 40-minute set that never takes a moment to breathe. Beloved in Groningen, they are surely destined for a bigger audience.

Aiko

Experimental pop is well-represented across the ESNS line-up, but few artists managed to hit the heights of Aiko. The Czech singer performs with real poignancy and gravitas throughout a considered, well-choreographed set that demands a bigger stage.

The best moments are ‘Gemini’, a real earworm of a pop song with glossy electronic beats, and ‘Daughter of the Sun’, an atmospheric track which culminates in a bold, anthemic chorus. Few acts as ESNS possessed as much polish – and none feel readier to take the next step in their career.

S1mba

Having already dominated UK commercial radio with hit single Rover and KSI collaboration Loose, S1mba has already shown his pop potential – but his set at ESNS is an opportunity to showcase the breadth of his sound, which fuses UK rap and grime with rich afrobeats and injections of reggae.

All of this comes together perfectly in a nightclub setting where S1mba’s personality can come to the fore. The rapper knows how to get the party started, and a guest appearance from B Young provides the ‘I was there’ moment so many in the crowd are holding out for. A few more big radio hits and he’ll be well on his way.

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More about: ESNS