By Santiago Rivas @Rivas_Santiago
After the traffic jam, getting there is quite easy. Entry was quick, thankfully. Upon arrival, the impression is that of a familiar place, and I think it's worth mentioning, because it's to the organizers' credit that they've created a place where one feels safe. It's all just some damn brand activation, but whatever. The important thing is that there is music. Here's what I saw on this first day.
Of Monsters and Men: Good band. A nice band, above all. They have that modern sound that doesn't quite convince me., But they're good, and they sound tight. They have a large group and they make the most of it. Their music is beautiful and the audience responded well. I honestly would have put them later in the schedule. But there was still quite a crowd. Especially when the competition is the Rolling Stones, no less.
Bad Religion: Everything I wanted to see last night. They fully complied. I could have left after seeing them, and it would have been worth coming. I don't know what else to say, because I don't think I can be objective. Like a teenager, I moshed after many years, almost 20. A mosh pit at Estéreo Picnic is nothing like one at Rock al Parque, but Bad Religion was everything we hoped for and that's what mattered. They contribute so much to punk, to music, and to youth in general. When I saw Greg Graffin, bald, gray-haired, and standing tall, singing hard truths to the few privileged few of us who were there yesterday to see them in that park in the remote north of Bogotá, I deeply regretted that it wasn't a concert for those who could have fully enjoyed it. In fact, they seemed a bit out of place, on a day that didn't sound like them at all, between Albert Hammond Jr. and Odezsa, who are nothing like them. It was as if they were part of a group or the whim of a curator. Whatever the reason, thank you. I hope they come back, this time for all the punks in the city.
Tame ImpalaIt's refreshing when a genre, or a style, like psychedelia, is revived in capable hands. This is a group with a very complex, well-crafted sound, yet easy to listen to. Rich to hear. Sometimes soft, sometimes loud, but always interesting. I can only tell those who haven't paid attention to their music to dedicate an afternoon to listening to them. They were definitely the strongest piece on that stage.
Ela MinusA good act, appropriate for the small stage they assigned him, Well, it's not a mass proposal., Nor monumental. Good sound composition, good use of the voice, a beautiful stage presence (she has charisma, as they say) and a job that would be worth hearing over and over again in the house. I'm going to do exactly that.
OdeszaSuddenly I had to add something, but since I didn't, I didn't like it. It's not bad, but it's not exciting. And that's enough for me.
The Mini-TK of FearSince Diego Maldonado is so good, the sound of this band is getting cleaner and cleaner., and they've also managed to make it more danceable, Because before, it was simply dark. I don't think they'll ever be my favorite band, but I'm glad to see them achieving their goals, and it's worth saying that They have a very powerful platform. They clearly feel free, they want to impress, and they strive to command the stage they're on. They shock, which is always refreshing. In fact, that's the word that best describes them. It was a thorough and refreshing presentation.
Mumford & SonsI felt exactly like I did with Kings of Leon last year: really I don't understand what people see in this group.. It's great if they get radio airplay sometime, and sure, they're committed, talented, and even established musicians (it's not easy to make pop, or indie pop, and for some reason people get where they are), but what a dream I had listening to them, with that rural indie music for millennial sentimental education. I can't do it.
The AnswerThese gentlemen are excellent. I heard very little from them compared to what I wanted to hear. Innovative, striking, interesting., resounding in their sound and absolutely punk in spirit, It's one of the most accomplished musical projects in the world. Many might think they arrived about three years late, but I'm very happy to have been able to see them, even if only for a little while. Download the discography and enjoy.
In conclusion, I don't regret not going to the Rolling Stones concert. Estéreo Picnic has managed to put together a solid festival and a comfortable place to watch music. You know exactly what to expect, and you don't leave the park without having discovered something new, which I think is a great achievement these days when more and more overwhelming and repetitive formulas are appearing. The only thing I'd like to see is more variety in the food area. There are some tasty things, but the diversity of previous years has been lost. I imagine this is because it's not good business for small vendors, nor does it work well when there are so many options, but as a customer, you definitely feel the loss. Otherwise, congratulations on withstanding the onslaught of their satanic majesties with such elegance. We'll see what tonight has in store for us…
