OFF Festival 2014
OFF FESTIVAL, nestled in the countryside of south-west Poland, is an alternative music-lover’s haven. This year’s edition boasts a remarkable lineup – probably the best of the summer – that includes NEUTRAL MILK HOTEL, THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN, SLOWDIVE and BELLE AND SEBASTIAN. What makes this festival particularly special, however, is its emphasis on showcasing the best of the Polish music scene. Sharing the stage with the big names this year are an entire spectrum of undiscovered gems; and luckily, we’ve done the research work for you, so now’s the time to reach for your timetable and highlighter pen. Haven’t got a ticket yet? Then read on, because we’ve got a special treat for you.
1. ARTUR ROJEK
This list couldn’t begin in any other way than with a vigorous nod toward the festival’s very own artistic director. It’s thanks to ROJEK that OFF showcases such a wonderful mix of audial delights; long-time heavyweights alongside a carefully handpicked array of local artists. His unique and refined taste carries across into his own musical creations. His recently released debut solo album Składam się z ciągłych powtórzeń is a deeply personal record, dappled with hints of THOM YORKE, ARCADE FIRE and beautifully tongue-warping lyrics reminiscent of SIGUR RÓS. Playing the Forest Stage at 20:45 on Sunday, this is sure to be a moving performance.
2. WARSZAWSKA ORKIESTRA ROZRYWKOWA
In 2012, legendary American musician BECK composed a record made entirely of paper. Titled Song Reader, the piece is actually a book of sheet music, containing twenty songs and more than one hundred pages of art. Redefining the traditional concept of the album, Song Reader demands that the audience bring it to life. WARSZAWSKA ORKIESTRA ROZRYWKOWA will do exactly that at this year’s OFF FESTIVAL by performing their own rendition, replete with vibraphone, lap-guitar, and a whole host of other instruments. Catch them at 19:40 on Sunday, over at the mBank stage.
3. WILD BOOKS
Warsaw-based group WILD BOOKS bring the sweet dose of slowed-down, sun-drenched psychedelia that every good summer festival needs. There’s a bit of BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB here, with shards of sunlight from Texas and Tennessee sifting through the blinds. They’ll be playing the Experimental Stage on Friday, at 15:35.
4. BOBBY THE UNICORN
Another great act hailing from Warsaw, BOBBY THE UNICORN dabble in their own brand of nostalgia-dripped alt-pop. From delicate, slightly syrupy tracks like Balance to more insistent, summer road-trip material like Ona ma Bron, there’s a little something for everybody here; Saturday at 15:00, on the Trojka Stage.Stage
5. KASECIARZ
A hefty slice of California buried into the hills of south Poland, these self-described ‘garbage-rockers’ specialise in wild roll-and-tumble shenanigans, TY SEGALL style. Goin’ Surfin is a delicious, breathless comet trail of a song that goes out with a bang. This is the place to shake your hair about and get all sweaty. Catch them at 17:00 on Friday, on the Experimental Stage.
6. THAW
This band are undoubtedly the most mysterious act on the bill. Veiling themselves in hoods both in their promotional photos and during their performances, the rumour rumbling about their cloaked presence is that they were once associated with FURIA and FORGE OF CLOUDS. Playing a slightly curious Sunday afternoon set, at 16:10 on the mBank stage, their heart-stopping wall of sound is guaranteed to blast your poor body out of its two-day-old hangover, SUNN O))) style.
Now that we’ve tickled your excitement (and you’ve discovered your new favourite Polish band), NOTHING BUT HOPE AND PASSION is excited to announce that we’ll be giving away 2×2 tickets to OFF Festival 2014, complete with camping passes. All you need to do is send an email to win@nbhap.com with the subject heading “OFF Festival”. Best of luck, and we’ll see you there! The deadline is Sunday the 27th.
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