Live Report: Secret Solstice Festival, Iceland

A quite magical event...

Dancing in the midnight sun is bucket list territory as is visiting the wondrous country that is Iceland. Both are easily ticked off by attending Secret Solstice Festival in the valleys of Laugardalur just on the outskirts of the peaceful city of Reykjavik. With the lavish rocky formations surrounding the area and the North Atlantic twinkling in the background the serene island feels covered in magic and the idea of nightfall hastily becomes over-rated.

The opening night, which is on national Women’s Rights Day, is headlined by R&B singer-songwriter-chef, Kelis. The vibrant mix cruises through her discography, from solo hits to collaborations (‘Millionaire’, ‘Baby I Got Your Money’, ‘Bounce’) ending in a mash up of her famous and hotly anticipated ‘Milkshake’ – fused with Kool and the Gang’s ‘Celebration’. With the sun still shining there’s a sense of mischief in the air and to hide the reality of drunken daylight we head straight to Hel – a converted ice rink and dance tent, for sets by Skream, Green Velvet and Route 94 is a much needed respite from the brightness.

On day two, checking out the home-grown talent is number one priority. Samaris, an atmospheric electronic trio, woo the early crowds with their enchanting layering of haunting vocals and solemn clarinet tones. They are an act that could easily soundtrack excursions around the Island with their lyrics inspired by nineteenth century Icelandic traditional poetry. The next Icelandic act is a bit of a wild card, Alvia Islandia, who describes her music as “mantra rap inspired by the elf side of the Moon” – think Yolandi Visser of Die Antwoord.

As rumours circulate there is much anticipation from the packed crowd to see the ‘secret headliner’ on the main stage of Valhalla. Forty five minutes later, Busta Rhymes is still nowhere to be seen and, with many other deserving acts, to enjoy a swift exit is made for a quick boogie at Detroit Swindle’s disco set in the Askur tent. The delayed timetable means making a few sacrifices but missing Hercules and Love Affair is not one of them. The disco-infused house set is an excitable mix with the likes of ‘You Belong’ and ‘My House’ making an appearance, while the group praise the audience as the most "open-minded wonderful people on the world" and that's something we'd have to agree with – the crowd are a beautiful mix of friendly and easy going individuals, always ready to aid the lost tourist.

Dj Flugvel og Geimskip is out of this world. Translating to DJ Airplane and Spaceship this local DJ and producers act is an exhibition of sorts with her self-designed props, incense and ET-esque rings. Alas, due to a language barrier it was difficult to really get into this clearly talented musical alchemist.

48 hours in and night is still nowhere to be seen and retreating to the dance set is becoming a much-needed ritual. It's a shame not to hear Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs spin his own tracks but he lead the way with thumping beats in an emphatic set, followed into the early hours by a b2b from Heidi and Miss Kittin.

Day three and summer solstice is here. The sun shines radiantly when it should be setting, while The Wailers play to a contently chilled out crowd reciting every word in unison. A peaceful statement is delivered on the recent Charleston shootings, and the atmosphere is peaceful as 'No Woman No Cry' is respectfully dedicated to the nine victims who lost their lives, the crowd swaying and singing melodically while embraces are exchanged.

After the kings of reggae, the main stage sees the likes of MØ, FKA Twigs and Wu-Tang Clan – it’s a strong program for the night ahead. MØ’s set feels too polished, the pop star (donned in Adidas tracksuit bottoms) jumps eccentrically around the stage, and there is no denying she is the perfect performer. Even as a fan of ‘No Mythologies to Follow’ the set began to lose it’s charm and we escape the evening lull by wandering into the nearby Ragnarok tent. Just then, Artwork demonstrates his pulling powers he packs the tent out with a set that can only be described as soul train heaven.

En route to see the wonder that is FKA Twigs, you can’t miss Ulfur Ulfur representing the ever-growing hip hop scene in Iceland. The main stage is packed with festival goers waiting for the ethereal R&B artist. She saunters on stage composed in matching lilac co-ords to the thudding beats of 'Video Girl'. The artist executes her performance with poise and moves in unison to every beat. As FKA twigs twists around the stage and bounces in to back bends you could question what her spine is made out of; her whispery vocals caress the ears of the listeners and as she finishes with 'Two Weeks' it's clear that this is the defining performance of the festival.

Staying firmly up the front for Wu-Tang the crew burst on stage with ‘Bring Da Ruckas’. Their energy is ecstatic and the crowd jumps to ‘C.R.E.A.M’, ‘Wu-Tang Clan Aint Nuthing ta F’ Wit’ and ‘Gravel Pit’. Erol Alken – DJ and creative director of Phantasy Records – closes the festival, playing to a minimal but loyal crowd as his slot competes with Wu Tang. Next is DJ and producer Daniel Avery (signed to Phantasy), whose melodic and engaging techno will rightfully dominate late night dance stages at festivals this summer.

Secret Solstice ‘Midnight Sun Music Festival’ was an epic experience yet the location and reason for it’s existence trumped the festival itself. Only its second year in existence the festival is still in its infancy with a few things here and there to be improved upon. Undoubtedly, this festival has the potential to grow and flourish to be one of the most sought after events in the world.

Words: Isis O'Regan

Buy Clash Magazine

-
Join the Clash mailing list for up to the minute music, fashion and film news.