Airwaves mixes pole dancing with packed Friday-night shows

Iceland Airwaves’ second day featured experimental performances, packed venues and a lively set from Icelandic band Spacestation, mbl.is reported.

The programme began at Lemmy on Austurstræti, where art duo Apex Anima and FRZNTE combined experimental electronic music with an avant-garde stage show that included pole dancing. Portuguese band Them Flying Monkeys followed, then New York group Victoryland played assured experimental indie pop. The band’s singer said it was on its first European tour; the musicians soon left Iceland for a concert in London.

Faroese performers took over Iðnó, with Sakaris first on stage. Tunghoyrt, a four-member band of 19-year-olds, won over the audience, as did rap group RSP. During one song, RSP told the crowd to sit down and then stand up, and the room followed its instructions. Janus Rasmussen was the last Faroese performer on stage, before rap group Úlfur Úlfur closed the night at Iðnó with a party atmosphere.

Irish musician Dove Ellis and his band brought a quieter sound to Fríkirkjan, blending chamber pop and folk. Their performance was well received. Dove Ellis had recently opened for the band Geese on tour.

Agent Fresco played a forceful set at Ráðhúsið, followed by British band Formal Sppeedwear. Airwaves describes the group’s sound as a mix of new wave, synth-pop and art rock. Some audience members remarked that the music evoked David Byrne.

Icelandic band Spacestation drew an expectant crowd to Ráðhúsið as the night’s headliner. The group played many of its best-known songs, including several from its recently released album Who killed Spacestation? The crowd followed along, while the drummer gave an energetic performance and soon took off his shirt.