21st Aug
After a disturbed sleep, waking at 4.30am and finally arriving in Sweden totally zombiefied I could have been mistaken into thinking I had been abducted by Aliens and whisked back to the 60’s to experience the future dark music sounds of tomorrow at the magnificent Kalabalik på Tyrolen festival in Alvesta.
Held at a quite unique semi indoor / outdoor surroundings of the 1960’s Tyrolen dance venue which had almost a Tarrantino feel about it. Here was the definite proof that it’s possible to make a great festival with a great line up of bands, without ripping people off via crowdfunding. It also underlines that to be one of the best festivals (I have had the pleasure to attend and perform at) you don’t need to be the biggest!
Joddelero
The second stage will a killer glitter ball
Tyrolen
The main stage and bar / restaurant area which had a great selection of hot and cold drinks, as well as very tasty traditional hot Swedish meals and snacks which surpassed the normal festival food offerings of the WGT & Amphi but at the same time was very reasonably priced.
Attractions
Cirkus
The DJ venue 😉
The Tyrolen Cat
22nd Aug
The first full day of the festival, just made inside the Tyrolen and a huge clap of thunder followed by a torrential downpour which didn’t seem to dampen anyones spirits. It was great to be at a festival without people being dressed as steampunk pirates or victorians amongst people who were up for having a great time whilst enjoying a great mix of new bands rather than old names sounding more like cover bands of their former selves 😉
DJ De’Ath
Here Comes The Rain
Anders Flanderz
A well known busker across Sweden who has his own unique alternative style!
As with any festival I attend, I never get to see all the bands I want to, but unlike other festivals, I can honestly say there wasn’t a band I didn’t like and some performances were just amazing!
Transfigure
Berndsen
I saw the video for their song “Game Of Chance” on the event page and was really taken by their 80’s like sound, quirky and slightly disturbing video and knew it was one band I had to see live! Berndsen totally blew me away live performance so energetic and with their enigmatic frontman “Berndsen” they soon had the audience bopping and buzzing. Trust me this back could potentially eclipse Bjork if they get a bit more exposure and a couple of breaks. “Hermigervill” is without doubt the best live mixer of any band live and creates an electric wall of 80’s electronic sound. Loved the gig and look forward to see them live again. Expect to hear Berndsen often in my sets 😉
Berndsen & De’Ath
Nightime
Popsimonova
A very good performance despite just being the singer and a laptop. It worked better than a lot of bands with their multiple fake keyboard players;)
Noi Kabat go pong !
She Past Away
This was the 3rd time I have seen Volkan & Idris live in just over a year and I am not surprised in the least how popular they have become having a familiar yet totally original sound. A great headlining performance to close the first nights live performance with a bang. Their second album is one of the most awaited releases of the next year!
23rd Aug
Sally Dige
Art Fact
Selofan
Rummelsnuff
A great performance from a band with a good sense of humour. They went down a storm with the crowd despite not playing their cover of “Daddy Cool”
Idris & De’Ath
Colouroid
Liste Noire
I was really impressed with Liste Noire being a fan of Velevet Condom, Liste Noire have the potential to become a new sensation when they release their new album in October. A good mix of VC tracks and new LN ones. Definitely a band I hope to see live again soon !
Noi Kabat
I had been looking forward to seeing Noi Kabat live ever since I had heard their epic “Industry” track. Unfortunately the running order got slightly behind which meant I had to leave halfway through to DJ. The half I saw was amazing and I really look forward to see them live again, and hear more music being released as the second new track was a classic in the making.
DJing
Mini set 22nd Aug
Weimar – IN LOVING MEMORY
Too Cold To Breath – THE NEON JUDGEMENT
Rachseln – CALVA Y NADA
Wardance – KILLING JOKE
Gabrielle – A HANDFUL OF SNOWDROPS
Irradie – NEVA
Christine (v.2) – THE WAKE
Making A Bomb – MISERYLAB
Get On – COVENANT
Kriegersladerung – PAINBASTARD
Infected (12) – THE THE
Main Set 23rd Aug
It Is Our Will – THE DEVIL & THE UNIVERSE
Centre Of A Circle – IN DEATH IT ENDS
Love Hurt Bleed (Deathwave mix) – GARY NUMAN
European Superstate – KILLING JOKE
Die Life – THE SOFT MOON
Written In Blood – SHE WANTS REVENGE
After Dark (master) – DEATHDAY
Lucretia My Reflection – RORSCHACH AUDIO
Rituel – SHE PAST AWAY
Little Black Angel – LADYTRON
Gimmi Gimmi – BERNDSEN
Mist – MANU JUODJI SESUO
I Can’t Escape Myself – ASH CODE
Industry – NOI KABAT
The Sound Of The Crowd – THE HUMAN LEAGUE
Nazis Auf speed – DIE KRUPPS
A bit cold but great fun and smoke, great sound, and decks. 13/10 for Chris for his efforts!
The KVB
The KVB get better each time I see them and can’t wait to hear the new album. The sound for both stages was exceptional maybe the engineers should teach Slimelight how its done 😉
Keluar
First time seeing Keular after hearing and liking their tracks! Live they sound 10 times better what a great choice to end the last night of live music including some crowd surfing from the singer loved it!
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At The End
Chris & De’Ath
Kat, Nicholas & De’Ath
Best Swedish Pear Cider
Leaving Sweden
Having organised a festival myself I can fully understand the stress and pressure Chris was under in putting together such electrically stunning festival. What a great guy! Thanks for inviting and giving me the chance to be part of a special musical memory! I look forward to return to Kalabalik and would also love to play some more music for such a lovely bunch of people. A great time in Sweden must visit again 😉
So if you’ve tried WGT, Amphi, Mera Luna, Castle Party and the rest why not try one of the best in 2015 Kalabalik på Tyrolen !
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