Viva Sounds 2019 Review

Linn Koch-Emmery

We returned to a not-so-rainy Gothenburg on the West Coast of Sweden for the second edition of Viva Sounds back in December. As with most things in December, this review was put on hold whilst we worked on our Christmas bellies but now they’ve started to subside, the real work begins and rounding off what was another great festival is top of the priority list.

Remembering back to a hazy Friday night (thank you Fireball shots), the festival started at the cosy Holy Moly watching Danish singer Dopha gently cruise through her set of brand new material stirring up thoughts on a slightly more poppy blend of country folk that reminds me on further listening of a voice of Regina Spector blended with Taylor Swift. Maybe that’s quite a statement, but it was two months ago now and might notes are a little skewed…

Sam Florian followed with amorphous, vapour infused production on lo fi tracks worth a mention here before great dinner of Middle Eastern food at Silvis and a short walk down to Cafè Hängmatten to watch local boys The Bongo Club thrash through their set in the expected emphatic fashion. Ever the live band, the Swedish four piece boasts a rhythm section that would be the envy of any indie band giving guitartists Jesper Jansson and Erik Ahlblom freedom to express themselves as only guitarists know how. A short trip upstairs to Musikens Hus to watch Linn Koch-Emmery, one of my personal favourites for a couple of years now, and still every time I see Linn perform I believe she is primed for bigger stages across Europe. ‘Waves’ has been a track I’ve played on repeat for over a year, if you haven’t heard her yet I suggest you start here.

Without going into late night Friday night antics this year (no late night Robbie Williams being forced down my throat by one Mattias Tell), Saturday was a good day for many reasons. Man Utd thrashed City, Anthony Joshua slapped Ruiz around, and it was a great night for live music, which was obviously why we were in Gothenburg to begin with… We’d been tipped by a friend to check out Toi Let and absolutely loved it, some of the drumming was on another level and really made the noisy instrumentalist standout from the crowd. Another local act and one we are very familiar with here at Mystic Sons HQ in a polluted London, Mimi Bay followed and was a particular highlight of the festival. Armed with just a guitar and a voice that drew drastic comparisons to Nina Perrson, Mimi is an artist to keep a close eye on in 2020 with big things planned. Oceanen hosted Bella Union’s Pom Poko from Norway to claim the prize of the most entertaining act of the festival, purely party hits and energy on stage from start to finish, a very impressive performance.

Other notable performances were from Arvid Nero and Slowgold leaving the only UK act on the bill, Red Rum Club, to close the bill in chaotic fashion with a stage invasion whilst playing final song ‘Would You Rather Be Lonely’ from which we have a video that may never see the light of day. Time will tell, but another stellar effort from a festival that continues to punch well above its weight.

Also – worth a mentioning if Gothenburg in for next years Viva Sound. Go get some pizza from Kafé Magasinet - we live for pizza after all and we will be back I hope next year (well, technically this year because we are so late in writing this). Viva la Sweden xx

More Reviews

Pixies - 'Beneath The Eyrie'
4 years 6 months ago

7/10

NEW MUSIC DISCOVERY - 13.09.19
4 years 6 months ago

Jelani Aryeh - 'Patagonia'

Charli XCX - 'Charli'
4 years 6 months ago

8/10

MUNA - 'Saves The World'
4 years 6 months ago

7/10

NEW MUSIC DISCOVERY - 12.09.19
4 years 6 months ago

Young Guv - 'Try Not To Hang On So Hard'

Kindness - 'Something Like A War'
4 years 6 months ago

6/10

NEW MUSIC DISCOVERY - 11.09.19
4 years 6 months ago

The Brook & The Bluff - 'Hallways'

Frankie Cosmos - 'Close It Quietly'
4 years 6 months ago

7/10

More News

Black Honey return with new single 'Beaches'

Following on from the wild success of their 2018 self-titled debut album, Black Honey are now back with a brand new single. The new track 'Beaches... 3 years 8 months ago

Angel Olsen announces new album 'Whole New Mess'

With less than a year passed since she released her brilliant 'All Mirrors' LP, Angel Olsen has now announced her plans for a new studio album,... 3 years 8 months ago

Wye Oak unveil new single 'Spitting Image'

With their highly-anticipated new collaborative EP alongside the Brooklyn Youth Chorus landing this Friday, Wye Oak have now unveiled another cut... 3 years 8 months ago

Babeheaven announce debut album 'Home For Now'

Following on from the glowing success of their latest EP 'Suspended Animation' last year, Babeheaven have now announced their plans for their first... 3 years 8 months ago

SOAK returns with new track 'I'm Alive'

After delivering her highly-praised sophomore album 'Grim Town' last year, singer and songwriter Bridie Monds-Watson aka SOAK now returns with her... 3 years 8 months ago

Doves announce 2021 UK tour

With their long-awaited new album 'The Universal Want' arriving on the 11th September via Virgin EMI, Doves have now announced their plans for an... 3 years 8 months ago

The Flaming Lips deliver new track 'You n Me Sellin' Weed'

Despite their highly-anticipated new album still a couple of months away, The Flaming Lips have now returned to unveil the fourth cut to be lifted... 3 years 8 months ago

The Wytches announce new album 'Three Mile Ditch'

After returning earlier this year to unveil their comeback single 'Cowboy', their first in four years, The Wytches have now announced their plans for... 3 years 8 months ago

Mercury Prize 2020 nominations announced

2020 may go down in history for many things, but one thing for certain is that no matter what is happening outside, great British music will always... 3 years 8 months ago