A few weeks ago, we put out seven recommendations for the upcoming second edition of Down the Rabbit Hole. With six weeks to go until the likes of The War on Drugs, Alabama Shakes and Death From Above 1979 take to the stage in Beuningen, All Things Loud take a look at five more acts who are definitely worth watching.
DAMIEN RICE
Irish troubadour Damien Rice will be making his only Dutch festival appearance of the summer when he heads down the rabbit hole at the end of June. Encompassing an extremely strong back catalogue, including 2014’s My Favourite Faded Fantasy, Rice will be sure to silence the crowd to such an extent that you can hear a pin drop. Because that is exactly what his music is meant for. Expect his headline set to feature the megahit Cannonball, alongside the likes of recent release I Don’t Want to Change You and debut single The Blower’s Daughter. Two years ago, Rice headlined the first edition of Best Kept Secret down in the Beekse Bergen, with his music perfectly complementing the scenic setting surrounding the main stage. This year, he’ll be enclosed within the main stage tent, something which perhaps suits his music even better due to its intimacy. Regardless of what happens, though, Rice will be sure to go down a storm in Beuningen.
IGGY POP
Also headlining this year is the classic American rocker Iggy Pop. At the age of 68 Pop is one of the oldest festival headliners in Europe this summer, yet don’t let his age fool you. During his Stooges heyday, Iggy was known for his eclectic and energetic live performances, bounding around stage and running from side to side as if there were no tomorrow. Even today this is still the case, with Pop’s live show being as exciting as ever. His last studio album may have come out in 2012, but that doesn’t mean he’s not still going strong. Expect his live show in Beuningen to be filled with energy, classics and a distinct lack of clothing on Pop’s behalf.
JUNGLE BY NIGHT
Alongside the big shots at Down the Rabbit Hole you’ll also find a selection of up-and-coming Dutch acts. One of these is the afro-beat collective Jungle by Night, a group of students from Amsterdam who effortlessly mix a swathe of genres ranging from funk to jazz and from afro-funk to world music. Their live show consists of nothing more than boundless energy on behalf of the band as well as the audience, with radio hit Attila always going down very well. Down the Rabbit Hole is a festival which perfectly complements Jungle by Night’s music, forming an incendiary combination.
FKA TWIGS
Alternative electronic star FKA Twigs has slowly risen to the forefront of electronica in the last year, making huge waves following the release of debut album LP1. The record, which encompasses a vibrant mixture of trip hop, R&B and soul, was received extremely well by music critics the world over as FKA Twigs, real name Tahliah Barnett, quickly became massive. Her set at Down the Rabbit Hole is almost guaranteed to take place in front of a packed tent, such is the extent of her popularity in recent months.
SEASICK STEVE
Our final recommendation comes in the shape of blues rocker Seasick Steve. At the age of 74, Seasick Steve (real name Steven Wold) is also still going strong as he gears up to take his new record Sonic Soul Surfer across Europe. He’s best known for playing self-made, continuously customized guitars which are repeatedly modified to suit his ever-evolving hybrid of blues, Americana and folk. If raw, ragged blues rock is your thing, then Seasick Steve’s set will be the place to be by the time June rolls along.
Check back in a few weeks for one final Down the Rabbit Hole preview.