Our festival season kicks off in Barcelona this week, with it carrying on immediately into Porto the following week! Therefore, it’s only right that we outline some of our tips (obvious or otherwise) for acts you need to be making time for, whether overseas or not – streaming links for Primavera Sound will be available on Twitch with Amazon Music!

The Last Dinner Party

Perhaps the standout act in the indie-sphere at Primavera, The Last Dinner Party have gone from strength-to-strength in the past twelve months. Whilst it’s only been just over a year since the release of hit single, ‘Nothing Matters’, the London five-piece have made their live shows their signature craft. Whilst both festivals will be lucky to have them, Porto attendees will get the bonus of them fittingly play directly before headliner Lana Del Rey – those in Catalunia may treat themselves to BADBADNOTGOOD or Omar Apollo in between.

Barcelona (Fri): 18:50-19:40 @ Cupra

Porto (Fri): 20:50-21:50 @ Porto

Royel Otis

Aussie-duo Royel Otis have seen a similarly stratospheric year as TLDP, also releasing their debut record ‘Pratts & Pain’, with several viral moments of their own – most recently a cover of The Cranberries’ ‘Linger’ which has accumulated over 17 million views on our TikTok so far! That being said, it’s still the band’s original material which we’re looking forward to the most; songs like ‘Oysters In My Pocket’ and ‘Going Kokomo’ are handmade for summer festivals, whether they’re playing in the outdoor Vodafona stage in Porto, or in local venue Sala Apolo in Barcelona!

P.S. If you’ve got a burning question to ask the band, it may be worth lingering around the queue before the show…

Barcelona (Sat): 18:45-19:30 @ Santander

Porto (Thu): 17:40-18:30 @ Vodaphone

Amyl and the Sniffers

Sticking with bands from down-under, Amyl and the Sniffers may bring more energy to the coastal cities than anyone else. Having just released new material for the first time in three years, Amy Taylor and co sound fresher than ever – A-Side of sorts, ‘U Should Not Be Doing That’ is a stomper that warrants a listen from everyone who may have previously dismissed the band, whilst ‘Facts’ sets the same tempo the band are notorious for.

Barcelona (Thu): 21:00-22:00 @ Santander

Porto (Thu): 19:40-20:40 @ Vodaphone

American Football

Perhaps with the least energy, yet no less exciting, are midwest-emo cornerstones American Football. Whilst other 90s icons Pulp and PJ Harvey may overshadow them on the bill, American Football are arguably the most influential band to grace Primavera this year, as clear-cut pioneers of the midwest-emo genre, as well as math-rock legends.

Barcelona (Sat): 23:00-00:00 @ Cupra

Porto (Thu): 00:45-01:45 @ Plenitude

Crumb

Newly released, third album ‘AMAMA’ continues the band’s somewhat ambigous sound – whilst clearly taking elements of jazz and neo-psychedelia, Crumb remain consistently palatable and are likely a good entry point into the aforementioned genres.

Barcelona (Sat): 19:45-20:45 @ Plenitude

Porto (Fri): 18:40-19:30 @ Porto

Slow Pulp

Support slots for Pixies, Death Cab For Cutie and Alvvays not only speak to the broad spectrum of music they’re creating, but to the level of artists whose approval they’ve gained. Whilst their name may indicate a drowsy variation of Britpop, Chicago based Slow Pulp should prick the ears of anyone looking to find their next favourite band.

Barcelona (Sat): Slow Pulp: 18:00-18:45 @ Plenitude

Nieve Ella

Exclusive to Barcelona is indie-pop sensation Nieve Ella. Pairing a huge guitar-driven sound with lyrics rooted in bedroom-pop intimacy puts Nieve Ella ahead of others in a genre which can feel oversaturated at times. Latest single ‘The Things We Say’ may be our personal favourite, but fans are already digging unreleased track ‘Ganni Top’.

Barcelona (Thu): 16:30-17:10 @ Plenitude

Ethel Cain

Gaining praise from some of the best modern songwriters in Florence Welch and Phoebe Bridgers, is Ethel Cain – musical alias of Hayden Silas Anhedönia. Whilst the themes on critically acclaimed album ‘Preacher’s Daughter’ may be as heavy as they can get, songs like ‘Sun Bleached Flies’ and ‘American Teenager’ are anthems sure to translate to festivals.

Barcelona (Fri): Ethel Cain: 18:20-19:10 @ Santander

Porto (Sat): 20:50-21:40 @ Porto

Final tickets for Primavera Sound Barcelona and Porto are on sale now!