Clash is pleased as punch to confirm partnership with the annual Dour Festival in Belgium this year.
Established back in the 1980s, the festival – held at Plaine de la Machine à Feu in Dour, as its name most likely suggests – has grown over the years into a multiple-stage event, attracting over 140,000 attendees from across Europe. Promising over 200 bands across four days – July 16-19 – this year looks set to be another classic in its already rich history.
Already confirmed for the 2009 event are a wealth of critically acclaimed combos, including Animal Collective, The Horrors, Isis, Pet Shop Boys, …Trail Of Dead, Mercury Rev, Killing Joke, I Like Trains, Late Of The Pier, The Gaslight Anthem, Crystal Castles and 65daysofstatic. Also appearing: Aphex Twin + Hecker, Venetian Snares, Santigold, Jamie Lidell, Tim Exile, Drop The Lime, Diplo, Roots Manuva, Kap Bambino, and many more. Like, OMFG!
And this morning Clash has received exclusive word of four more acts added to the bill… “Even more guitars!” shout our Belgian friends, who provide the following blurbs…
THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN (pictured)
While noted for their collaboration with the inamous Mike Patton, The Dillinger Escape Plan’s influence stretches far and wide with or without such renowned friends. Simply one of the hottest metalcore acts around, providing a complex and explosive fusion of jazz, metal and hardcore, the band are a fiery live proposition sure to leave heads scratched and feet sore.
BOSS HOG
No, you’re not dreaming! After eight years off the scene, the mythical duo Cristina Martinez and Jon Spencer (of Blues Explosion fame) are making a comeback with a whole new set of musicians. They are best known for their live performances – although that may have something to do with Cristina sometimes singing naked on stage. She possesses a truly sensual voice, backed by a bluesy guitar that gets all funky for those boisterous rhythms.
THE RASCALS
Welcome to the world of Great British pop with The Rascals. This band is a mix of various influences bringing us a sound comparable to Arctic Monkeys and The Coral, and even The Last Shadow Puppets – think all things dark and psychedelic. We bet you’ll be seduced. Their new album will be released in June and they’ll present it to you live at Dour Festival.
ROLO TOMASSI
Young they may be, but the five of Rolo Tomassi defy all musical classifications. Jazz, punk, hardcore – traces are evident but the whole is something startlingly fresh. Shocking sounds and trash/death cries contrast with the softer side of singer Eva Spence: what’s certain is that their music is never boring, but always expertly played! ‘Hysterics’ is the well-chosen title of their debut album, and it demonstrates that new music really can sound new.
Get ticket information – 85 Euros for four days equals fun times – and further details at the official Dour website, HERE.
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UK GIG NEWS
The Dour Festival will launch in the UK on Thursday, April 30, with a show at London’s Luminaire venue featuring a headline set from the much-acclaimed I Like Trains. Also appearing in a DJ capacity will be, well, Clash actually. Tickets are £8 advance, available from HERE.
