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

NEW MUSIC DISCOVERY - 14.02.24
1 month 1 week ago

Jack In Water - 'You're Home'

NEW MUSIC DISCOVERY - 13.02.24
1 month 2 weeks ago

Meltheads - 'Decent Sex'

Dizzee Rascal - 'Don't Take It Personal'
1 month 2 weeks ago

6/10

NEW MUSIC DISCOVERY - 12.02.24
1 month 2 weeks ago

Side Saddle - 'Wine & Spirits'

NEW MUSIC DISCOVERY - 09.02.24
1 month 2 weeks ago

WRKHOUSE - 'Getaway'

Brittany Howard - 'What Now'
1 month 2 weeks ago

8/10

More News

One True Pairing unveils new single 'Mid-Life Crisis'

After recently returning with his stunning comeback single 'Frozen Food Centre' late last year, One True Pairing is back once again to deliver a... 1 month 2 weeks ago

LUMP's Mike Lindsay announces debut solo album 'supershapes volume 1'

Having already made his mark as a member of Tuung and LUMP on previous endeavours, Mike Lindsay has now announced his plans for his debut solo album... 1 month 2 weeks ago

Winona Oak announces new EP 'Void'

Following on from the release of her highly-praised debut album 'With Or Without You', Winona Oak has now announced her plans for a new EP, arriving... 1 month 2 weeks ago

DYLAN returns with new single 'The Alibi'

Having already cemented herself as one of the more exciting names rising on the pop scene recently, DYLAN has now returned once again to deliver a... 1 month 2 weeks ago

Kacey Musgraves announces new album 'Deeper Well'

Following on from the release of her highly-praised 2021 LP 'star-crossed', Kacey Musgraves has now announced her plans for a new studio album,... 1 month 2 weeks ago

Vampire Weekend announce new album 'Only God Was Above Us'

Following on from the release of their highly-praised LP 'Father Of The Bride' in 2019, Vampire Weekend have now announced their plans for a new... 1 month 2 weeks ago

Maggie Rogers announces new album 'Don't Forget Me'

Following on from her highly-praised sophomore LP 'Surrender' in 2022, Maggie Rogers has now announced her plans for a new studio album, arriving in... 1 month 2 weeks ago

Mount Kimbie announce new album 'The Sunset Violent'

Following on from their highly-praised 2017 LP 'Love What Survives', Mount Kimbie have now made their eagerly-awaited return as they announce the... 1 month 2 weeks ago

Portishead's Beth Gibbons announces debut solo album 'Lives Outgrown'

Having spent the best part of the last decade building and cultivating a distinctive direction for herself, former Portishead singer Beth Gibbons has... 1 month 2 weeks ago