Primavera Festival Highlights: Weekend One
The wait for the opening of Barcelona’s famous, brutalist festival site is over.
Having been rescheduled 3 times, Primavera Sound 2022 is happening. In the days leading up to this event, The Strokes announced they would not be performing Week 1 due to Julian Casablancas’ run-in with Covid, we got a peek at the new side-by-side stage set up via the Primavera Sound app and more importantly, we would learn what sacrifices we would have to make due to unavoidable clashes. Regardless of this, the thirst of the fans and artists alike is now quenched, that wiggly sign is alight and the gates of Parc-del-Forum are unlocked. Today is the day.
Day One: Thursday
Joey Bada$$ / Pull & Bear Stage
First act on our bill was multi-talented, Brooklyn native, Joey Bada$$. A recent, welcomed new addition to the ’22 line-up. Having someone of Joey Bada$$’s calibre jump on the lineup so last minute is pretty impressive to say the least and it’s a credit to Primavera’s reputation. However, due to the nature of the afternoon time slot, the crowd numbers didn’t feel as full as he so rightfully deserves. But it’s the quality not the quantity of the crowd right? And everyone there was pumped to see JB. After a 20-minute intro from a hype-man playing a cocktail of Panic at the Disco! and Kendrick, Joey opens with ‘Rockabye Baby’ later followed by ‘Paper Trail$”. It’s at this point that he starts holding the audience in the palm of his hands, which he continues to do so for the rest of his set. Joey rounds off with hits from ‘All-Amerikkkan Bada$$,’: “Temptation” and then “Devastated.” At 8 tracks deep, we wish his show was longer, but our hunger is reassured with the promise of a new album ‘2000,’ to be released later this year, which we can’t wait to listen to.
After exploring the new festival layout and refuelling in Primavera’s much-loved outdoor food court. We returned back to the main stage area to catch country icon, Kacey Musgraves on the Estrella Damm Stage. Naturally, at this point in time, the crowd numbers had increased and the new double stage layout was trialled. Maybe it was down to first night jitters and unestablished drink serving systems but something meant that attendees were grouping and zombie-ing over the bars in their numbers. The lack of free water points also added to the bar pile-ups. We didn’t get to catch Kacey’s full set, though we got in a good enough spot for her cover of Fleetwood Mac’s, “Dreams,” which provided some dreamy escapism from the previous vibe kill at the bars.
Charli XCX / Pull & Bear Stage
Opening with “Lighting” from her latest album “Crash,” There’s no hiding that we are in the presence of a true talent. Charli XCX, a seasoned performer but in no way de-saturated and flat, vibrantly takes us through most of the 2022 release. A stand-out highlight from the night (maybe even the whole festival if we’re being honest) was that we were finally given what we wanted to see since its release: Rina Sawayama and Charli XCX on stage together, performing “Beg for You.” It truly was “some iconic shit” as Charli accurately closed. Charli then takes us through some of her older hits, we hear bangers “Boys,” “Boom Clap” and “Vroom, Vroom.” “Good Ones” effervescently ends her set.
Tame Impala / Estrella Damm
So now the side-by-side stage navigation at a fuller capacity was really put to the test. There’s no sugar-coating this: it was shit. The new layout didn’t really allow for people to slide over to the neighbouring stage, as the front centre had already filled out. It wasn’t a huge problem, as skirting around the outside to re-enter the Estrella Dam stage was pretty straightforward, until we reached the bottleneck. And like cattle blindly waiting to be slaughtered, we stood, not even under a screen or any notable landmark worth grouping at. Everybody just stood there. Maybe it was down to the beers consumed, the sunstroke or even that we all genuinely forgot how to manoeuvre around groups of more than six. Whatever reason it was, it put a downer on things, so we retreated further back. We were, however, lucky enough to catch a one-time-only Tame Impala cover of “Last Nite” (The Strokes, duh) which was bittersweet. It wasn’t the end of the world though, for double weekend ticket holders (like us), we clung to the hope of seeing them next week, so there was slight assurance that we would get the full Tame Impala experience then.
100 gecs / Plentitude Stage
After squeezing out of the main stage area, limbs still intact, it was time for a pick-me-up and who better to serve such refreshments than the beloved gremlin US duo, 100 gecs. Reminiscent of Crystal Castles or SmarterChild’s cooler cousins, 100 gecs deliver us digital friskiness. Highlights include “I Got My Tooth Removed” and “Money Machine.” The CPU sprightliness 100 gecs brought, dissolved any deflation we were feeling at the start of the set. Thanks, guys.
black midi / Plentitude Stage
Continuing the energy boost on the Plentitude stage is the London quartet, black midi. Opening with “953”, the exhilarated rush black midi brings to a crowd is something special. Grateful for the sun to have gone down and the air to be cooler for this one, as it's near impossible to not throw yourself around to black midi sounds. Other tracks the four took us through included: “Welcome to hell,” “Chondromalacia Patella,” “John L.” Rounding off the night with “Slow,” black midi made the perfect close for Still Listening’s first night at Parc-Del Forum.
Day Two: Friday
Weyes Blood / Binance
First on today’s agenda: Weyes Blood. Suited and booted, the US singer and her band take the stage, and the audience, immediately as we were magnetised by her stage presence. “A Lot’s Gonna Change” is tonight’s starter. We’re reminded that Weyes Blood’s music is encompassed by a coolness, both delicate and deliberate. Reaching the halfway point with “Picture Me Better,” Weyes Blood resembles a shepherdess looking out onto the horizon, acknowledging the clouds that start to mirror the crowd below. Making the perfect bridge into “Andromeda,” the phrase “I’m not crying, you’re crying” comes to mind. Weyes Blood finishes her flawless set with “Movies,” and recalls the announcement of her new album due for release later this autumn.
After last night’s dealings with the crowd pileup at the bottleneck near the Estrella Damm stage, we were pretty wary to head in that direction. However, tonight’s atmosphere felt different, maybe there were fewer attendees? It definitely felt like there were more Primavera staff on hand to direct the traffic of people moving from stage to stage, which eased the mood. On our way to Beck, we caught some of Wet Leg’s show, and the energy from Primavera’s past resurfaced, where you could leisurely wander from stage to stage and catch almost perfectly curated fragments of sets.
Beck / Pull & Bear
Sticking to Primavera’s traditionally legendary lineup, Beck gleefully bursts onto the Pull & Bear stage opening with “Hyperlife/Movie Theme.” By the time “Wow” came around, Beck’s tangible charisma made it near impossible to not develop a full-blown holiday crush on the artist. After live debuting “Stratosphere,” Beck followed with classic “Debra” — showcasing his catalogue of musical versatility. Beck performed an impressive 33 songs in total, some for the first time since 2009 (i.e. “Missing”). Not bad for a festival set. Not bad at all.
Little Simz / Cupra
With the sun now set over Parc-del-Forum, Little Simz takes the Cupra stage. The Brit award-winner kicks off with “Introvert,” echoing the setlist from her latest release. Little Simz shows are important in their own way. Her music is powerful and compelling. Match that with her humility and genuine happiness to be performing, and it’s really something. Later in the show, the audience is treated to “Grey Area” tracks: “101-FM" and “Selfish.” Watching Little Simz perform songs like “Venom” live, further proves that there is nothing small about her. Closing with “Woman,” Little Simz truly knows how to save the best till last.
Warpaint / Binance
Arriving on the Binance stage with new single “Hips,” Warpaint reminds us of their greatness. With their famously hypnotising riffs and harmonies, these guys know how to pull you in. Tonight is no exception. Warpaint delve through their inventory of music, weaving in and out of old and new releases. The party steps up a notch with “New Song” followed by classic “Disco//Very.” The group rounds things out with “Beetles,” and then it’s Wizarding time.
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard / Binance
You never know what you’re going to get with a festival show from KGLW, promising to play no repeats over their 5-night stint in Barcelona, the air on the first night was equal parts full of excitement as it was Gizz ad-libs. “Mars from the Rich” from “Infest the Rats’ Nest” is tonight’s opener. “The Grim Reaper” is followed by “O.N.E.” then “Billabong Valley.” The show was the perfect blend of older tracks and recent releases from “Omnium Gatherum,” which was great, considering coronavirus meant this was the first time hearing these new songs live. “Honey” almost brings our first night with Gizz to a close, though the guys intertwine teases of “Sleep Drifter” and “Rattlesnake.” It’s a treat to hear the penultimate track “Magenta Mountain” live, its haunting beauty amplified in this setting. Although it always feels like nights with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard could last forever (in the best possible way), the end is nigh. “We don’t have much time left so we’re only gonna play one more song, but it’s us, so it’s a long one” And at just over 18 minutes, KGLW close out with “The Dripping Tap.”
Day Three: Saturday
Our final day of Weekend 1 at Primavera’s Parc-del-Forum. The busyness and intensity from the first night has calmed, everyone has got their bearings (and a drink) now.
Black Country, New Road - Binance
After stating that the group will not be performing any songs from “Ants from Up There” since Isaac Wood's departure and not releasing any new music prior to today’s show - it's intriguing to see what the latest BC, NR setlist sounds like. The now six piece begin their show with a delicate, staccato sax, building in between verses and a chorus consisting of lyrics: “Look at what we did together, B-C-N-R Friends forever” what we learn is aptly named, “Up Song.” It feels like a perfect love-letter goodbye to the old and re-introduction to the new. The group all take turns sharing their voice, however, bassist Tyler Hyde mostly led the way when it came to vocals. The set was enchanting and sweet, all the more so as it included an even *newer* song, seemingly written in the last 48 hours off the back of the band’s meeting with Earl Sweatshirt in their hotel lobby. setlist.fm tells us, this track is called “Across the Pond Friend,” we aren’t sure if this was the first and only time we hear this song, we hope not, but because it’s BC,NR, it’s hard to tell. Pianist May Kershaw delivers the penultimate song “Turbines/Pigs.” This really felt like the earth had stood still and was hanging on to every note Kershaw gracefully played. The song builds and Kershaw sings “I’m only a pig” over and over until the track’s crescendoed end. Black Country, New Road regroup to make an impressive close with “Dancers,” which perfectly encapsulates their intricate musicianship. One day we will see a Black Country, New Road show after an album release and where we know all the words, but until then we will gladly, blindly follow the sounds.
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Pull & Bear
Playing one of the longer sets this year. Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, graced the Pull&Bear stage with a 2 hour set. It definitely felt more chilled in this area tonight, it didn’t feel as wrong to sit back and absorb the music. The midnight sky and the moon made the perfect backdrop. After 16 songs, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds returned with a 3 track encore and treated his adoring audience to “Into My Arms,” “Vortex” and “Ghosteen Speaks.”
Gorillaz - Estrella Damm
Next up is Gorillaz, learning from our previous run-in with the bottle neck, we left Nick Cave early to secure a decent spot. After the initial barrier of non-dancing crowd members, the front left area of the Estrella Damm stage was surprisingly roomy. Gorillaz intro with “The Static Channel,” this then bleeds and explodes into “M1 A1,” from the 2001 self-titled Album. We are then gifted a healthy blend of bangers released from across the last two decades. Albarn and his musical entourage tighter than ever. And what’s a Gorillaz show without the stage being shared with the musical collaborators that contribute to the songs we all know and love? Mos Def, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Fatoumata Diawara, Bootie Brown, De La Soul, Slowthai and Sweetie Irie all took it in turns to join Damon and the band to perform their retrospective features. Désolé (with Fatoumata Diawara) was well worth the wait. Gorillaz close with Clint Eastwood (feat. Sweetie Irie). This set did feel slightly shorter compared to previous Gorillaz festival shows. We were left wanting more, but maybe that’s because it’s easy to be greedy with Gorillaz.
Tyler, the Creator - Pull & Bear
Now, back over to the right hand side of the main stage area. For some reason, the Pull&Bear stage feels less hectic, even for Tyler, the Creator. The stage design for this show was pretty cool, with leafy greenery and pyrotechnics, it was apparent that no obvious compromises had been made to fit in with the festival environment, we are in Tyler’s world tonight. Tyler starts off with “CORSO” which is followed by “LEMONHEAD.” We then later hear “See You Again,” “Who Dat Boy” and “Yonkers.” It really is hit after hit with Tyler tonight. At some point the rapper reminds his adoring audience to be present and experience the music for real, not through your iPhone camera lens, to which most oblige and slip their phones away. After “Earfquake” finishes, we all know what’s next: “New Magic Wand.” Tyler cuts the track shortly after its intro and takes some time to comment on his pride of this specific creation and how he strives to continue to make work that has the same level of meaningfulness as this song does. He then reboots it with accompanying pyrotechnics. After the explosive track is over, we hear the penultimate track from CMIYGL, “I THOUGHT YOU WANTED TO DANCE” blends into tonight’s closer,“RUNITUP.”
And that was that for our highlights of Week 1 at Parc-Del-Forum. After Tyler, the now chilled vibes of the festival meant we could sit on the fake grass next to the main stage and let it all sink in. No pressure from security hushing us away like you get at most U.K. city festivals. It was nice to reflect and drift back through the bustling festival site at our own pace.