Electronic Beats Festival Bratislava 2011 in review

Electronic Beats has just returned to Slovakia’s capital for the third time, and it turned out better than ever! In the past two instalments the walls of Bratislava’s clubs were shaken by rave legends Underworld and Prodigy – and the nightlife hungry masses rejoiced. This time, Bratislava was treated to concerts by Lamb, Apparat Band and WhoMadeWho, and a truly smashing afterparty following the live shows. And yes, the former YMCA building that houses the clubs MMC, Randal and Hopkirk in Bratislava’s beautiful Old Town district served late night musical appetites until the early hours.

Slovak newcomers Dynamo Team, who’s summer hit ‘Roll the Dynamo’ received much praise as well as rotation on radio FM4, opened up the night – and did so elegantly. Next up were Danish dance-punks WhoMadeWho, they hit MMC with their charismatic performance. And although they were the second act on the bill, they had everybody stomping, jumping and nodding their heads to the beat. By the end of their set, everybody came to realize just how much Danish disco rocks!

Shortly after Sascha Ring took the stage with his Apparat Band project with a set-list drew heavily from the latest Apparat album ‘The Devil’s Walk’, which was released just two weeks prior to the show and received rave reviews from both critics and fans. Fans also got to hear a new version of ‘Arcadia’, from the 2007 album ‘Walls’, as well as the pivotal and ecstatic centrepiece of the set – a shoegazey post-rock re-work of ‘Rusty Nails’, that Apparat wrote together with his good friends, the mad scientists from Modeselektor.

Manchester based duo Lamb returned to Slovakia shortly after their latest but very successful show at the Bažant Pohoda festival this summer. This time however, Andy Barlow’s and Lou Rhodes‘ tender vocals had a chance to resonate in a more intimate club setting. Lamb seem to have a loyal following here in Slovakia, and given that energy translates better in smaller venues, the connection between the band and their Slovak fans was truly unique even more evident.

The only thing that’s left for us is to thank YOU the people, for making this a night to remember – as we’re already looking forward to the next installment that has been already confirmed by T-Mobile. Follow Electronic Beats Slovakia on Facebook and Twitter to stay posted on festival news as well as more pictures and live videos from last night.

Published October 16, 2011.