Daniel Johnston charms, Shellac shine, and Blur sparkle at Optimus Primavera

Optimus Primavera Sound 2013

Thursday 30th May to Sunday 2nd June 2013
Parque Da Cidade, Porto, Portugal, Portugal
110 euros

Daily capacity: 30,000

Live sets don’t come much more heavy, hypnotic and atmospheric than OM's brand of stoner doom metal. Not your average icebreaker sort of set to start the day in the early evening sunshine, though I’m soon engrossed. The humble Daniel Johnston followed on ATP Stage, a low-key downbeat set that clearly charmed everyone in attendance; personally I couldn’t stop smiling though some cried. He’s been out touring another record anniversary, that of Hi, How Are You? (1983) which featured heavily in the setlist. ‘Evil Town’ and ‘True Love Will Find You In The End’ were the perfect end to a brilliant set (save for some noise pollution issues from other stages).

On the back of acclaimed 2012 album ‘The Seer, Swans are a must-see live act for their commitment, intensity and sheer loudness. Individually, they look like an unlikely collection of characters onstage, all gels well though and the sound was immense. Melody's Echo Chamber's ethereal tunes and vocal was in stark contrast to the devastatingly loud set of Swans. An amiable reversal as French singer-songwriter Melody Prochet performed her enchanting psychedelic/art-pop tunes (one I'll probably try and see again at Glastonbury without the predose experience of Swans to be fair).

The annual appearance of Shellac of North America in Barcelona has been welcomingly duplicated to Porto, and no doubt might have been the main draw for some in attendance. One of the best live shows around to my mind. Steve Albini and Bob Weston both appeared with flower garlands in their hair to rival the earlier surrealism of Nick Cave’s effort; charismatic drummer Todd Trainer appeared to have declined. Though they generally play a similar setlist each time, each show always seems to sound quite different somehow. Meat Puppets are another favourite and were onwere on good form as ever, following on ATP stage. Songs from new album Rat Farm mixed in with old favourites like Plateau, Oh Me and Sam.

The last time I saw Blur was all the way back in 1992, and Damon Albarn seems to have even more energy than ever these days. The place had generally seemed a bit busier than the previous day and the whole festival seemed to turn out to watch, one big singalong it seemed. Popscene sounded great, I departed quickly before they had the chance to spoil it by playing Tender (I'm thinking I might have been in a small minority here though).

Blur setlist: Girls & Boys, Popscene, There's No Other Way, Beetlebum, Out of Time, Trimm Trabb, Caramel, Coffee & TV, Tender, Country House, Parklife, End of a Century, This Is a Low, Under The Westway, For Tomorrow, The Universal, Song 2

Such was the draw for Blur that reformed post-hardcore 4-piece Hot Snakes initially found themselves playing to what seemed like a mere handful of people, though the crowd soon filled out. A ferocious set and the spirit of Black Flag appeared live and well. Respectable sets by Fuck Buttons, and Glass Candy followed and were both good value, the highlights of the day for some.

review by: Jason Wood

photos by: Jason Wood