aaamusic | On 17, May 2015

Situated in the vicinity of Parc Del Forum, the city of Barcelona; Primavera Sound is back for its 15th Birthday with a colossal line up.

As one of the most prestigious festivals in Europe, 2015’s roaster boasts some of the biggest artists from each continent of the globe ranging from well-established acts such as The Black Keys, Alt-J to Patti Smith. It is also a platform for new and forthcoming acts for instance French duo Ibeyi, Perfume Genius and Single Mothers. Intersected with servings of electronica in the form of Simian Mobile Disco, Jon Hopkins and Spiritualized; as well as the Parc being a playground for home grown musicians including Boreals and Jugando Con from Barcelona and Celica XX, a quintet from Madrid. Even though the festival officially commences from May 28th-30th, a whole week of pre and post festival festivities (some free) running from Monday 25th to Sunday 31st will be hosted, at specially selected venues courtesy of the Primavera organisers.

With a wealth of acts to see and check out, I’m here to help make your life easier by highlighting the top 5 performances you need to catch at this year’s proceedings (listed in no specific order) featuring James Blake, Tyler the Creator, Caribou, Mac Demarco and The Strokes.

The Strokes

Whilst some of the group’s more recent musical adventures have been questionable to say the least, it would be hard to deny their genius stylings on Room On Fire and Is This It. Who wouldn’t want the opportunity to catch Julian Casablancas, Albert Hammond Jr., Nick Valensi, Nikolai Fraiture, and Fab Moretti playing indie classics such as ‘Reptilia’, ‘12:51’, ‘Last Night’, ‘Someday’ and ‘Take It Or Leave’, the list could go on and on. Not only is this performance only one of a handful of appearances the band shall be making this summer; it will also be marking a prominent point in the history of the Spanish festival. So get your beers at the ready and put that Strokes t-shirt on, as it is sure to be a special occasion to remember.

Mac Demarco

With a cult following all of his own Mac, the goof ball we love will be playing the Heineken stage on Saturday 30^th. Known for his off-kilter shows, charismatic personality on stage and the odd heavy metal jam at the end of his sets; he is likely to produce without a doubt one of the highlights of Primavera. Whilst we may not all have had the opportunity to subscribe to The Wonderful World of Mac Demarco 7” courtesy of his record label Captured Tracks, which entitled subscribers to receive two exclusively recorded 7” vinyls, every six to eight weeks. At least with albums 2 and Salad Days in hand, they will surely bring the American’s laidback unique sounds to the sunny shores of Barcelona.

Caribou

Daniel Snaith is a man of many guises; Manitoba and Daphni, but he best known for his endeavours as Caribou. Euphoria, contentedness and exhilaration are just a few of the feelings you will have felt, after leaving his show. In addition his full band will be present to maximise the aural resonance and to support the main man. And if that’s not enough to convince you; just envision the combination of his smooth melodious electronica of Andorra, Swim and 2014’s Our Love immersing the audience in unadulterated ecstasy. If this is not enough of a reason, not to miss his set, I don’t know what is and need I say no more. That is unless you think you’ve got somewhere else more important to be.

Tyler the Creator

Recently having dropped new LP Cherry Bomb in the last month of April, this will be one of the largest debuts for fans to finally hear the new material live. Controversial, vindictive and a twisted romancer, but never really giving a shit the Odd Future front man appears to be forming a novel succinct sound unique to his own methods (an incorporation of his admiration for the Neptunes and keeping those recordings from his pubescent adolescent days). However those who like the rawness of Bastard and Goblin are sure to be catered for too. Being no stranger to collaborations and the abundance of artists who have featured on his past works such as Hodgy Beats, Earl Sweatshirt and Frank Ocean from the OF crew, as well as the likes of Pharrell Williams and Erykah Badu, it is possible Tyler could bring some friends a long for the ride too. Expect outlandish antics, ludicrous lyrics and possibly to be offended.

James Blake

Back after his Primavera Sound main stage set in 2013, Mr Blake is here once again to spoil us rotten or should I say provoke our spirits with his computerised soul. Two times Mercury Prize nominee for his self titled debut LP and his second record Overgrown the winner of the 2013 awards (it really was his year), he always succeeds to surprise. Whether it’s through his heart-wrenching vocalisations, a re-edited, spliced and fresh rendition of his staple tracks such as ‘CMYK’ or an extended outro it is always a pleasure to watch him in his element. Though the Goldsmiths graduate has been in the studio working on his follow-up third album with Kanye West, we are yet to hear of any recent news regarding the phantom record, which was meant to be released in March or April of this year. Surely James you can play just one or maybe two songs, please?

Tickets are still currently available to purchase via the Primavera Sound 2015 website. Get one now, as the line-up does truly speak for itself.