Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS), a vibrant music showcase festival held in Groningen, Netherlands, consistently serves as a breeding ground for emerging musical talent, showcasing a kaleidoscope of genres, from psychedelic Japanese folk to industrial post-rock techno. This year’s edition proved no different, leaving attendees captivated by a diverse array of artists. Among the standout performances were five acts that truly embodied the spirit of ESNS, pushing boundaries and captivating audiences with their unique sounds and stage presence.
Italian musician Daniela Pes delivered a spellbinding performance at the Stadsschouwburg, captivating the typically chatty ESNS crowd with an aura of silent awe. Drawing from her 2023 album, “SPIRA,” Pes constructed a sonic landscape of looping electronic beats and sparse percussion, interwoven with her haunting vocal melodies. Her slight frame belied the power of her voice, which resonated through the concert hall, drawing listeners into a meditative state. Songs like “Illa Sera” showcased her masterful command of serpentine song structures, building to intense and cathartic crescendos. Pes’s lyrics, often written in the Gallurese dialect of Sardinian, are less about conveying literal meaning and more about expressing a profound sense of liberation. This unique approach contributed to her mesmerizing presence, making her one of the festival’s most captivating acts.
Mitsune, a Berlin-based band with members hailing from Australia, Greece, and Japan, injected a vibrant dose of theatrical flair into the ESNS lineup. Their distinctive sound revolves around the shamisen, a traditional Japanese three-stringed instrument, whose percussive twang was amplified by double bass and percussion. The band’s performance was a multi-sensory experience, with members adorned in elaborate kimonos and makeup, engaging in dramatic gestures and rituals. The percussionist’s solo, a chaotic yet captivating display involving stacked drums and cascading objects, was a testament to the band’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries. Mitsune’s fusion of traditional Japanese melodies with jazz-infused psychedelic elements, combined with their theatrical presentation, made for an unforgettable performance.
English artist Ruthven, also known as Sean Nelson, showcased his rich, treacly vocals and songwriting prowess with tracks from his upcoming debut album, “Rough & Ready.” Accompanied by a bassist and drummer, Ruthven navigated the stage with a bashful charm, his fingers dancing across the keyboard as he delivered earworm tracks like “Cautious.” His voice effortlessly transitioned between a grin-inducing falsetto and lower registers, exuding a quiet confidence. While his command of both vocals and keyboard showcased his multi-instrumental talent, the occasional awkwardness of switching between the two hinted at the potential for even greater stage presence. Perhaps relinquishing the keyboard at times could allow Ruthven’s vocal performance to truly shine.
Portuguese trio MAQUINA. brought the final night of Eurosonic to a fever pitch with their electrifying performance at Vera club. Their Krautrock-inspired sound, built on the raw power of guitars and drums, created a hypnotic and danceable atmosphere. With minimal electronic interference, MAQUINA. crafted expansive soundscapes, echoing the electronic body music (EBM) pioneered by Kraftwerk. Their wordless performance, characterized by repetitive, swirling beats and driving rhythms, served as the perfect festival nightcap, invigorating the weary crowd and compelling them to dance. By treating the guitar almost as a percussive instrument, MAQUINA. achieves a rare feat: creating music that is both snarling and irresistibly danceable.
Icelandic artist Sunna Margrét, unfortunately, became a victim of circumstance, as dense fog and flight cancellations prevented many from witnessing her performance. Those who were fortunate enough to attend spoke of her ethereal vocals and complex musical tapestries, weaving together influences from trip-hop to Krautrock. Her enigmatic sound, infused with atmospheric layers and delivered in both English and Icelandic, left a lasting impression, marking her as one of the festival’s most intriguing discoveries, albeit one that remained elusive for many due to unforeseen circumstances. The combination of these five diverse acts underscores the vibrancy and eclecticism of ESNS, showcasing the festival’s role as a vital platform for emerging musical talent.
