Sonar is a feast for the ears, eyes & other senses, but it is also exhausting.

It was early evening when I made it to Sonar by Day & was treated to another diverse range of grooves. The crowds were big & the weather was still beautiful. The musical highlight was a dj set from Jackmaster, who offered a range of techno & house treats including Model 500′s apocalyptic No UFO’s.

Sonar by Night offered less dj driven entertainment & more bands. Hearing Roxy Music do emotive love is the drug live was very special. I personally found the Chemical Brothers underwhelming, even if the majority of the crowd was impressed. DJ Hell rounded off the night in style with techy winners like House Nation.

I had an amazing time at Sonar & would definitely go again!

I’m very glad I eased myself into sonar on Thursday, as Friday was intense.

The early evening was spent checking out some cool bands in the idyllic surrounds of Sonar by Day. Highlights included the dayglo 80s pop of Sheffield’s Shake Aletti, New Young Pony Club’s charismatic singer driven full on show and Spanish heroes Delorean’s wonderfully musical synth grooves.

Sonar by Night was a much darker and more intense beast by comparison. Taking place in a huge aircraft hanger type venue, it is an incredible experience. There was a huge musical choice & the mix of bands & djs was just right. Air put on an epic show treating listeners to winners such as Sexy Boy & LCD Soundsystem rocked as expected. The best Dj performance was from Medhi & Riton, who judged the vibe just right. They generated a life afirming atmosphere with tough tunes & classics like Inner City’s Good Life.

Sonar is exhausting, but amazing!

The first day at sonar has eased me into the festivities nicely.

The weather has been really beautiful & the sonar by day complex is a great space. The musical highlight was Caribou, who performed a great live set where guitars & electronics met perfectly. The tent was packed & the atmosphere was great. Off Sonar involved a musically techy hotel roof party & a trip 2 the sweaty, but awesome Razzmatazz.

After a cool start I’m looking forward to the second day.

I will be covering the Sonar festival in Barcelona for R4NT. It takes place between the 17th and 19th of June 2010 at cool venues in the city. Sonar by Day is a mellow affair that takes place in the arty environs of CCB/MACBA and will feature the likes of Broadcast, Delorean and Moodymann. Sonar by Night takes place at a venue outside the centre of Barcelona and choice acts will include LCD Soundsystem, Joy Orbison and Roxy Music. As well as the music, there’s art and cinema to keep vistors occupied.

There’s also a host of  ‘Off Sonar’ events featuring a number of electronic music greats, with beach parties, musical cruises, rooftop soirees and various events at ‘normal’ clubs all on offer. Potential highlights include label showcases from the likes of Bpitch Control and Claque Musique, a combined DJ and live set from Detroit legend Robert Hood and a Secret Villa party.

I will be reporting back via this blog at various stages over the long Sonar weekend.

For more info, check the Sonar website here and the Off Sonar facebook page here.