Eurosonic Report: Day Two

The second night of Eurosonic Noorderslag 2013 saw well over 100 bands playing live sets at venues scattered all over the Dutch city of Groningen. Although this meant that the 3,000 delegates were spoiled for choice, it also led to some frustrating overlaps.

The big buzz shows of the night were Estonia’s Ewert & The Two Dragons at Machinefabriek, EBBA winners French Films (from Finland) at Muziekschool, and France’s C2C at the Cathedral. Having previously won the World DJ Championship for teams four times in a row, the latter act also won the ‘People’s Choice’ award at the EBBAs on Wednesday night. These four DJs and eight hands play a mix of jazz, soul, blues, electro and hip-hop. Their debut album is titled Tetra.

Perhaps news of his third Choice Prize nomination had reached Holland, but there was a huge turnout for Adrian Crowley’s show upstairs in the Grand Theatre. Although the seated venue held just 140 people, at least the same number again queued down the stairs, through the lobby and out onto the street, straining just to hear the Galwegian sing.

Currently flying high with his sixth studio album, I See Three Birds Flying, Crowley was joined onstage by members of London outfit Geese. Strange that music so quiet and contemplative can provoke such a loud reaction. Our pre-show interview with Crowley can be seen here on HotPress.com.

Across town, alternative Scottish act Frightened Rabbit played to a packed house at Machinefabriek. Mixing indie folk and frenetic indie rock, their set comprised songs from their 2010 album The Winter of Mixed Drinks and the soon to be released Pedestrian Verse. Our post-show interview with frontman Scott Hutchison will be on HotPress.com tomorrow.

Having had the audience well warmed up by the antics of Frightened Rabbit, Irish rockers Kodaline also rocked out Machinefabriek. With some critics already comparing their sound to U2, Coldplay and Elbow, it won’t be long before these four young Dubliners are packing out stadiums all over the world. Or maybe not. The music industry is a cruel and fickle business...

The other big Irish show of last night was Little Green Cars at Stadsschouwburg. Managed by former Thrills man Daniel Ryan, and recently featured on charity album A Murray Christmas, the five-piece are signed to Young and Lost Club (home to the likes of Noah And The Whale). Their show was recorded and broadcast live by 2fm’s Ian Wilson, and can be listened to on the 2fm website.