Photo: Primavera/Eric Pamies/Dani Canto
Day two of Primavera Sound saw through the rain to a dramatic climax, with The National, Pixies, Haim, War On Drugs and more all playing blistering sets last night (Friday 30 May, 2014).
Once again, torrential rain saw the Parc Del Forum on the coast of Barcelona washed out, creating huge puddles in the main arena and seeing many festival-goers spending the early evening fleeing for shelter.
As a result, Jenny Lewis' set was cancelled (which genuinely upset us) but that didn't stop John Grant from pulling off one hell of an early evening show, drawing from across his eclectic back catalogue to keep his wet fans' spirits high.
Then over on the ATP Stage, the clouds parted and the sun shone once again for a fittingly hazy set from shoegaze icons Loop - who dazzled and hypnotised their soaked masses of fans with a monolithic wall of seminal hits.
That was the last we saw of the rain, which was brilliant news for those who caught blues legend Dr John, catching his feel good set of classic rockers as the sun beamed down over the sea at the Ray Bans amphitheatre stage - before ultimate summer festival band Haim were the main draw over at the Heineken Stage, helping their legions of fans forget the rain with a relentless barrage of hits in the form of their infectious blend of R n B beats with open road Americana.
On the polar opposite side of the sonic and emotional spectrum, The Twilight Sad were totally incredible on the Vice Stage - clearly moved by the passion of their European following. Meanwhile, just feet away on the Pitchfork Stage, FKA Twigs was absolutely mesmerising. Cutting a sharp silhouette, her elastic dance moves jerked across the stage as her dark trip-ho infused R & B left all present dazed and amazed.
Equally as beguiling was Sharon Van Etten on the ATP Stage, who off-set her flawless set of raw and melancholy soulful indie with a wicked charm, exquisite banter and magnificent presence. If you haven't heard her insanely good new album, Are We There, then go out and buy it at once.
Then came one of the most frustrating clashes of the weekend, as Pixies played at the same time as War On Drugs - with both drawing massive crowds to their respective stages.
War On Drugs totally blew away all present with shimmering renditions of cuts from their soon-to-be-classic new album, Lost In The Dream. Pixies brought a heady dose of grunge nostalgia, but elevated by the spirit of artists who are still very much active and alive - with tracks from new album Indy Cindy sounding as fresh and twisted as their iconic older numbers.
Then came The National, who once again dominated the day and showed Barcelona what it is that makes them the best American band of their generation: a thick web of sound, a seminal and consistent back catalogue, amazing musicianship, grace and one of the most arresting and unhinged frontmen on the planet.
Frequently eyeing up the front rows of their hardcore fanbase before diving in to join them, Matt Berninger showcased his glorious range as he slipped from a heartbreaking croon to a terrifying squawk. From the romantic yearning of 'I Should Live In Salt' and 'This Is The Last Time' to the explosive alt-rock celebration of 'Bloodbuzz Ohio' and 'Abel', The National pulled of a flawless set, one that begs for them to headline far more festivals, everywhere, all the time, please.
As if that wasn't enough, they invited Bon Iver's Justin Vernon on stage for a chillingly romantic rendition of 'Slow Show'. It was a true goosebumps moment. Then paying tribute to The Walkmen who Berninger said the band 'learned a lot from' by touring with them in their early days, they welcomed Hamilton Leithauser and Paul Maroon from the band on stage for a volatile and show-stopping performance of 'Mr November' and 'Terrible Love'. There are few words for what a monumental show it was, and all who were present should feel very lucky to have been so.
If there's a better way to end a day at a festival than by losing your mind to Jagwar Ma until 5am, then we haven't heard it. In the darkness of the Ray Ban ampitheatre, the electro elements of their dance rock sound travel like never before, turning the Parc Del Forum into an all-out blissed out rave - with even members of Foals seen in the audience going a little nuts.
Primavera Sound continues today with performances from Nine Inch Nails, Kendrick Lamar, Foals, Volcano Choir, Chromeo, Courtney Barnett, Blood Orange, Mogwai, Cut Copy, Godspeed You Black Emperor and many more.
Check back at Gigwise for the latest news, reviews and photos from Primavera Sound 2014.
