Farewells, dances, veterans and newcomers

He Verbena River returned to Pontevedra with a new edition marked by what was presumed to be a particularly emotional date. On the one hand, it was (predictably) Love Of Lesbian’s last concert in Galicia before their announced break. But also for the fact of bringing together on its lineup a good handful of those names that are going through a great moment of form along with others who are still building theirs. Two days to dance, discover and verify that some proposals are destined to grow.

With this premise, the people of Coruña Apollo18 They were in charge of opening the festival. A priori, their presence might have seemed difficult to fit into the sound map of the Verbena River, but with the scarce half hour they had all doubt disappeared. All thanks to a well-executed setlist with which they made it clear what they can offer and, judging by the reactions, it is likely that they left Pontevedra with a new follower. The registration change came with Cora. They played at home and displayed their universe accompanied by drums, a novelty that allowed them to take their songs to another terrain. There was space for published songs, new songs and, above all, for emotion to appear on stage. Müntrails They returned the intensity with a proposal that caused more than one surprise, because for some of those present it was difficult to imagine that behind that aesthetic, that way of singing and that sound was a Galician band.

At that point, the Verbena River It was already starting to pick up speed. And then they appeared Sidonie. Anyone who has seen them live in recent months knows that they are in enjoyment mode, and in Pontevedra they made it clear again. Without too many flourishes, their concert was a succession of songs capable of activating that spring that turns a concert into a party both for the lifelong fan and for those who had simply come to see what was happening. Pure explosion. Luis Fercan He picked up the baton accompanied by his band. If he works perfectly alone, with them at his side – this detail is important, since the Galician is placed at one end with all the members visible and at the same level – his songs gain nuances that fit especially well under the protection of a festival. His voice, without a doubt, once again became that safe place to return to.

But if there was one name that got most of the attention, it was Siloam. The people from Valladolid are in that sweet phase in which each of their live shows seems to add up: staging, energy, connection with the public and songs that no longer need too much introduction. In Pontevedra, the audience gave themselves from start to finish, singing and dancing. Sarriafor its part, celebrated the penultimate date of its tour in Pontevedra before the arrival of new music, making it clear that its name is one worth keeping an eye on. Then it was time to La La Love You (in the main photo), who also did not need to invent anything. Their mission was clear: to get the audience dancing with a handful of songs that are already part of the collective imagination. And they did it perfectly. Lady DJ was in charge of putting an end to the night with a perfect selection for the last dances of the day.

Saturday began with another of those Galician proposals that are worth knowing. French Riviera He took the opportunity to claim his place, turning the first hours of the day into a short trip back to the eighties, between synthesizers, guitars, Italo-disco and funk. Very round songs and a proposal that has everything to make you dance if the public decides to give it the opportunity it deserves. For its part, Yoly Saa (also playing at home and growing up with a band) completed a direct, fast and emotionally charged performance, letting the songs carry all the weight. From Asturias, The Holly Trees They took over with a concert that confirmed that their live performance has more substance than it seems and that they know how to move perfectly in the field of festivals, combining their own songs with covers. After them came Carlos Ares. There is little left to say about an artist whose present speaks for itself and about whom so many lines have already been written. His performance once again confirmed that moment of form and, to round it off, Fito de Siloé appeared on stage to share “Dog Days”.

And if the one from A Coruña is a consolidated reality, Guadiana leeches They continue to walk that same path. After last year’s boom, Extremadurans continue to gain ease, power and confidence with each performance. The promise is becoming a reality and their concert, the most crowded on the second stage, was once again good proof of this. Around eleven at night the moment that had marked the sign from the beginning arrived. Love Of Lesbian They landed in Pontevedra to say goodbye that, it is worth remembering, is not a separation but a see you later. They reviewed their discography, interacted a lot with the audience and once again remembered why they continue to be one of the fundamental groups in the recent history of Spanish music.

Then, and almost as if the festival refused to slow down, they arrived Leon Benavente. The project led by Abraham Boba had one of those concerts ahead that, in his own words, were not easy to pull off. But professionalism reappeared on stage. Seeing the entire audience dancing while singing their songs was enough to understand that perhaps this project could still garner even more recognition than it already has. Facing the closing of this edition of the Verbena River, it was the turn Xoel Lopez. The Galician was again a success with a concert where he confirmed that he is capable of presenting his new songs without losing sight of his greatest hits, once again demonstrating that, despite what some defend, dance and fun are compatible, live, with his discography. The last blows of the festival, on this occasion, were carried out by Sergio El Indio DJ.

In this way, between well-known songs, new discoveries and many dances and excitement, the Verbena River once again said goodbye to Pontevedra, making it clear that its formula continues to work. Two days in which there was space to enjoy live music and to continue putting on the table a good handful of names that, who knows if in a few years they will no longer need any introduction. And, of course, it was also that place where acquaintances and strangers came together to enjoy music, without thinking about anything else.