Viva Sounds 2018 Review

We were lucky enough to be invited for the inauguration of VIVA Sounds Festival and Conference in December, so I’ve decided to pen some thoughts on the whole experience.

My first time in Gothenburg, I’ve been told it was somewhere west of Stockholm when in actual fact it’s on the other side of Sweden. Three hours passed fairly quickly on a smooth Swedish train, which made a mockery as most trains do in Europe, of the shambles we have in comparison to ride in the UK. Another fine example of how Brexit won’t make things better, Europe is already prospering without us and if we can’t run our trains properly then what hope have we got? Hmmm…

Anyway, Brexit dig out of the way. Friday night:

When invited for food I was worried my found flexitarianism would struggle to be upheld, as it is at most conference/festivals I found myself in (Would you like the burger or the steak today, sir?) but to my utter surprise, in typical Swedish style, we started in a vegetarian restaurant called Solrosen to get some pre-music food. I was strongly recommended the lasagne, so of course went for something else. Mushroom stew with rice, it was delicious and such a great little find.

Enough about food, this is a music blog. Off to see the bands, that’s why we’re here after all. First band up was an aggressive shock to the senses, in a hardcore, yet satisfying manner, watching Bottlecap jump around at The Abyss. We were then dragged off in the pouring rain (apparently it rains a lot in Gothenburg, it didn’t disappoint to demonstrate) towards Hängmattan. And it’s here I spent the rest of the evening, watching three great local acts. Lavette opened up, a 5-piece band with 4 women running the show and a sole male timekeeper on drums, really entertaining. I drunkenly recall naming them a Swedish version of Hinds to my good mate Austin Maloney (who tipped them as a must-watch), and I stand by this now in sobriety. Beverly Kills followed, they were excellent, brooding, alternative and led by the fantastic vocals of a singer called Alma who I met the next day. Hope to hear more from these guys soon. Closing the show were Baby Jesus, performing what I could only describe as 60s inspired psych rock, and dressed to match. It was a fitting end, to a fitting night. At least that was the plan at 1am.

Saturday:

Stupidly, Mattias Tell and I convinced each other it was worth staying out drinking until 4am in a nearby bar listening to Robbie Williams of all things in Sweden. Thus making me late for my speed meetings and missing the complementary breakfast in true conference style. Luckily it’s a quick walk down to Pustervik where the conference was in full swing without me. I spent the next 6 hours meeting, chatting with local bands and industry, it was absolutely fucking brilliant and felt very interpersonal, unlike a lot of the more ‘commercial’ music conferences (SXSW eat your heart out). VIVA Sounds was actually very useful for me and enjoyable it seemed for everyone taking part.

Post-conference began with more vegetarian food (Risotto this time) at a fine restaurant called Byns Bistro, before we were whisked away to watch another night of music. I ended up in Oceanen and had the pleasure of watching Melby, Sic Nis (from Birmingham UK of all places!) and a German act called Capitano. I was a fan of Melby before this and walked out even more impressed by a great live performance, whilst Capitano and Sic’Nis were both great examples of talent imported from other countries and both put on a stellar performance in their own unique ways.

After missing the Closing Party watching the talent at Oceanen, Pale Honey (pictured) showed everyone why they were closing the festival with a solid and assured performance from a band clearly destined for big things. Their take on proggy, grunge infused alternative rock was breath-taking at times, and damn enjoyable throughout. A fine export from a fine city - who said Stockholm carried all the cards in Sweden? Go to Gothenburg if you get the chance, live a little.

Check out the music on show in this well-thought playlist:

More Reviews

DZ Deathrays - 'Bloody Lovely'
6 years 1 month ago

7/10

NEW MUSIC DISCOVERY - 23.02.18
6 years 1 month ago

C-DRAIN - 'Come On!'

Vance Joy - 'Nation Of Two'
6 years 1 month ago

5/10

NEW MUSIC DISCOVERY - 22.02.18
6 years 1 month ago

Fishbach - 'Eternité'

The Pxrtals - 'Un Jour'
6 years 1 month ago

6/10

NEW MUSIC DISCOVERY - 21.02.18
6 years 1 month ago

The High Loves - 'Perils Of Passion'

NEW MUSIC DISCOVERY - 20.02.18
6 years 1 month ago

The Crooked Kings - 'Reta'

More News

Sam Fender unveils new single 'Will We Talk?'

With his eagerly-awaited debut album arriving later this year, Sam Fender has now dropped the next cut to be lifted from his forthcoming full-length... 4 years 9 months ago

Bon Iver teases new studio album

After returning early last month to deliver his new singles 'Hey Ma' and 'U (Man Like)', it looks like Bon Iver is gearing up to announce a new... 4 years 9 months ago

Ty Segall shares new track 'Radio'

With his highly-anticipated new album arriving early next month, Ty Segall has now dropped the next cut to be taken from his forthcoming full-length... 4 years 9 months ago

Sleater-Kinney drummer Janet Weiss leaves the band

Despite their highly-anticipated new album 'The Center Won’t Hold' due to be released next month, Sleater-Kinney's drummer Janet Weiss has announced... 4 years 9 months ago

Bonobo returns with new single 'Linked'

Following on from his critically-praised 2017 album 'Migration', as well as his recent 'fabric presents' mix, Bonobo has now returned to share a... 4 years 9 months ago

Belle & Sebastian announce new soundtrack album 'Days Of The Bagnold Summer'

Following on from their critically-praised 2018 LP 'How To Solve Our Human Problems', Belle... 4 years 9 months ago

MUNA share new single 'Who'

With their highly-anticipated sophomore album arriving in the coming months, MUNA have now dropped the next cut to be lifted from their forthcoming... 4 years 9 months ago

Blonde Redhead's Kazu Makino shares new single 'Meo'

After announcing her plans for a new solo album back in April, Blonde Redhead's Kazu Makino continues the support for her upcoming release with the... 4 years 9 months ago

The Soft Cavalry share new track 'Never Be Without You'

With their highly-anticipated debut album now just one week away, Slowdive's Rachel Goswell and husband Steve Clarke aka The Soft Cavalry have now... 4 years 9 months ago