As the return of Dublin city’s finest music festival Bulmers Forbidden Fruit returns to IMMA in Dublin 8, Nialler9 will be previewing the forthcoming attractions in a series of posts recommending acts and offering playlists to see at the festival. For starters, here’s our top 10 acts you must see at Forbidden Fruit on the June Bank Holiday weekend.
1.
Hookworms
Undergrowth stage, Saturday, June 2nd.
The five-piece psychedelic/noise rock band from Leed released their third album Microshift earlier this year with songs like ‘Negative Space’ and ‘Static Resistance’ channelling a more a more upbeat/dance sound than their previous LPs. The album features introductions of electronic-pop, synthesizer, heart-on-sleeve experimentalism and kraut-rock sensibilities. It all adds up to an anthemic sound that is sure to impress in a live setting at Kilmainham.
2.
Vince Staples
Original stage, Sunday, June 3rd.
American rapper Vince Staples released his latest album The Big Fish Theroy last year which featured production assistance from Sophie, Flume, Jimmy Edgar, GTA and Justin Vernon alongside vocal appearances from Damon Albarn, Kendrick and Kilo Kish. The album incorporates electrifying beats and tempos melded at ease without feeling forced whilst producing a high, authoritative energy. This collaboration of top-class production and high calibre rapping in a live showcase setting such as Forbidden Fruit is sure to leave the spectator dazzled. Stand out track from the album ‘Yeah Right’ featuring production by Sophie and Kendrick Lamar.
3.
Bonobo
Original Stage, Sunday June 3rd
Simon Greene’s most recent Bonobo album traded off his reputation as a creator of intricate electronica to add some toughness and dynamic dancefloor production to his music, making Migration his best work yethas exceededs already known for large band recreations of that music and as last year’s Dublin show proved, he is exceeded expectations.
4.
Novelist
Undergrowth Stage, Saturday June 2nd
English grime MC Kojo Kankam or Novelist made his debut in 2010 and is also one of the founding members of The Square grime crew. His self-produced debut album Novelist Guy came out last month which features a heavy grime production that incorpotates piano throughout, a fresh mix that somehow fits. The live production of this eclectic mix has the potential to be a grasping show.
5.
Superorganism
Undergrowth Stage, Monday June 4th
Eight-piece pop-art band Superorganism formed in early 2017 with members hailing from varied countries such as England, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand and have been releasing catchy anthems ever since such as ‘Everybody Wants To Be Famous’. This is their first Irish date as a group. For more about on them read this interview posted earlier in the year.
6.
Ross From Friends
Undergrowth Stage, Sunday June 3rd
Ross From Friends surfaced on the waves of the internet back in 2015 with ‘Talk To Me You’ll Understand’. I first caught them live in 2016 at Dublin’s very first UFO club and needless to say I was left entirely impressed, the performance sees one musician turn into three with live, guitar, synths and saxophone. ‘John Cage’ is his latest jam.
7.
Axel Boman and Kornel Kovacs
Lighthouse Stage, Saturday June 2nd
The coming together of two Swedish house music DJs and producers who are both currently under the Studio Barnh us label based in Stockholm. If their DJ set YouTube videos are anything to go by then their set ensures a high energy majestic experience. Now is your chance to embrace this back to back set. Kornel Kovacs is responsible for this weapon.
8.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Original Stage, Mondau June 4th
Having built a reputation as a fine lo-fi psych-rock band, the New Zealand/Portland-based band Unknown Mortal Orchestra, lead by Ruban Nielsen, have changed things up. The band released their fourth studio album Sex & Food earlier this year and it added strands of heavy-rock, yacht-rock and their oddball-funk trademark sound. It’ll be interesting to see how much of that they can bring to the stage at Forbidden Fruit.
9.
Thundercat
Undergrowth Stage, Monday June 4th
Stephen Lee Bruner’s latest album Drunk which came out last year features collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, Michael McDonald, Wiz Khalifa and Pharrell. Thundercat has become the go-to guy for the likes of Kendrick to bring in live bass and he has a fervent live following himself in young jazz circles. He is a standout multi-instrumentalist/ singer-songwriter whose live performances deliver a soulful-jazzy array of funk, soul and jazz.
10.
Bicep (Live)
Undergrowth Stage, Sunday June 3rd
Belfast duo Bicep released their self-titled debut album last year on Ninja Tune and it helped cement them as purveyors of effective four-four bangers and nuanced electronic music. Since then, the duo have been playing the album’s songs with all-analogue gear and tracks like the shimmering euphoria of ‘Glue’ and the ecstatic ‘Opal’ are among those that have been morphed by the live show. An essential show to see in Kilmainham.
Forbidden Fruit Tickets
Available from Ticketmaster.
Saturday Day Only (2nd) ON SALE NOW
1st Release – €64.50
Sunday Day Only (3rd) ON SALE NOW
1st Release – €64.50 (LIMITED REMAIN)
Monday Day Only (4th) ON SALE NOW
1st Release – €64.50
Two Day Weekend (Sat 2nd & Sun 3rd) ON SALE NOW
2nd Release – €119.00 (LIMITED REMAIN)
Three Day (Sat 2nd, Sun 3rd, Mon 4th) ON SALE NOW
1st Release – €162.50
