JACKS Abroad: FIB Benicássim Festival – Day Two 19/07/2019

Day two of the 25th edition of FIB Benicássim saw some of the finest female artists take centre stage, with Lana Del Rey topping the bill.

The first band to take to Benicássim’s Las Palmas Stage were quirky London indie outfit The Big Moon.

After being away for around a year and a half, it was a welcomed addition to the line-up when it was announced the four women would be heading to Spain’s east coast festival.

In the time since the band finished touring their debut album Love in the 4th Dimension, they have been working on individual projects or generally laying low. Now The Big Moon are back to remind everyone why they were so loved.

Quirky indie melodies and drilling their messages home with their lyrics, time hasn’t been lost on them. We were quickly reminded why they could make any crowd bounce and become lost within their songs.

They previewed new tracks from whatever we’re to expect next from them and what they have left we’re promising signs for the follow-up to their 2017 debut.

Staying at the festival’s main stage after a glistening start, Superorganism were up next.

The eight-piece band’s trippy indie pop drew the crowd into a trance on the Las Palmas Stage.

Superorganism’s trip-hop style seduced the crowd as they became submissive to their luscious melodies.

With trippy visuals accompanying lead singer, Orono Noguchi’s surreal vocals, it was an entrancing set.

Throughout, she was calm as she circled around the band and also getting the audience to groove to her beat, making it a joy to behold.

The Las Palmas was the main base for JACKS on day two as The Hunna followed up Superorganism, keeping the trend of London bands going.

The ‘Bonfire’ band released their rip-roaring second album, Dare last year and have been busy touring since.

Their first record was a fun and playful debut, whereas Dare saw the band showcase their hurt and anger with a much more aggressive release.

The Hunna carried that aggression into their Benicássim performance as frontman, Ryan Potter ran riot for the band’s 50 minute set. Singing with a conviction and eventually letting his emotion bubble over, launching his mic stand across the stage.

A whirlwind show whipped up a frenzy and left the crowd breathless by the time they walked off the stage.

Gerry Cinnamon has been on a rapid rise to fame, receiving big praises from many artists including The Courteeners and Liam Gallagher. He’s already selling out arenas and has developed a cult following.

So when seeing he was playing on the Carrefour Stage on day two of the festival it seemed like a no-brainer to go and see him.

The Scotsman stood alone and proud on the stage with only his guitar in hand. He stomped on the ground a lot, sang a few lines and would excitedly laugh afterwards. The crowd responded accordingly, lapping up the antics.

Why though is beyond me. It was all too much the same and for the backing he has, it was surprising that the music was so mundane. Basically Ed Sheeran but grittier.

Back at the Las Palmas stage, The 1975 were lighting up the night sky with vibrancy, excitement and a whole lot of fun.

The final half an hour of the ‘Chocolate’ band’s set was an uplifting journey as frontman, Matt Healy sang with a spring in his step, as he danced around the stage.

Healy’s showmanship was in full force, proving that the booking agents for Reading and Leeds Festival were right to give them the headline slot.

Day two peaked with a mesmerising set from Lana Del Rey. While she was half an hour late to the stage, the ‘Video Games’ powerhouse whisked Benicássim on a journey of heart-aching pop ballads.

Lana strutted around the stage with a swagger but still showed so much gratitude for the outpour of appreciation for her music. From lounging on pianos and rocking back and forth on swings with out missing a beat, she was flawless right to the very end.

The set concluded with ‘Venice Bitch’, which is just under 10-minutes long but lasted for the best part of half an hour. Mostly because she ventured down to the barrier and was bombarded with memorabilia to sign and posing for selfies. She was also presented with gifts and bouquets of flowers before she was finally able to tear herself away and retreat back to the stage.

After a stunning show from day two’s headliner, Gorgon City brought their live show to Benicássim for the first time, with help from singer Chenai, who teamed up previously for the duo’s single ‘Never Enough’.

Packed with chart-topping hitters and forthcoming new music, it was a one-hour rave that rounded out day two in electric style.

Missed out on the action from days one, three and four? We’ve got you covered, click on the links below to get up to speed.

Day one, featuring Fontaines D.C., Action Bronson and Fatboy Slim – Click here.

Day three, featuring Blossoms and Kings of Leon – Click here.

Day four, featuring George Ezra and Franz Ferdinand – Click here.

See our full gallery below for more pictures from day two.