The first impression after stepping into Secret Solstice Festival was ´it is so cosy´. A specially definite area at Laugardalur turned out to be not that large so exhausting running from one stage to the other was not required. The area was split into three zones – Asgard with a main stage where the biggest performances took place, a cheerful Midgard zone where mortals could regenerate forces and relax on swings, hammocks or benches while watching what was happening on two other stages (Gimli and Embla) and Hel zone – a dark spot situated in skating hall – that was open from 9 p.m. of the first day of the Secret Solstice and was a place where one of the most awaited acts of the entire event performed – a techno legend from Detroit, Carl Craig.
A main theme of the festival – Nordic mythology – obliges. Hence, signs connected with mythical beliefs were visible all around. A specific mood of merrymaking arrived quick in the Midgard zone that was well organised for festivalgoers. Moreover, with every crossing the gate of the mythic snake Jörmungandr it was possible to experience that day a sudden Icelandic weather change like it really would be a magic travel between worlds. This gate to Asgard was guarded by bearded Vikings.
The festival was open on the main stage Valhalla at noon with the first sounds of Faroese singer-songwriter Eivor Pálsdottir‘s otherworldly voice. She played mostly songs from her last album entitled ‘Room’ that was out in 2012 and she made a point of performing also a really impressive song called ‘Trollabundin’. Besides, my attention was caught on the main stage that day by such bands like local dark psychedelic Fufanu that performed unusually as 5-piece band and presented probably the loudest sound of the first day. After that Moses Hightower gave a soul performance. This is one of those Icelandic bands that never disappoint listeners even though people had to soak in a drizzle while they were relaxing before a show of Maus, the legend of the local music scene that played energetic concert showing a rock claw.
Gimli stage also offered a good entertainment. At 1 p.m. Kött grá pje took control over this truck stage and caught attention of the festivalgoers in Midgard successfully with its powerful rap. Another one of tried and tested Icelandic bands that always present high level was Leaves. A setlist of this alternative rock team contained mostly songs from the newest album entitled ´See you in the afterglow.
The Secret Solstice Festival delivered a space for dancing under a roof too – Askur dance tent – where even during the day like around 3 p.m. an Icelandic DJ Intro Beats was able to gather an impressive amount of dancers that enjoyed his house set.
An act that made the biggest impression on me on Friday was a show of French artist Woodkid. It was the very first performance of this music feast that let me feel a real festival fever. I found Yoann Lemoine an amazing personality on the stage and he was able to hypnotise an audience with his magnetising voice, a powerful drums’ and brass section’s sound while performing a mesmerising neofolk. He linked up to the listeners in front of the stage and although he could not present his entire light show due to the round-the-clock brightness in Iceland his visualisations provided an impressive addition to a great atmospheric show. Woodkid gave only one hour long concert. I wish it could last longer…!
A summer shower did not interrupt in having a good time. An electropop duo Disclosure DJ registered a very good attendance at Valhalla stage when the artists shared their rich sound combining dubstep basslines and strong beats. The duo that debuted over a year ago initiated a really nice party in Asgard.
However, Molotov Jukebox turned out to be a perfect alternative for those who instead of enjoying a mood of electronic dance music preferred to caper more carelessly about in ska rhytms. Those chatty Brits who had a great contact with the audience effortlessly convinced everyone to dance in gypsy mood with an accompaniment of a swinging trumpet and cheerful accordion. Here folk meets even with reggae and ska so move your hips and dance! What a brilliant joyful dance party!
The first day of Secret Solstice Festival offered 17 hours of music and it has to be admitted – was successful. It could be described as a day of familiarising with the area of the festival and attractions that were prepared in addition to performances of awaited artists. The festivalgoers had opportunity to experience also the moody Icelandic weather combining rain and the sun almost in the same time. Fortunately, a merrymaking in a mud was not in plans that day.
Justyna
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