Justice, M.I.A., Royal Blood and MØ make Garorock 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]During a brief respite from the torrential Marmande rain, MØ takes the unpredictable weather in her stride and makes the most of the calm on the first day of Garorock. Her crowd, suitably covered in mud, are more than tuned into the performance, with nothing getting in the way of their good time at the front of the twin main stages; La Plaine and Garonne Pression. MØ dances around the stage, she proves that Scandinavia really does have a magical ability to craft some of the finest pop songs known to humankind. Shortly after, Foals, in their second show back since taking a break from touring at the tail end of last year, bring a mixture of both newer and older material. Breaking out deep cuts like ‘Heavy Water' from their debut, and mixing them with the power and might of the fuller sounding later tracks, Yannis and co. demonstrate why they're now headline material. A late night slot from Phoenix is a positive boost for a pretty damp crowd. Bright and poppy, their set provides a warming backdrop, especially when hits such as ‘Lisztomania' and '1901' kick in. The embrace of their melodies achieves more than any sunny day could, with the eager crowd ready to dance themselves warm. The following evening, London Grammar's dark, brooding atmospheric sounds perfectly match their approaching-nightfall slot. Attracting an incredibly large crowd, the trio cater to the festival's penchant for synth-led pop. Tucked away in the corner is a smaller third stage, Scène Du Trec. A platform for newer names and a place where you can find some real gems - including Spanish metal band Berri Txarrak covering MGMT's ‘Electric Feel' - it's from here the abrasive sounds of Ho99o9 ripple through the festival site. Eaddy bounces and leaps around the stage from the get-go, with theOGM crouched behind a sample pad waiting for his time to strike. It's a set that refuses to relent at any moment, even when the duo retreat to their respective sides ready for the next onslaught, leaving their drummer/producer Ian Longwell to keep the power going. Rounding off the night, M.I.A gives a full-on barrage of both substance and style. Backed by a mammoth grid screen, every moment is spent solidifying that she is in charge of the stage. Finding her way to the crowd, she invites fans to join her - an invite readily accepted. The final day hosts one of the festival's few British exports, as Royal Blood make sure everyone will remember their name. Mike Kerr and Ben Thatcher play off each other like brothers, Mike every inch the rock star frontman. Rounding off their triumphant set with an extended 'Out Of The Black', with Ben running to the crowd and sourcing a sombrero and a questionable inflatable, the grounds of Marmande are well and truly shaken. Closing the festival are Justice: two looming figures surrounded on three sides by light edged flight boxes. The French duo move with precision, executing big hitters such as ‘D.A.N.C.E' and ‘Genesis' to a fantastic reception. As they jump down to thank the crowd and say goodbye, it's the perfect end to a real gem of a festival.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]