Airwaves opens with packed venues and a successful Mammút return

Iceland Airwaves opened on Thursday with concerts across central Reykjavík, including a well-received Mammút comeback, mbl.is reports. Daði Freyr performed with the Symphony at Harpa, while Icelandic and international artists played smaller venues.

The biggest crowds gathered at City Hall and Kolaportið. Virgin Orchestra opened the Kolaportið programme, followed by Mammút, who had not performed for some time. A long queue formed outside, but everyone eventually got in. The band delivered a strong performance, and singer Katrína Mogensen told the audience she was delighted to be back on stage with the group.

Leeds band Adult DVD followed with a set of indie electronic rock that got the crowd moving. At City Hall, Danish group Farveblind played bass-heavy rock and electronic music before Yaelokre performed to an enthusiastic audience.

There was considerable anticipation for British duo Worldpeace DMT at Iðnó, but the performance fell short of the quality of the duo’s released material, according to the report. Australian rock band The Gnomes, meanwhile, delivered a high-energy set combining Beatles-influenced music, garage rock and power pop.

The evening also featured performances by artists including Gosi, Brynja and Revenge of Calculon at Rósenberg, and Piss, State Of Grace and Japanese rock band bed at Lemmy. Digital Ísland closed the night at City Hall.