So here we are, just a few days away from Primavera for the first time since ‘the event’. What an absolute treat. We’ll be there for the first weekend, so here’s what we’re excited about seeing in Barcelona. 

Thursday

Tame Impala, 22.55 - Estrella Damm Stage

The evening will really start to kick off with a Tame Impala set at 11pm. It sounds strange to begin with such a big act, at what is normally a final set time. This is, in fact, an early hour in the context of Primavera. The times are very European indeed, but thankfully the press lounge offers us not one, but five free coffees. Heady stuff indeed to ride this psychedelic wave into oblivion.

Black Lips, 1.20am - Ouigo Stage

Unbelievably it’s been 10 years since the last Black Lips show we saw, back in 2010 at Heaven. Pure ketamine fuelled mayhem. Since then the band has gone through somewhat of a transition. Hefty lineup changes and a move towards more of a country feel in their 2020 release, Sing In A World That’s Falling Apart means it’s quite a different prospect to the 2010 version, but always great to see one of your favourites in the flesh.  

Otoboke Beaver, 3.10am - Ouigo Stage

What a perfect way to finish off the day. Otoboke Beaver are a force to be reckoned with. Insane energy and sharp time changes will definitely keep you on your toes as you stumble your way towards daylight. 

Friday

Parquet Courts, 22.35pm - Plenitude Stage

It will be impossible to feel a shred of melancholy during a joyous Parquet Courts show. We expect nothing but pure high energy, new-wave fun from start to finish. It’s just a slight shame that the Barcelona sun won’t be shining too.

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, 1.10am - Binance Stage

It’ll be a first for us seeing the Ozzy behemoth and we can’t wait! A rare beast indeed that can so easily walk the line between jazzy pop and doom filled noise, but both sides of this band are equally hypnotic. Our pick of the weekend here. 

Saturday

Gorillaz, 0.15am - Estrella Damm Stage

Gorillaz may have gone a bit off the boil in recent times when it comes to their output, but live will certainly be a different matter entirely. Every show comes with a platitude of the best guest artists the world has to offer. Expect back to back anthems and an orchestral performance backed by the best on stage visuals going. 

Beach House, 1.30am - Binance Stage

Anticipating extra loud atmospheric dream-pop late into the night with a Beach House set until nearing 3am. The spacey instrumentals will surely send us into a trance-like state right before the heavier acts in the final hour snap us back out of it. On Sunday morning, as we lay our heads on our hotel pillows, broken and disheveled - may Beach House provide us with the soundtrack for soothing dreams. And a long, dull ringing sound.