Festival Review: Lowlands 2023
Immersing in the eclectic bliss of Lowlands Festival 2023.
As the summer of 2023 gracefully approaches its twilight, the annual show of music, camaraderie, and euphoria, known as Lowlands Festival, once again graced the lush Dutch countryside. This year's edition was a testament to the indomitable spirit of live music, drawing in a diverse array of festival-goers, all seeking refuge from the mundane. From the 18th to the 20th of August, the festival grounds in Biddinghuizen transformed into a haven where art, music, and conviviality converged, under the benevolent gaze of the sun-soaked heavens.
As the festival kicked off on Friday, MUNA's ethereal melodies resonated through the day air, evoking a sense of introspection and unity. Their enchanting vocals and evocative lyrics provided a calming start to the festival. First Aid Kit's harmonious folk tunes were a soothing balm for the soul, their sweet melodies weaving tales of love and longing under the open sky. The radiant beams of the setting sun cast a warm embrace upon the gathering masses. Pusha T took the stage, igniting the festivities with his fiery rhymes and commanding presence. His lyrical skill combined with infectious beats brought the audience to life, setting the tone for an electrifying weekend ahead. Amyl and the Sniffers, hailing all the way from Australia, delivered a raw and raucous performance that felt like a punch to the senses. Their unapologetic energy infused the crowd with an unbridled sense of freedom, inviting everyone to surrender to the cathartic waves of punk rock.
Saturday saw the eclectic assembly of musical marvels continue. The supergroup Boygenius, comprising Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus, delivered an ethereal set that showcased their individual talents while seamlessly harmonisng as a collective force. French electro-pop ensemble L'Impératrice transported the audience to a synth-laden wonderland, where time seemed to warp with every beat. Viagra Boys injected a dose of volatile energy into the festival, serving up a set that was as entertaining as it was audacious. The relentless rhythms and unabashed stage presence of the Swedish band had the crowd dancing with abandon. The day culminated in a mind-bending performance by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. The Aussie psych bands set predictably traversed dimensions, leaving the audience in a state of rapture. (watch it below if you don’t believe us).
Sunday dawned with a sense of both fulfillment and anticipation. They Hate Change kicked off the day with a genre-bending set that had everyone moshing (which was a surprise considering it was 1pm). Fever Ray's mesmerising electronic beats pulsed through the afternoon air, Karin Dreijer's enigmatic stage presence added an air of mystery to the performance, ensnaring the crowd. And then, as the sun dipped below the horizon one last time, the anticipation reached its zenith. Billie Eilish took the stage, and the collective energy of the crowd surged to unparalleled heights. Eilish's haunting vocals and magnetic stage presence cast a spell that held the audience in rapt attention. Hits like "Bad Guy" and "Happier Than Ever" reverberated through the night, sealing Lowlands 2023 with an enduring moment of enchantment.
Beyond the captivating musical offerings, Lowlands Festival 2023 fostered an atmosphere of unity and conviviality that transcended the mere notes and melodies. The festival grounds pulsated with friendly vibes, strangers became friends, and barriers dissolved as the joy of music brought everyone together.
Underneath the azure sky, buckets of booze flowed freely, adding to the sense of camaraderie that permeated the festival. The mingling aromas of various cuisines created a gastronomic journey, satisfying palates while forging new connections. From sumptuous street food to gourmet delicacies, the diverse culinary offerings were a reflection of the festival's commitment to catering to every facet of the senses. Lowlands Festival is not merely a celebration of music; it's a canvas for visual and interactive art that elevates the overall experience. The festival grounds were adorned with captivating installations, sculptures, and immersive art spaces that provided a platform for self-expression and introspection. Attendees wandered through these artistic enclaves, engaging with the creations that served as a perfect complement to the music.
Lowlands Festival 2023 was not just a music festival; it was a refuge for the soul. In the span of a single weekend, Lowlands Festival 2023 managed to encapsulate the very essence of what makes live music an unparalleled form of human expression. The stages came alive with an eclectic tapestry of artists, each weaving their unique narratives into the fabric of a collective experience. From the rhythmic intensity of Pusha T to the ethereal escapades of Fever Ray, and from the irreverence of Viagra Boys to the haunting resonance of Billie Eilish, the festival journeyed through an array of emotions and genres, leaving a substantial imprint on the hearts of its attendees.
