Nialler9’s top 12 gigs of 2011

Caribou – Primaverasound, Barcelona

Photo by Alan Moore.

“The ATP stage with its leafy trees and side-stage stadium steps lent itself to a whopping set from Dan Snaith and company. The last time I caught this band properly, was gig in Whelan’s while touring Andorra. This time around, as those who witnessed their recent gigs will attest to, the band have gone into orbit. The songs from Swim were made to be played in a setting like this, live dance workouts, that pushes and pulls in all the right places. Sublime.”

Santigold – Electric Picnic, Laois

Photo by Damien McGlynn.

An absolute killer set to follow up her equally brilliant set from three years previous. A mix of songs like ‘Say Aha’, ‘L.E.S. Artistes’, Major Lazer’s ‘Hold The Line’ and new material. Highlight: The backing dancers cool moves and BAMF demeanor.

Janelle Monae – Tripod, Dublin

Photo by Sara Devine.

“Janelle Monae’s “interactive emotion picture” has gone widescreen with the addition of brass, dancers, backing singers and a string quartet.”

Austra – Emo’s SXSW, Austin, Texas

“Wow. Wow. WOW. Recent Domino signing Austra totally blew me away. A highly accomplished set of spectral dark electro delivered by a group of sexy people with glitter on their faces and hair in their eyes”

Lunice – Not Saying Boo, Twisted Pepper, Dublin

Only one reason: