- It came as somewhat of a shock last February: Two weeks after presale had commenced, A Camping Flight To Lowlands Paradise was completely sold out. As one of Holland's oldest and most renowned festivals, Lowlands has a history of selling out beforehand. But never six months in advance, when all of the headliners are still to be announced. A luxury position for the organizers, who now had the opportunity to book more costly on one hand, or less obvious on the other. But despite a fair list of names, Lowlands 2010 offered less surprises and superstars than expected.
The festival's audience has changed over the years. A decade ago, alternative rockers from the provinces made up a majority of Lowlands' attendees. The past few years have seen an influx of inner city dance music aficionados. This is reflected in the growing importance of the night program. Previously obscured stages like X-Ray, Groovetube and the 24 Hour Cafe have become hot spots, and more effort is made to keep them interesting after dusk. This year dance music was blasting from half of the Lowlands stages around midnight.
Plastikman
Many were looking forward with great anticipation to the return of Plastikman, whose live set had been the talk of the summer since Timewarp. And you've got to hand it to Hawtin: he's ahead of his game. Now that minimal is generally considered passé, the resurrection of his '90s alias provides a way to divert everyone's attention away from M_nus. And while there's no covering up the fact that there's nothing new musically with this live show, with a project this conceptually and musically sound, who's complaining? From beginning to end, Richie blew everyone's socks off with obstinate grooves and pulsating LEDs. According to many, including the team itself, Lowlands was the best Plastikman show yet. Transcending the old "music with added visuals" formula, this show truly offers an audiovisual experience.
Relaxing at Lowlands
Flying Lotus provided the most impressive DJ set of the festival (officially billed as a live set, it featured quite a few songs from other artists). His radiance behind the laptop almost made you forget he was simply clicking his mouse—even if the sound died a few of times. FlyLo had everyone in the India, a tent of at least five thousand people, bobbing their heads to his uncompromising drum patterns. Building one broken beat on top of another and seamlessly merging soundscape with soundscape, he created an atmosphere in which anything was possible. Until he whipped out more obvious tracks like "Nas Is Like" and old school rave anthems near the end. It may have killed the buzz, but taking risks is the key to innovation.
Die Antwoord
There were plenty of other memorable performances. Caribou played an enchanting concert in the X-Ray, turning the undersized aluminum barrack into a simmering sweat box; fans chanting along with every syllable. Then there was Nosaj Thing, bringing chunky hip-hop grooves and precision bombs. And then there was the Ostgut clan, represented by Steffi, Shed, Marcel Dettmann and Ben Klock, who made an impact on the Friday night with their futuristic take on traditional house and techno. But many of the above could be seen on a regular basis in Dutch clubs, or at other festivals like 5 Days Off or Awakenings.
Indeed, more originality would have been welcome: more bizarre bands like Staffa Benda Bilili, a five man group made up of Congolese singers in wheelchairs; Dominique Young Unique, Miami bass' own Tyra Banks on crack; and Die Antwoord and Jack Parow, representing South Africa's virbant hip-hop scene. As for the headliners this year: Dave Clarke and Deadmau5 may fill a Bravo or two, but they're definitely not representative of a cutting edge line-up. With ever more Dutchmen crossing the border to festivals like Melt, Fusion, Sonar and Sziget, Lowlands may have to offer a more daring and unique program in order to compete. Yet even in its lesser days, A Camping Flight To Lowlands Paradise remains the highlight of the Dutch summer.
Photo credits - Wendy Oakes