Last night was the conclusion of the first edition of Spanish native festival Primavera Sound Los Angeles and we can honestly tell you the experience was just amazing that we are pretty sure this will be the first of many more Primavera Sounds festivals to come.
On hold for a couple of years due to Covid-19 since it was originally announced back in 2020, the wait was totally worth it and the good vibe of attendees clearly was an indicator the festival is here to stay.
It was at the L.A. State Historic Park were a mix of young and older crowd gathered to enjoy a weekend full of great bands that included powerful headliners such as Lorde, Nine Inch Nails and the Arctic Monkeys.
Luckily, the heat wave we had weeks ago was gone and the weather was benevolent with us the 3 days the festival lasted.
Friday
On Friday, we were able to enjoy some magnificent presentations that jumped from the R&B of Giveon, a mystical Mitski, to the powerful alternative/indie Nicholas Foster, know as Current Joys and an impecable show Lorde who closed that night.
Friday - Lorde
New Zealand Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor, more known as Lorde, gave an incredible show full of energy, great songs and lots of interaction with her fans. Including a giant “Sundial” on stage, the singer was in constant movement together with the band making her performance very entertaining.
Lorde included songs from her early songs such as “Ribs”, “Royal” up to her latest album Solar Power, “The Path”, “California”, “Mood Wing” and concluding with “Solar Power”
Saturday
On Saturday, the variety of styles we were able to enjoy was incredible. We really have to give credit to the organizers for including so many different bands in one weekend. We started our day with Argentinian rock band El Mato A Un Policía Motorizado, and right after that we jumped to see Special Interest with Alli Logout on vocals. We would love to stay and see their complete show, powerful and intense. If you have the chance, go to see them.
It was the turn for industrial/Drum & Bass NY duo band Machine Girl who also gave a powerful presentation with a Matt Stephenson on voice running all over the stage and the crowd.
That same day we were able to catch presentations of Georgia, showing her versatility by playing all kind of instruments on stage, Beak, the English experimental electronic rock band, that includes Portishead’s Geoff Barrow. On a different stage, we enjoyed the presentation of Kim Gordon, who also belongs to a different famous band, Sonic Youth.
A groovy performance from Khruangbin was perfect in preparation for what was coming later that night. Laura Lee, Mark Speer and Donald “DJ” Johnson Jr demonstrated why fans love them., is such a delight to see them live. Directly from Dublin, Ireland, Fontaines D.C. with their post-punk music and a energetic Grian Chatten in vocals prepared the crowd to the final act right after them, Nine Inch Nails.
Saturday - Nine Inch Nails
Whomever has been at a Nine Inch Nails concert doesn’t need a lot of introduction or review to what we experienced during their show. Trent Reznor and company gave as usual a powerful, eclectic and energetic show.
The lighting, the smoke, the music are details Reznor really pays a lot of attention to so he can deliver the kind of show his crazy and genius mind has.
The show included songs basically from all of their albums, “Somewhat Damaged”, “Wish”, “Heresy”, “Less Than”, “Closer”, “The Perfect Drug”, “The Hand That Feeds” and finish with “Hurt”
Sunday
Sunday was a little more of an eclectic day were we were jumping from a soft indie music Faye Webster, to the Australians punk rock band Amyl And The Sniffers. Vocalist Amyl Taylor, wow, pure energy and she is so much fun to see her perform. From the UK, Dry Cleaning also brought some alternative/indie to the festival.
A lot of people went early to the main Primavera Stage to try to get a better spot to see Girl In Red show. Marie’s fans really love her and she knows how to give a great show.
During our running from one stage to another, we were able to quickly see a little of Cigarettes After Sex, a fun, sexy and full of rhythm presentation of Spanish Bad Gyal, who was so happy to be part of this festival that was originated in her hometown. And before the night was over, we also saw enjoyed part of the presentation of Venezuelan producer/singer/performance Arca while we waited for the Arctic Monkeys.
Sunday - Arctic Monkeys
Contrary to different shows were the band is promoting a new album, the Arctic Monkeys gave a show full of hits during their performance. With an impecable voice, Alex Turner offered a show to remember.
Some of the songs during the show included “Do I Wanna Now”, “Snap Out Of It”, “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?”, “Arabella”, “505”, “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” and to finish a great night, “R U Mine”
It was a really great rock concert, with great musicians and great songs!
The Audience
Besides the great bands we were able to enjoy during the Primavera Sound Los Angeles weekend, we also enjoyed the outfits some of the attendees were wearing. Need to thank a lot to the people who smiled to our camera!
Again, wanted to thank the organizers for a great weekend, the bands for such amazing music and to the crowd that maintain a festival on order and made us all feel safe.
Until next year Primavera Sound Los Angeles 2023!
The Heart Sounds Team
