With James Bond taking in Mexico city’s Day Of The Dead at the start of new film Spectre, Wahaca’s Day of the Dead Festival 2015 at London’s Tobacco Dock on Saturday (7 November) is aptly timed… well that and the fact the the Mexican take on All Saints Day is naturally celebrated at the start of November. To lead the way through this Anglo-Mexican celebration of life and death, event director Crispin Somerville has made us a playlist of his picks from the bill.
The Horrors – So Now You Know
“Our headliners, consistently innovative and brilliant live. A loud, sweat-inducing musical chameleon here to shake you to the roots of your soul.”
Mexrrissey – The Boy With The Thorn In His Side
“Morrissey and the Smith’s are truly revered across Mexico and Camilo Lara’s supergroup pays homage in a magical Mexican style – an Anglo Mexican collaboration if ever there was one.”
Zoe – Labios Rotos
“Playing to stadiums across Latin America, arguably Mexico’s biggest band, and a rare pleasure to welcome them to these shores. Expect a huge reaction from the Latino crew to these cats.”
Crystal Fighters – LA Calling
“The best live act I’ve seen in a long time – A synapse and sinew stretching frenzy is guaranteed from this Basque/Anglo sextet.”
Savages – Fuckers
“Uncompromising and seething – an intense live experience. I’ve been watching them consistently at festivals this year and they keep blowing crowds away. Honoured to have them on stage at Day Of The Dead.”
Erick Rincon – I’m Latino
“The authentic sound of the darkest dancehalls along the Mexican border – think deep tribal beats with a unique Mexican identity. A UK exclusive.”
Pasychemagick – Mink And Shoes
“Danny Psychmagick digs in crates in every corner of the globe, puts it through his demented mind and produces some of the most exciting electronica around.”
Mexican Institute Of Sound – Mexico
“Camilo Lara’s [Mexrrissey’s frontman] bass-heavy lament to his beloved country sums up many artist’s approach to the situation in Mexico; move minds, move feet – highlight the issues.”
Los Chinches – La Serpiente Negra
“Deep psychedelic, amazon garage funk – how many more genres can you squeeze into a set?”
Toy Selectah – Uy Uy Uy
“Legendary Mexican DJ signed to Diplo’s Mad Decent label brings heavy Cumbia fused with everything bass heavy to tear up dance floors across the planet. Ours too.”
The Severed Limb – Shake It Senora
“This blues-drenched skiffle punk sound would be exactly why I’d be heading to the venue early – a laidback boozy soundtrack with which to discover the multiple surprises we have in store at the festival.”
For the full line-up and latest ticket news head to Wahaca.co.uk/dotd.
