By now you’ve probably heard that this year’s Mosaic Music Festival will be its 10th and last instalment before it bids us adieu. Having given us so many amazing memories over the years, we’re truly sad to see it go, but the festival’s going all out for one last hurrah with an incredible lineup. Here are 7 acts you should not miss.
Young Dreams
Led by ringleader Matias Tellez, this massive 12 member collective from Bergen, Norway, blends psychedelic rock, tropical beats, pop and classical music to create a carefree, youthful sound that is all their own. They released their debut album Between Places last year, a record brimming with catchy hooks, propulsive rhythms and exuberant singalongs. With a propensity for floaty, dreamy tunes underpinned by a dark undercurrent – just check out their video for ‘Fog of War’ – these young lads have been blazing a sonic trail worldwide and their star looks set to rise further with their Asian date.
Neko Case
Neko Case
This fiercely independent American indie folk rock singer-songwriter has carved out an illustrious solo career spanning 6 acclaimed studio albums and 2 Grammy nominations since her art school days. Armed with a nimble, haunting voice, she delivers raw and observant songs like ‘Hold On, Hold On’ and ‘Deep Red Bells’ with remarkable courage and clarity. You’ll be hard-pressed not to fall under Neko Case’s spell when she takes the stage at the Concert Hall.
Ólafur Arnalds
Drawing on influences as diverse as ambient, electronic and pop, this talented Icelandic multi-instrumentalist crafts wonderfully mesmerizing songs that are subdued yet impactful. His orchestral arrangements and electronic loops have a beautiful cinematic quality to them, making for an enthralling listen. Arnalds’ latest album For Now I Am Winter, released in 2013, marks a stylistic departure with its bolder, poppier sound and is arguably his finest yet. Brooding, meditative and calming, this is music to fall asleep to at night.
Alpine
Alpine
With a name like Alpine, this Melbourne sextet’s music is literally a breath of fresh air. Their debut album A Is For Alpine, a collection of 12 twinkling, catchy pop songs, went straight to Number 1 on the Australian iTunes chart, spawning the infectious singles ‘Hands’ and ‘Gasoline’. Having headlined sold-out shows in their native Australia and thrilled audiences in the US, fans can expect an energetic, no-holds barred party at their gig here.
Washed Out
Hailing from Georgia, USA, chillwave leader Ernest Greene built a steady fan base with his bedroom recordings, releasing a string of EPs before flooring listeners with his excellent 2011 debut Within and Without. His 2013 sophomore album Paracosm treads familiar territory while reaching for ambitious heights; his debut was a quiet, intimate affair whereas its follow up sees Greene maturing into a more expansive sound while retaining the lush, swoon-worthy melodies that made his name. Get lost in the gorgeous electronic swirl of ‘Amor Fati’ and ‘It All Feels Right’ and watch the world go by.
Caspian
Caspian
Formed in Beverly, Massachusetts, this five-piece plays emotional and life-affirming guitar-driven instrumentals that are a force to be reckoned with; just check out ‘Moshka’ or ‘The Heart That Fed’. Their latest album Waking Season is their most musically sophisticated yet, with massive washes of sound anchored by quiet moments of reflection. With their enchanting compositions and reputation for blistering live sets, Caspian’s highly anticipated show here promises to be a transcendental experience.
Charlie Lim
Appearances can be deceiving and you’d be forgiven for thinking those soulful notes you’re hearing couldn’t possibly belong to a bespectacled young man but, make no mistake, your ears are not misleading you. This jazz wunderkind has been making waves regionally and internationally ever since bursting onto the local music scene in 2011 with his debut release EP. Marked by easy grooves and confessional lyrics, his hushed and delicate melodies are a welcome change from the countless rock and pop bands out there. Book an intimate evening with Charlie Lim and be blown away by his neo-folk stylings.
Head over to Deezer’s Mosaic Music festival page to listen to their playlist!
Mosaic Music Festival, various venues at The Esplanade, 7 to 16 March 2014, various timings. For full festival lineup, tickets and for the latest updates, see website.
Top Image: Young Dreams