A two-night alternative binge at V-Gen

These concerts are being organised by HairyAmp Promotions and The Goo Boy. On Friday, December 2, local indie folk outfit Stalko will get the ball rolling. Stalko, who effortlessly blend gorgeous vocal melodies and harmonies with mainly acoustic based compositions haven’t looked back since their live debut supporting Adem at the MITP Theatre. Having just released the majestic ‘In a Hurry’ (with a soon-beloved video online) they play this concert following a handful of small intimate sold out gigs.

A few months ago nobody would have dreamt this up but the second band on the night is none other than Lumiere. They unexpectedly reformed for an ecstatically received comeback gig last month and they return to grace the V-Gen stage yet again. One of the few bands to enjoy a cult status here in Malta, Lumiere’s brooding art rock will be the perfect ploy leading to the night’s foreign headliners.

Italian six-piece outfit Eimog, probably the first post-rock outfit to play in Malta are based in Agrigento, Sicily. The revered internet music magazine Silent Ballet claimed that ‘in time, Eimog will unleash its unique voice onto the world,’ when reviewing their debut album Scenario. They will actually be disrupting recordings of their second album to play the Nil by Mouth sessions. Masters of their trade, their beautiful and brilliant guitar soundscapes will wash over the crowd in what promises to be a unique experience.

Veteran indie rock DJ Wayne Flask and the diverse and experimental Karl Baldacchino will be playing sets throughout the evening. The second night promises to be a more upbeat and buzzing affair compared to the intensity and magnitude of the first night.

Having just launched their debut album ‘Cut Paste Rave ‘N’ Roll,’ Dolls For Idols will be expected to take the stage in typical style and swagger when they open the second night on 3 December. The album title says it all, and rest assured that they will rock and they will rave. The night will refuse to rest when The Areola Treat follow them up. Relentlessly loud and occasionally brutal, The Areola Treat’s live reputation comes second to none. Coupled with a sassy, confident stage presence, their set will serve as a perfect back-drop for the headlining act to follow.

One of Scotland’s hottest prospects, Discopolis, headline the second night. It’s been happening really fast for this relatively young three piece band from Edinburgh. They formed not more than a year ago and were chosen to play in Scotland’s largest festival (T in the Park) and the infamous Reading and Leeds Festivals in England last summer.

Since then they have opened for established artists like Metronomy, Fenech-Soler and The Futureheads. Discopolis blend guitar indie sounds with electronic dance music magnificently and were best summed up by the NME’s Matt Wilkinson when he said that they sound like ‘the banging bits of Friendly Fires and Deadmau5 colliding in some student halls.’
Saturday night is completed by some mental DJ/live sets via the mighty Danjeli and the surprise and very welcome addition of the highly influential Capital K (UK).

Tickets for the two nights can be obtained from Coach and Horses (Msida) V-Gen (Paceville) and Blush & Panic (Valletta) or contact 99 846382 or 79 861473. Early bird tickets are at €12 per night, €15 for two nights. Prices at the door will be higher. First bands start at 22:00 sharp on each night.