Review: Festival Optimus Alive! 2013 - Day 1

Another great Optimus Alive edition ended... And FYMS went there to tell you everything!

With the help of some friends, this review is a personal reflection of each individuals (contributing to this same and the next two reviews of Optimus Alive'13) likes and dislikes of the performances each one was able to see at this festival and, of course, it may contribute to the wide contrast of opinions.

Stereophonics (06pm):

Nadia: “I didn’t saw much of the show but I really enjoyed their sound and enjoyed the little that I saw”

Deap Vally (06.45pm):

Patricia: "I went to see them just for curiosity but mostly, with a pre-created idea of their performance. It was good but it seemed more like an impersonation of some wild 80’s band than a modern rock girly band influenced by the 80's... Yet, it was a funny show to watch but it didn’t change any of my pre-created ideas. I always expect more from this kind of bands."

Two Door Cinema Club (08.25pm)
:

Patricia: "I saw Two Door Cinema Club, last year in Portugal around the same time… (Summer festivals - got to love!) but this year, they were even better. They brightened the main stage and they did their best, it was a really good show to watch not only for their mature and clear presence but also for their strongness and energy. They are always good to watch, leaving this heart-breaking feeling of seeing them again."
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Nadia: “It was a pleasant experience, with good music and great energy. Definitely, something to repeat!”

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Analex: "Two Door Cinema Club was a joyful experience. Earlier that day I decided to hear some songs of their new record in order to decide weather to see them or not. I liked it and decided to go. I could not have made a better decision! The show was super fun and even me that don't like to dance and don't know how to, ended up dancing! Definitely an experience to repeat and a band to follow."

Dead Combo (09pm):

Francisco F.: "This time, Dead Combo didn't come alone. With them, the drummer Alexandre Frazão joined them on stage, perfectly connected with the characteristic sound of this Portuguese band. 

There was time for western, cuba and a lot of blues. A perfect fusion of styles and a perfect connection between band and audience. Even though there weren't a lot of people seeing them, the band gave one of the best shows of the night and will remain in the minds of the people who saw them. Almost at the end, Tó Trips and Pedro Gonçalves surprised the public with an amazing cover of "Temptation" by the American singer Tom Waits. And when there's no Waits, there's these two vagrants to take us with them."

Green Day (09.55pm):

Patricia: "I created way too high expectations for them, probably for being such a vivid band with many years behind them.

Yet, I found it a bit disappointing. They had the energy, the setlist but they didn’t surprise. 

Well, the interesting factor was the way they connected and interacted with their audience for the entire show but something more spectacular was missing… After all, they are Green Day!"

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Nadia: “Green Day was madness! Way better than what I saw at Pavilhão Atlântico (now known as MEO Arena) where they took us to a travel from the early Green Day to the new songs. To highlight the big contrasts from older people jumping to old songs and the youngest vibrating with the most recent hits."

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Analex: "Unfortunately Green Day show was a disappointment to me. Some years ago I saw them live after the release of "21st Century Breakdown" and it was one of the best shows I went. But this year's show somehow it didn't has as much magic as that one. I didn't knew their new work so it could go in one of two ways: be surprised and get along with it, or being bored whenever they played something I didn't know. Unfortunately to me, it went the second way. Although Green Day keep being very enthusiastic with the public, maybe it's too much to say every two songs "hey oooh". In my opinion, not the best return after the release of 3 albums in just one year."

Green Day - headliner of Day 1

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros (10.30pm):

Francisco F.: "Even though the main attraction were Green Day, on the secondary stage the party went on. Edward Sharpe debut in Portugal this year and brought with him the magnificent orchestra Magnetic Zeros. And we, surely, hope to receive them again after this great show.

Guitars, drums, bass, accordions, keyboards, metals and so on. Everything was able to be listen in this concert, where country, folk and pure classic rock shouted out loud. The audience delivered themselves to the rhythm and sweetness of this american band by dancing and dancing during the show.

And (Alex) Ebert - lead singer from the band - didn't stay behind. He mingled between the audience and even picked up someone's call. Pure generosity and simplicity in one show. 

One of the best surprises of the night."

Vampire Weekend (12am)
:

Patricia: "I am really suspicious but I really enjoy Vampire Weekend and I enjoy even more their shows. I saw them, for the first time, in 2010 – with two albums and not as famous as today. But on this Optimus Alive edition, the show was beautiful, catchy and full of energy since the very beginning and not even the new songs were able to break the spirit. Vampire Weekend are a band with attitude and the secondary stage – Stage Heineken – was too small for their show.

Next time… a chance on the main stage, please?"

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Nadia: "Vampire Weekend had a cool sound but it didn’t conquer me."

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Analex: "While waiting for my favorite song from Green Day, that never came (Time of Your Life - I have to admit it's not the best song for a festival) I lost my Vampire Weekend's favorite one (Step) - even though I barely know their work before their new album. I didn't enjoy their show as much as I should have, but I believe that happened due to how tired I was but was also due to the physical space. The number of people that wanted to see them was way bigger than what the Heineken stage tent could handle. Vampire Weekend deserved the main stage!"

Steve Aoki (01am):

Patricia: "I saw Steve Aoki two years ago at Optimus Alive on a smaller stage. For that reason, I was expecting something really big from one of the best producers of the last years and mostly I was eager to see what he would do on this (big) stage change.

And this year, on the main stage he was even better. He was able to make every single people in the audience (adults and teenagers) jump and dance with his music. Full of personality and doing is usual plays (caking people or using a rubber boat to jump into the crowd), he did a great job by putting every single (and really tired) person to jump as wildly and crazily as possible. Not only the lights were catchy but also his music choices were ideal to this night. Steve Aoki never disappoints."

Crystal Fighters (01.45am):

Francisco F.: "After a gigantic show at Paredes de Coura, last year, Crystal Fighters returned to Portugal but this time, a bit more south. As expected, only a few got indifferent to the upbeat rhythm of this band and the irreverent singer Sebastian Pringle. They were the surprise of the night and left an incredible joyful and party ambience. Surely, we all want to go to the beach with them."

Marky Ramone's Blitzkrieg with Andrew WK (03am):
Francisco F.: "After the harsh cancelation of Death From Above 1979, not even the entire Ramones would be enough to bring up the audience. At 2pm it was able to see many t-shirts of the mythic New York band but at 3am, not much was seen. It's fancy to like the Ramones and here's the proof. 
But let's go to what really matters. Marky joined the stage with his Blitzkrieg counting with Andrew WK to the vocals and, just two minutes after the beginning, the "traditional" mosh was on and the audience was ready to sing loudly the singles that changed the rock history forever.
And despite the magnificent reponse from the audience, this show seemed nothing but a band of Ramones covers playing in a little bar in Lisbon. Where is the rebellion attitude from the 70's? 
It wasn't on stage but thankfully it was with the audience that, even without the discouragement of the band, maintained faithful to what is expected from a punk show. 
It's sad to say that they didn't fulfill the spot reserved to Death From Above 1979 and they were one of the biggest disappointments of the night. But, at least, we went to bed with "Rockaway Beach" in our heads."

Steve Aoki + Lovefoxxx, Heartbreaker

Steve Hiroyuki Aoki is an American electro house musician, producer and founder of Dim Mak Records.

Born in California, Aoki has graduated on Women's Studies and Sociology.

Around his 20's, in 1996, Steve Aoki built his record label - Dim Mak (which is a martial arts technique), named after his childhood hero Bruce Lee.
The label released artists like MSTRKRFT, The Bloody Beetroots and Klaxons.

He released his debut mix album in January 2008, Pillowface and His Airplane Chronicles. A few days ago, he released his first studio album Wonderland working in collaboration with artists like Laidback Luke, Kid Cudi and LMFAO.

He has remixed several artists and bands like Lenny Kravitz, Snoop Dogg, Bloc Party and Kid Cudi.

Heartbreak is a collaboration between Steve Aoki and CSS's singer Lovefoxxx. The song appears on Aoki's album Wonderland.

"In the corner of my eye

See you looking fine and dandy

I know you playing it cool

You can see i'm not a fool or maybe"

[Don't Forget to check our social networks: Twitter and Facebook.]

Kid Cudi, Pursuit Of Happiness

Kid Cudi is the artistic name for Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi.
This american rapper started his career in 2007. In July 2008, he released his first mixtape A Kid Named Cudi in collaboration with the american street-wear York 10.
That mixtape kept Kanye West's attention, making West inviting Kid Cudi to participate in his album 808s & Heartbreak, helping him to write his hit Heartless.

Kid Cudi have released 3 albums - Man On The Moon:The End Of Day (2009), Man On The Moon II: The Legend Of Mr. Rager (2010) and WIZARD in collaboration with 2 Be Continuum (2011), he has already planned a new one in 2012 with the name Man On The Moon III.

Pursuit Of Happiness appears on Kid Cudi's first album Man On The Moon: The End Of Day, on the Act IV: Stuck, performing with MGMT and Ratatat.

This special version is a remix by Steve Aoki and The Bloody Beetroots.

"Tell me what you know about dreamin' dreamin'

you don't really know about nothin' nothin'

tell me what you know about them night terrors every night

5 am, cold sweats wakin' up to the skies"

Review: Festival Optimus Alive! 2011

This review will only reflect what I was able to see on the Portuguese festival Optimus Alive! 2011 which happened between July 6th and 9th. Notice everything write below is just my personal opinion about the artists I’ve had the pleasure to see live on the Festival – you have all the right to disagree with them but please do respect my ideas.

July 6th

James Blake (8 pm) – Very nice live artist although not for everyone. He has this peculiar style, this electronic pop with a few touches of dark sense which makes it a very good but for a small group. I recommend him, and I’ll really see him next time, I suited a kind of pop I didn’t expect to like make Mr. Blake totally surprising mostly because I didn’t expect that sound to come out from a 22 year old. Visually it was a bit weak, but the audio and performance made it worth it – being on the secondary stage didn’t help that much, but hopefully it was a good way to impress Portuguese audience and to return.

Rating: 3.5/5

James Blake by João Máximo

Blondie (8.30 pm) – I’ve only seen a bit, but I like what I saw. Not part of my choices neither I want to see them again, but it was pretty funny to see a band I’ve always heard about and which  I’ve known some songs, mostly because belongs to the 80’s and I love that decade. On stage all the energy was there, but there was something missing.

Rating: 2/5

Coldplay (10 pm) – The reason I decided to go to Optimus Alive! I always dreamed to see Coldplay live and although I couldn’t see very much – thanks to the huge crowd around and in front of me – they surprised the hell out of me, they took the stage; they consumed every each of energy available around not leaving anyone to rest. People that wasn’t sure to be fan, I am sure they are now. Playing all the hits – Clocks, The Scientist, Yellow, Viva La Vida and playing a bunch of new songs like the newest Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall.
The acoustic session played between Chris Martin and Will Champion, absolutely a magic moment.
The visuals were amazing – not the best but good enough to impress everyone: the lights, the confetti everything seemed planned at the very single detail.
Their concert only made my wish to see them solo even higher because although all the positive things something was left, maybe on another time we could see more Coldplay and less franchise.

Rating: 4.5/5

Coldplay by João Máximo

July 7th

Everything Everything (5.55 pm) – I started to hear this new and fresh British band many months later I’ve known they were coming to the Festival. They were fantastic, with a good energy towards the lake of people on the audience, too bad for those who missed. They left with a good Portuguese impression and the fans with an interesting performance.
On the secondary stage, Everything Everything were a good warming up band.

Rating: 3/5

My Chemical Romance (7.45 pm) – Probably played too early, but My Chemical Romance took advantage of their stage and had an amazing show. MCR were full of energy, with new songs and mixing the old ones with the already known revolutionary party but somehow reaching everyone on the crowd.
The band’s performance concentrated mostly on the new songs and left outside the setlist songs like I Don’t Love You or Sing, terribly bad for most fans.
The visuals weren’t hysterical but they were enough to keep the teenagers on fire such as everyone who caught the chance to see them. 
Although they were amazingly good and played pretty well, except for some problems with the mic and we could barely hear Gerard – a pitty at my view – but still a good show.

Rating: 3.5/5

My Chemical Romance by João Máximo

Xutos & Pontapés (9.20 pm) – They are one of the most popular rock bands in Portugal. With more than 30 years of career, their show is based on the songs and personal performance and not for the visual impact, which is interesting because it’s a bit hard for a band to be catchy without good visuals.
Surprisingly this was my first time seeing them, a bit strange for a Portuguese native I believe, but it was worth the waiting. Incredibly good musicians, with a good set list but without all the known songs, Xutos & Pontapés had a solid show, totally surprising.

Rating: 3.5/5

Foo Fighters (00.35 am) – They were awesome, we can’t expect less than that from Foo Fighters, but I felt it was something missing. Sure, I’m not a huge fan, I enjoy their songs and they give a good show, Dave Grohl is a hell of an entertainer but I was a bit disappointed with the set list, might sound bad but two of the most known songs were only played after more than an hour after the show, since I had other plans to see other bands I missed them, because I expected to see them play it sooner, but still I enjoyed them, they really know how to catch people and how to make an interesting show.
Probably I would see them again.

Rating: 3.5/5

Teratron (01.35 am) – I’ve only seen like 3 songs, but I enjoyed this Portuguese electronic project, composed by two members of the ex-Da Weasel. Their catchy sound and danceable style, put the few people of the crowd dancing like maniacs. I had the chance to be on the front line of Teratron and it was so so worth it! I really enjoyed although the few I’ve seen.
They are a good band and I really wish they get all the merit they deserve, because Electronic world in growing slowly in Portugal, but is growing lately.
Visually pretty interesting, with a few funny stuff on stage – although being on Palco Super Bock (the secondary stage) they had a good visuals and a very nice presentation. Worth the time!

Rating: 3/5

The Bloody Beetroots (03.00 am) – The gig I was eager to see this night. The Bloody Beetroots are one of my favorite electronic bands worldwide and I really expect something good, but I was blown by the fantastic job they did on set.
They skipped a few known songs like Warp 1.9 with Steve Aoki, but maybe that’s the reason, Steve Aoki wasn’t there to sing it so I wouldn’t make sense. Playing amazing songs like Cornelius or Warp 7.7
For me the best gig of the night, The Bloody Beetroots don’t do things half way and this gig, although being on a Festival, was felt and lived like their own.
They are impressive, they can put every single person on the crowd jumping and feeling the song like crazy, and it’s absolutely worth it, absolutely amazing, absolutely incredible.
I left the gig being much more fan than I used to and I thank them for that.
Visually stunning, The Bloody Beetroots left a crowd wishing for more.

Rating: 5/5

The Bloody Beetroots by João Máximo

July 8th

30 Seconds To Mars (11.00 pm) – Most people that went this day were only for them, for some reason I suppose. After the huge problem that the organization managed very well, with three cancelled shows and the other two starting a bit late, 30 Seconds To Mars took advantage and give their everything.
I was really surprised because their 45min to 1hour show was like anything had happen and they were there giving their all to make everything perfect. Honestly? They did it!
By the end, the gig sounded too small and everyone wanted more. Jared Leto is a very good communicator and we were able to see it on stage: being goofy, kind, reaching for everyone on the crowd. They played all the known songs, all the good ones, somehow it was a clever set list, because it was clearly reduced but they give their everything to take advantage of the small time they had making it a very good show.
Visually speaking 30 Seconds To Mars were impressive like they should be.

Next time? I’ll go see them again!

Rating: 4.5/5

30 Seconds To Mars by João Máximo

The Chemical Brothers (01.15 am) – The Chemical Brothers’ show blown my mind! I didn’t expect such rich, fulfilled, complete show. I wasn’t very fan of them, but people told me they had such interesting shows and I got truly curious about it and they were so much better than I’ve ever expect them to be. Electronic good music – a style over used these days but they continue doing it so perfectly nice. Visually speaking? Probably the best I’ve seen on the festival, all the details, all the crazy shinning lights, all the simplicity beyond the flash lights. They had everything, they did everything perfectly. It was flawless, I can’t find any mistake. After three songs I got into the mood, I breathe every note and every sound.

They were so impressive, so young, so modern. I really loved their show, I left that day with a pretty optimistic feeling and wishing them back soon.

Rating: 5/5

Steve Aoki (02.30 am) – I couldn’t see the entire gig because I wasn’t expecting to see the whole The Chemical Brothers’ show. But what I was able to see, Aoki is so damn good! As soon as I arrived it seemed there was a party going on, people were enjoying themselves, they were living the gig, they were living the sound like there’s no tomorrow. I like when artists can reach people like that, it’s so rare and truly unique to see. Aoki is the head master, he is such a genius and full of creativity.

Aoki is welcome back anytime he wants, he will always have a full house.

Rating: 4/5

July 9th

Wu Lyf (05.50 pm) – I didn’t know Wu Lyf that much before see them on the festival, only a few days before I started listen them and when I saw them live, they surprised me! They were absolutely amazing. Their style is indescribable, they are pretty unique and that only made me more curious to see them live and I’m so glad I saw them.  One of those truly worth it bands, once more not for everyone thanks to their peculiar style of singing and playing but I suggest it to adventurous people. Wu Lyf are one of the most promising bands of this year.

Rating: 3.5/5

Strip Steve (06.30 pm) – Very nice DJ. I only was able to see a few songs, Optimus Clubbing at that time was pretty empty so I was able to have a very nice perspective to Steve himself, I enjoy his sound, and he has a very nice future in front of him. It was a very interesting DJ to discover there, because I had the idea that stage was a bit force, only to make number instead of putting quality, and Steve change that idea. He is absolutely interesting and a very nice DJ.

Rating: 3.5/5

Strip Steve by João Máximo

White Lies (07.20 pm) -  The few songs I’ve heard I totally love them, I already had a good impression of White Lies but after that show my impression was even higher, it was a very calm show, without a huge crowd I even got the luxury to see them seat on the ground and I saw very fine. I discovered that I enjoyed White Lies more than I firstly thought, they are very good and Indie people I suggest them. They have a very nice sound and they show it all live. If you have a chance to see them, do it! You won’t be disappointed. Visually very poor but still a very nice show.

Rating: 3/5

Kaiser Chiefs (08.30 pm) – Kaiser Chiefs gave everything! I am a Kaiser Chiefs fan and gladly I saw them before but this show? This show was extremely good! Kaiser Chiefs always give everything on their gigs and this performance wasn’t an exception. Catching people’s attention, they ran, they sang, they made jokes, they drake beer, Ricky ran out of stage to a beer tend near the stage and drake beer only because he wanted to, Kaiser Chiefs are completely mad people but they can put every single person on the crowd jumping, laughing with their craziness, envying their energy and their good music. They are a very good and catchy live person and I would pay anything to see them again and again, they worth everything. Kaiser Chiefs are one of those bands you have to see live to believe. They are good, very good. With very simple visuals and betting on themselves, they will never make a same gig EVER, they will always find a way to be different, to be joyful and to be Kaiser Chiefs.

Rating: 4.5/5

Kaiser Chiefs by João Máximo

Paramore (10.00 pm) – For their first time in Portugal they were good. I might had expected too much from them but they were very good, they surprised everyone by inviting a few fans to stage and that is something very humble for a band of their success. They think about their fans’ happiness and gladly they do. They didn’t play all their hits, unfortunately, but they had a very solid gig, with energy, slows, talks and surprises. They know what they do and they are good at it. Paramore should had return earlier but later than ever and hopefully to return soon. Visually speaking I was expecting a bit more but they had all to give a very pleasant show.

Rating: 4/5

Boys Noize (00.45 am) – From what I was able to see, which was not that much, very very good. I heard too much about them and I was a bit septic to see them, but curiosity killed me and I when to Optimus Clubbing to see them and I’m glad I did. They’ve chosen very nice sounds, very interesting catchy songs and Boys Noize surprised me. They know what they are doing and they put everything on stage – which is so nice to see for us as fans and for us as music lovers.
I honestly hope they return soon.

Rating: 3.5/5

Duck Sauce (01.20 am) – I always said if I was going to see Duck Sauce, I would only see their “Barbra Streisand” hit and I did. I had a perfect timing because like 5 minutes after I arrive to the main stage they played Barbra Streisand in extended version and I like them, I was able to hear a song before and after and I was a bit disappointed, after Barbra Streisand I was expecting something really big but I didn’t find it. They were good but not that much to be on the main stage, probably I would change them for Boys Noize but still options. I think Duck Sauce aren’t good enough for main stage but still a very interesting band and their hit really put that crowd dancing.

Rating: 3/5

Check our fans pictures from this festival on our facebook page, you can still send us your pictures for yeahmusicstories@gmail.com

Love,

P

themed week // Steve Aoki, Turbulence

Steve Aoki is very known for his featuring on Warp 1.9 by The Bloody Beetroots.
Besides that he is an american electro house musician, producer and the founder of Dim Mak Records.
I like his style, he is a very good artist, full of creativity and energy, although I don't know him for that long.

"Attention passengers
This is your captain speaking
I regret to inform you, we might encounter some turbulence
So when it happens
Put your hands up high
Like you're in a roller-coaster"

On the third stage of Optimus Alive Festival, Steve Aoki will play at 2.30 am on Optimus Clubbing Stage, on July 8th.
I am really xcited to see him, he sounds pretty good on live shows.

Love,
P x

The Bloody Beetroots + Steve Aoki, Warp 1.9

The Bloody Beetroots are an italian electro duo formed by Bob Rifo - Sir Bob Cornelius Rifo - and Tommy Tea - ISAAC - but Bob Rifo makes the most part of production and studio mix. There's a third element that exclusively plays drums live - Edward Grinch.

This guys are going to Optimus Alive, one of the best and biggest portuguese festivals and i am so so anxious to have my ticket and count the days for 4 of the best days full of music, i really am!

love,
P