Reykjavik never disappoints on the urban art front.  I’d intended to go to the grocery store this morning after dropping Jeff at Lucky, but forgot it doesn’t open until 11am. Therefore, I wandered through the neighborhood to check out the new artwork. And this doesn’t include Wall Poetry 2016.

Next up, the opening of the Punk Museum smack in the 101 – in what was formerly a public bathroom.  Opening speech by the famous, er infamous, Johnny Rotten! The “guest list” for this event was around 150 but it was clear that there was no way we were getting in  to see the exhibition tonight and still get spot to see Singapore Sling at KEX so we bounced after about 20 minutes. We’ll catch it later.

Singapore Sling has been on my short list of “must see” Icelandic bands for years now but they rarely play the festival. Today I can check them off my list – they KILLED IT at KEX Hostel.  We were posted up at a little corner table and had a perfect vantage point to catch the show.

UPDATE: The video from the live stream is posted here.

KEXP is streaming these shows live on Facebook this year and the increase in lighting and wiring to make this happen is remarkable. The performance space is raised about 8″ this year making it easier for the KEXP film/camera crew to navigate and with the additional wiring, it’s a much needed upgrade. Good for everyone in the crowd too, raising the performers up from floor height giving everyone a better view.

Since we had a perfect spot staked out, we had dinner at KEX while we waited for The Sonics to start at 8pm. Besides being a local Seattle classic, the touring guitarist is a high school classmate – gotta see this show!  Despite some drama from a malfunctioning keyboard, the show was only 20 minutes late staring. This is Reykjavik, you are never more than 15 minutes from a replacement anything for a live show. Once they got started, The Sonics were a 25 minute wall of pure 60s garage rock noise. The place was packed and eating it up. Lots of Seattle natives sprinkled in the crowd too to help represent! There was even a mini-mosh.

UPDATE: You can see  video from the live feed here.

After having a beer at KEX with our friend Leana who was there volunteering with KEXP, we wandered over to Iđnó, one of our least favorite venues.  It’s always 100 degrees in the place and because of the bands they schedule here, it has an odd crowd. But tonight, Kælan Mikla was playing so we went. These ladies put together some excellent darkwave with heavy beats and erie vocals. Love it!

Wrapped up the evening with waffles from the waffle truck – they look like they have every other year, except on a rare Wednesday this time. 🙂