Bilbao BBK Live 2016: Day Three

On the other end of the spectrum, Father John Misty is getting things off to a rather smooth start over on the Heineken Stage. Crooning his way through cuts from his recent 'I Love You, Honeybear', his set feels almost the exact opposite to Courtney's Main Stage performance. All melodrama and swooning, he eases his audience into the fest's final day, with the occasional nod and wink for good measure. His second album's title track comes as an obvious highlight, with its rousing chorus and tongue-in-cheek schtick, but it's the man himself that really makes tonight's performance.

The rise of Tame Impala over the past few years has been remarkable. Having climbed through the ranks of the mainstream, over the past twelve months they've earned themselves a BRIT Award, scored themselves Top 5 positions across the world and graduated to become festival headliners. Tonight, they're topping the bill alongside Foals, and it's evident that their new-found status suits them well.

Opening with the mind-bending introduction of 'Nangs' before bursting into their now-infamous 'Let It Happen', the Australians ooze a real confidence on stage tonight. All psychedelic colours and mesmerising instrumentation, it's easy to get lost in the layers of Tame Impala's warm offerings, and there's not a more perfect band to have playing with the sun sets behind the mountains.

By the time that Foals take to the stage, the crowd are prepped and ready. Another band who've been afforded the stepping stone to headliner, they're spending the summer living up to expectations. Blitzing through their set, there's electricity in the air; 'Snake Oil' twists and coils like the animal it's named after, before 'Total Life Forever' whips up a storm. It's the likes of 'Inhaler' and 'What Went Down', though, that remain the big guns of Foals' back-catalogue: they're monstrous in size and provide a tremendous conclusion to their massive set.

It's Wolf Alice, however, who are given the job of closing the final day. Performing at 2.30am is a challenge for even the most experienced of performers but despite their late billing, the four-piece seem unphased. The hypnotic scuzz of 'Your Loves Whore' is enough to get lost in, while 'You're A Germ' is an explosion, all visceral energy and squalling guitars. By the time the guitars of 'Giant Peach' kick in, the tent's a moving, sweaty mass and it's clear that Bilbao BBK Live saved the best 'til last.

Tags: Courtney Barnett, Father John Misty, Foals, Tame Impala, Wolf Alice, Bilbao BBK Live, Festivals, Reviews, Live Reviews