You should go see The Cure because opportunities to see the legendary 80s Dinosaurs of Goth live are now few and far between. Those of us who dispensed with the eyeliner, hairspray and black attire some time ago will relish the chance to take a trip down memory lane and hear classics like ‘Boys Don’t Cry’, ‘In Between Days’ and ‘Love Cats’ in a live setting once again. The Cure were one of the defining bands of the eighties – it is a major coup for Electric Picnic to snag them for one of their increasingly rare live appearances.
You should go see The xx because this London based trio stand on the cusp of true greatness – their superb self- titled debut is one of the most impressive albums of the last five years. Previews of follow up album Coexist, due out in September, promise something equally special. If they manage to translate their brand of soulful melancholy to the big stage setting, they could be one of the surprise hits of the weekend.
You should go and see Sigur Ros because those who witnessed Icelands finest at Electric Picnic 2010, speak of it as something close to a religious experience. Sigur Ros have been unquestionably one of the greatest live bands of the last 10 years, electrifying audiences the world over. With a magnificent new album Valtari to promote, expect the celestial sounds of Jonsi and the boys to elevate this years festival experience to another level.
You should go see the Perfume Genius because right now Mike Hadreas (aka Perfume Genius) might just be one of the most affecting performers and songwriters to have emerged in recent times. His second album, Put Your Back N 2 It, released in February is an achingly beautiful collection of songs that is a live contender for album of the year. Reminiscent of the late Elliott Smith and more recently Antony and the Johnsons, his fragile voice and sparsely beautiful music is sure to captivate.
You should go see Explosions in the Sky because the Texan Post-Rock outfit are arguably the finest exponents of emotional, guitar driven instrumental music out there. They arrive on these shores with quite the reputation as a live act, and with a clutch of superb albums behind them. 2011 saw them release their sixth studio album, the epic Take Care, Take Care, Take Care. Expect symphonic, guitar fireworks when these guys hit the stage.
