Super Bock Super Rock 2018 as we lived it

The nomadic festival taking place at Parque das Nações in Lisbon presents one of the most eclectic lineups of Portugal.

Super Bock Super Rock kicked off its 24th edition, where alienating rock, hip-hop and electronic music were the main focus of attention.

Thursday – July 19

Parcels were arguably the big surprise of this first day of Super Bock Super Rock. Hitchhiking by the contagious debut single Overnight, with a helping hand from Daft Punk, the Australian quintet left the whole EDP Stage stomping their feet, proving that disco is also successful during the day. Even without a specific record to present, their uncontrollable groove took us back to the 1970s, where Bee Gees and Chic were the masters of the dance floor. Judging by the euphoria caused by Gamesofluck and Older, Parcels could not have a better debut in Portugal.

Temples went even further, more precisely to the 60s and the times of The Beatles and Beach Boys. The avant-garde psychedelic band from England began with Certainty, Colors to Life and Roman God-Like Man. The band wisely balanced the best of their two albums, the euphoria was all around while they played Keep in The Dark, A Question Isn't Answered, and Shelter Song.

The Vaccines returned to Super Bock Super Rock with their latest album “Combat Sports”. With the electrifying Nightclub, the band kicked off their set, followed by Teenage Icon and Wreckin Bar. Even Wetsuit was unable to slow down the crowd. The Vaccines are more alive than ever, with Justin Young being the ultimate exponent, causing a stir with Post Break-Up Sex and Norgaard, shining almost as much as the disco ball that decorated the ceiling of the stage. The band wrapped up their show with Handsome, If You Wanna and I Can't Quit.

The xx was one of the most anticipated acts of the night, bringing their emotional, tender and deep songs. Different age groups, different styles, but you could feel the same enthusiasm in the crowd. Their show was filled with the introspective songs. Themes like Islands or Hold On were overwhelmingly well-received by the audience. The Shelter was dedicated to LBGTQ people with Oliver Sim saying “I love you, I see you”. The show ended with the Angels and Romy Croft dedicating it to the new member of her family who was born during the tour. She also took time to thank the audience for all the energy and love.

The night went on with Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay, the French duo who signs as Justice. Closing the Super Bock Stage, the band brought stunning visuals, sensational play of lights, and a dazzling collection of hits. Their signature electro-rock sound, crunchy synths and disco basslines made the crowd party like there was no tomorrow.

Friday – July 20

Following the tradition that was established in 2016 with the success of Kendrick Lamar, Super Bock Super Rock bet on a hip-hop day. Destiny Nicole Frasqueri aka Princess Nokia rocked it at the EDP stage. She delivered an energetic show, despite the fact that the sound was not the best. Brujas, Kitana and Tomboy were some of the songs she played.

Anderson.Paak was undoubtedly the most anticipated rapper of the night. The singer, who is also a producer and a drummer, was performing with his band Free Nationals. Paak sang, played, delivered his best rap, and moved around vibing with the crowd. Themes like Put Me Thru, Heart Don’t Stand a Chance, Sweet Gidge and Room in Here energized the audience, and left us wanting more.

Travis Scott was headlining on Super Bock's hip-hop day, providing the most violent and triumphant concert of this edition of the festival. In terms of props, it was hard not to be surprised by his show - smoke and fire machines were restless all night. All his set paired with a vibrant play of lights made Travis’ show truly unforgettable. His energetic persona pierced everyone in the room. Scott jumped and shouted as if his energy was never-ending. Using and abusing an auto-tune, he was explosive in every sense of the word, making Altice Arena an authentic guerrilla state. The moshpit was constant during the entire performance, and the intensity of it spoke for itself. Travis delivered Butterfly Effect, Antidote and Goosebumps, followed by some versions, such as Sky Walker (Miguel) and Love Galore (SZA).

Saturday – July 21

The The was delivering its best at the EDP stage. The British band remains under the direction of Matt Johnson, composer and vocalist, who is the only original member of the band. The The had a full house, playing their biggest hits: This Is the Day, I've Been Waitin' for Tomorrow and Uncertain Smile. They proved to be in shape and the stage is still a place where they belong.

The third day of Super Bock Super Rock stood out for its strong eclectic bet with artists and genres capable of pleasing all tastes. “Portugal, my name is Stormzy and I come from London. I don't need you to know who I am, I just need to feel your energy ”. This was how Stormzy debuted in Lisbon and over the course of an hour, all the energy requested from the crowd was surely returned. On a minimally decorated stage Stormzy warmed-up featuring Skepta (That's Not Me) and Drake (God's Plan). Then he continued with his storm of rhymes and beats: First Things First, Cold, Standard, Cigarettes & Cush and Big for your Boots. Amazed by such a warm welcome on his first visit to Portugal - he would confess that he had no idea what he would find around here - and after the muscular Bad Boys and Shut Up , Stormzy would end up promising that his return to Portugal will be imminent.

The Voidz were the ones to close the festival. Their set was truly loud, the high-pitched tunes went to the point of becoming almost harmful to the ears. The guitar riffs made everything tremble, and the screams of a death metal caused an auditory massacre… It was dark. Casablancas and his band brought to Lisbon some of their best tunes such as M.utually A.ssured D.estruction and QYURRYUS. The Voidz are coming with ”Virtue” - their most recent album, which is a pleasant trip through psychedelic universe and experimental rock. Julian Casablancas, who was visibly upset with the sound quality, would say random phrases like “I don’t even know where we are”, "Welcome to Noah's Ark", "I swallow the first date", "I can't let go Internet, help me ”. We were losing him in the middle of the lights play, but then he re-appeared. The frontman came next to Jeff to perform a wonderful version of I’ll Try Anything Once, while the waves of excitement pulsed through the crowd.