Sniffing The Grass: A Lowlands 2013 Warmup

Although all indie-hipsters think Lowlands is not fun anymore because they think it's too mainstream, too busy and nowadays everyone is going, I think it's still a great festival. They all went to Best Kept Secrets earlier this year, that did have a nice line-up. But Lowlands sure has a nice program too, even for indie-hipsters. Maybe not a lot of headliners, but that only means there are more smaller bands and there's more to discover. And that's the problem right away: I don't want to make choices!

Friday
First choice right from the start: Traumahelikopter or Deep Sea Arcade. The Dutch punkers Traumahelikopter know how to tear down a tent, but ozzie band Deep Sea Arcade make this great psychedelic music. Maybe try to make both. Next choice: Theme Park or The Joy Formidable? Not to sure about either of them so will choose at the last moment. I know I like Seasick Steve's blues and he's always great to watch. I don't want to miss Tame Impala. Their live shows do get better and better and you know I adore their music.

Belgian band Sir Yes Sir released their first album earlier this year. I was looking forward to it, but it didn't quite convince me. Maybe live they will. I like Band of Horses and saw them earlier on Rock Werchter. Maybe try Beans & Fatback instead for some good old blues and soul.

Time for the biggest dilemma of the weekend. I think I'm going to run between the India and Charlie stages to catch both Mikal Cronin and Jagwar Ma I'll have to skip Bombino. De Jeugd van Tegenwoordig and Slayer are impossible to see that way. Ah, Slayer without Dave Lombardo isn't the same anyway. Industrial rockers Nine Inch Nails quit and then came back together. Trent Reznor may not know what he wants, but you know he throws a great show.



Pfff, if I have any energy left on this first day, time for some dancing? I'm sure it will involve some beers.

Saturday
Several Dutch bands will be playing Nirvana cover songs of their classic album Nevermind. Not sure if that is always a good idea, but worth checking out. I did see both one of Belgian's finest Balthazar and Dutch young dogs Mozes And The Firstborn before, so this is gonna be another tough choice.

Afrobeat from Mali? You don't have to say that twice. Ben Zabo I'll be there! I'm going to see Miles Kane later this year so will catch him there. John Coffey or Michael Kiwanuka then? I love Kiwanuka's soul but also heard good things about John Coffey. Damn choices!

I'm definitely going to see the great Unknown Mortal Orchestra who made one of the best records so far this year. Then there's finally some time to take it slow before Editors close the day. Well, not exactly close it, since the night is only just beginning.



Sunday
The World Orchestra sounds nice to start with but I also finally want to see our own Dutch wonder boy Jacco Gardner perform. I only caught the last ten minutes of Haim's show on Rock Werchter, so me and the girls definitely have a date today. Noah and the Whale are worth checking out and although I've seen Alabama Shakes perform a lot last year I can't get enough of their soulful music.

Foals came up with a great record and are supposed to be throw impressive live shows as well. Franz Ferdinand are about to release a new album. Do they still have that sparkle? Nick Cave isn't exactly the act you expect to close a big festival. But I love his music and he might just surprise us to be a great closing act.



It sure looks like a promising program with great bands to look forward to. Just take a look at their line-up and the block schedule. Of course like always there's also comedy, dance, movies and theater. For a non indie-hipster like me this is going to be one great weekend!