Øyafestivalen in Oslo, Norway, did not present many line-ups as robust and sonically diverse. Over four days in Tøyen park, in the city centre, there was something for everyone. Gothic romantics of all ages gathered for The Cure's two-and-a-half-hour closing concert on Wednesday; indie lovers received a double dose with Wilco and Geese back-to-back on Thursday; and Lily Allen brought her show to the country for the first time on Saturday.
Among the performances there was abundant music for rap and R&B lovers—a fluid mix of Blood Orange, the return of hip-hop duo Clipse, and the lo-fi styles of Dijon and his six-member band—in addition to many local Norwegian acts, including headliner Dagny and emerging prospects Girl Group. The festival featured four stages throughout the week.
Irish singer-songwriter Dove Ellis took the stage at Øya's Vindfruen stage looking childlike, but his rich, melodic and limitless voice convinced the audience that the 23-year-old artist is the reincarnation of Jeff Buckley. His band, which included guitar, bass, drums, saxophone and violin, was accompanied by Ellis alternating between guitar and piano. "When You Tie Your Hair Up" from his debut album "Blizzard" was a standout moment when the instruments built to an almost chaotic peak and were brought back to calm by Ellis's celestial voice.
French electro-pop musician Oklou lit up the festival with an impressive stage setup that included gleaming instruments. Her recorder shone in bright red, while an acoustic guitar during "Blade Bird" cast a blue glow. Combined with a cameraman on stage delivering a live and close-up broadcast of her performance and a light that served as a swing during "Take Me by the Hand," Oklou's concert was one of the festival's most visually innovative. There was plenty of dancing, especially during "Harvest Sky," where the crowd sang along to the chorus.
Iconic gothic rock band The Cure delivered an epic two-and-a-half-hour set consisting of their greatest hits, with vocalist Robert Smith in top form. He became emotional after playing "Just Like Heaven," wiping away what appeared to be tears of gratitude. "It's a strange one, that song," Smith told the crowd from the stage, which celebrates its 40th anniversary next year. "Every once in a while, that last bit…"
