Olivera Jeranče //

The Way Out West festival in Gothenburg was held this year for the 17th time, since its debut in 2007. Over the years, it has grown into one of the most important music events in Scandinavia, renowned for its carefully curated lineup, strong environmental commitment, and a festival atmosphere that blends urban Gothenburg with world-class performers from across the globe.

This year’s edition attracted a total of 78,000 visitors, who passed through the gates of Slottsskogen Park over the course of three days. The first day, arguably the most alternative in terms of programming, was marked—among other highlights—by a performance from the controversial Northern Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap on one of the smaller stages. Audience interest was so high that many were left standing outside the designated area, unable to fit under the festival tent.

On the main stage after them came Fontaines D.C.—the Dublin band formed in 2014. at BIMM (British and Irish Modern Music Institute). Meeting during their studies at BIMM was a defining moment in their origin story: the members bonded over a shared love of poetry and bands like Joy Division and The Fall. The lineup consists of Grian Chatten (vocals), Carlos O’Connell (guitar), Conor Curley (guitar), Conor Deegan III (bass), and Tom Coll (drums).

Initially known simply as The Fontaines, they later added “D.C.” for Dublin City. Their early work, including the debut album Dogrel, won critical acclaim and cemented their place as one of the leading forces of the post-punk revival—though they themselves dislike being boxed into genre labels, viewing their music as broader and more layered.

They have been on a world tour for a year now following the release of their fourth studio album, Romance, and can rightfully call the 2024/25 season their own. With a setlist tailored for a festival crowd, they delivered a shorter but intensely energetic performance that drew the audience from initial reserve to ever-louder singing and explosive reactions—especially to every “Free Palestine” message.

One of the standout moments came when they dedicated the song Favourite to Kneecap, even though Grian Chatten did not join them this time for the collaborative number Better Way to Live, as he often does when they happen to play the same festival on the same day.

Their highly successful tour runs until the end of August, with just a handful of solo and festival dates left—and anyone lucky enough to catch them will be part of one of the best parties of the year.