Shouting Mega Mega…

There certainly was ‘mega, mega shouting’ in Bratislava and Prague as Underworld performed their epic tracks to sold-out crowds in Bratislava and Prague for the latest Electronic Beats Festivals. Originally scheduled for October but postponed because of artist illness, the back-to-back festivals were surely worth the wait as the energetic and devoted crowds let it be known.

Bratislava was the first to host Underworld with the Electronic Beats Live Special at the Incheba on February 8th. The room was nearly at full capacity when rising Hungarian stars Neo began the on-stage line up with their unique electronic rock sounds mixed with varying melodies. German duo Modeselektor came next who were joined by the eclectic visuals of Pfadfinderei. Frequently waving their iconic ape flags, Modeselektor brought a new level of energy to the crowd who went wild for their mix of hip-hop, dub and ambient beats.

The temperature of the room matched the fever of the crowd who were warm and primed when Underworld took the stage and launched into their infamous tracks. Pioneers to the cross-over between dance and rock, Underworld are no strangers to the hybrid of DJing and live performance. Three variations of ‘Born Slippy’ integrated into a set that included ‘Two Months Off’, ‘Cowgirl’ and ‘Moaner’ ignited the crowds whose hands were in the air for most of the entire two hour set. After bidding the adoring crowd of 3,000 fans farewell, the two ran off stage to their waiting bus for the next destination.

Twenty-four hours and 360 km later, the Veletrzni Palac in picturesque Prague opened its doors on February 9th to 3,500 excited fans. German-based The Man No. 9 kicked off the night in their shades and white shirt with black tie uniforms and easily had the crowd clapping their hands and singing ‘I love this song’. Modeselektor and Pfadfinderei switched up their set from the previous night with a mellower feel that still had the crowds pumping their hands high in-tune with their beats. Alter Ego was next on the line-up and proved their own interpretation of techno has no barriers. Their set played to the crowd who reacted with enthusiasm and vigour and set the tone for Underworld to take the stage as night became the morning of a new day.

Wearing a silver sequined shirt and glittery Adidas, Karl Hyde wowed the crowds with his liberating dance moves and infamous voice. Underworld’s energetic stage presence not only lifted the crowds but caused a power surge that darkened the room for a short five-minute break but to the delight of the crowd who received an extended performance to make up for it. In a city that is passionate about live music, the Electronic Beats Festival kept the crowds on their feet and dancing until the sun rose.

The 2008 Electronic Beats Festival and Live Special series will be announced soon and will include more exciting line-ups and favourite artists - stay tuned!