Freekind
Freekind. is a powerful Slovenian and Croatian duet that combine the percussion talents of Nina Korošak – Serčič and pianist/vocalist Sara Ester Greduelj. The jazzy rap is infused with Winehouse-vocals from Sara, and the real-life stories the pair share are the influence behind their funny lyrics – such as a whole track dedicated to the time Nina lost her bag on a train in Berlin. I was impressed by the diversity in the sound and the mellow-ness of the vibe that they created.
The Great Escape Horatio’s
Radio Free Alice
The boys of Radio Free Alice, all who almost looked too young to buy drinks at the venue they were playing at, were incredible. The music was a blend of modern punk with an undeniable 80’s look and vibe. The frontman Noah Learmonth looks like a flashback on stage – he has the swagger and vocals akin to many of the legendary frontmen from the 80’s and 90’s. The music is a call to dance, while still being smart, sultry, and fun.
Charles Streep Tap
Bon Jour – Jubilee Square
The four piece Austrian band Bon Jour all seemed like they had just stepped off the stage at Coachella – their Americana-desert looks added to their charisma, and was exactly what the crowd needed at the second earliest slot of the day. The appeal in the music lies in the fuzzy, punchy indie rock that is so often loved over on the West Coast. They seem well suited for the genre, as the buildups and chords all combined to form a set made to make you dance.
The Great Escape Jubilee Square
Maluridé – Jubilee Square
This epic three-piece Hungarian band took the stage to transport everyone to the dark, eerie, and techno-filled forests of the Csarna-valley. The music was trance-like, filled with the utterly impressive voice of the frontwoman, Julia Viszkeleti, who delivered on every aspect of her performance. The keyboardist Virág Zazie Farkas, whose dreamy voice accompanied Julia’s, was the other piece of the puzzle that elevated the group’s sound. Although I waited for more intense bass drops that came infrequently, the man sat next to me stated it best – “The music is a good choice for the 11 AM slot – something a little more relaxed.”
The Great Escape Jublilee Square
Loupe – Patterns Downstairs
Loupe has that distinct indie rock sound with a soulful sound coming from their frontwoman, the newly added Nina Ouattara. Nina’s presence adds a sultrier and more playful vibe to a classic sound, and the dark and intimate basement of Patterns Downstairs stage is a perfect vibe.
The Great Escape – Patterns Downstairs
Philine Sonny – Patterns Upstairs
A set sadly marred by an on-stage 10-minute delay, Philine Sonny started off awkwardly but quickly won the hearts of the crowd. The first act to perform for the German Showcase, Philine did a wonderful job of recovering and displaying her wonderful voice. She was accompanied by dreamy soft indie rock music, and softly sang her music to much applause.
Alfie Jukes
Although the stage is a real-life outdoor oven, that doesn’t stop Brighton-local Alfie Jukes from throwing a great, sweaty show. The singer channels artists like Taylor Swift and Conan Gray for a set filled with indie pop love songs, as well as some more sincere, cry-about-your-ex songs that always hit home. He sang with great energy and couldn’t have been happier to perform in his home-town.
Soundwaves Stage
