Last weekend, the city of Braga in Portugal played host to the exhilarating Festival Authentica. Held at the Altice Forum Braga, the event transformed the historic city into a vibrant celebration of music, art, and culture. Renowned for its dynamic atmosphere and eclectic line-up, the festival presented attendees with a rich tapestry of sounds, featuring a blend of internationally acclaimed musicians and promising new talent. We were there on Saturday to catch performances from Cian Ducrot, The Kooks, and James.
Kicking off the evening’s entertainment, Cian Ducrot brought his infectious energy to the stage. The Irish singer-songwriter effortlessly moved between acoustic guitar and keyboard, often sharing the spotlight with his bandmates. While tracks like the soulful ‘Here It Is’ and the heart-wrenching ‘I’ll Be Waiting’ garnered the most emotional responses, the entire set was a hit, particularly his stirring cover of Elton John’s ‘Piano Man’ and his latest single, ‘Can’t Even Hate You.’ In a crowded field of singer-songwriters, Cian stands out with a unique charm and undeniable stage presence that sets him apart.
With a career spanning back to 2004, The Kooks have become synonymous with high-energy sets, packed with the indie rock anthems that earned them their place in music history. They kicked off the show with a bang, opening with ‘Always Where I Need To Be,’ before paying tribute to their iconic debut album with four consecutive tracks, including the timeless ‘She Moves In Her Own Way.’ Over the past two decades, the band has experimented with various genres, and the synth-infused ‘Westside’ was a perfect reflection of that evolution. They also captivated the audience with some stunning acoustic singalongs, particularly the slow, emotive ballad ‘Seaside,’ which never fails to win over the crowd. Matching the energy of the set, frontman Luke Pritchard owned the stage, strutting and dancing with infectious confidence. Though while his dynamic presence was undeniably compelling, at times it teetered on the edge of arrogance. The set culminated in a triumphant finish with their arguably most famous hit, ‘Naive’, and it was evident that, after all these years, The Kooks are still more than capable of captivating a massive crowd.
You never quite know what to expect when James take the stage, and they certainly surprised the crowd by opening with ‘Sound’. A perfect showcase of the band’s signature fusion of intensity and emotional depth, the track put the spotlight on trumpeter Andy Diagram, who ascended to the balcony for a soaring solo. For most bands, such a moment might come towards the end of the show, but with James, anything is possible from the very start. ‘Life’s A Fucking Miracle’ followed – the first offering from their latest album Yummy, it saw frontman Tim Booth visiting the barrier, forging memorable connections with fans, and keeping everyone on their toes. The band then delivered a triple-whammy of crowd-pleasing hits, with ‘Waltzing Along’, ‘Come Home’ and ‘Sit Down’ keeping the high energy momentum going strong.
Forever skilled at writing a setlist that blends old and new, three new tracks came next, offering a fresh yet familiar vibe that effortlessly complimented the classics that preceded them. Placing emphasis on Saul Davies’ beautiful violin work alongside Adrian Oxaal’s masterful cello playing, ‘Shadow of a Giant’ was first, with Chloe Alper’s haunting choral vocals adding an ethereal layer to the performance. The beautifully crafted ‘Better With You’ followed, its gentle intro showcasing how Tim and Chloe’s vocals blend seamlessly together, creating an intimate, almost serene moment – further enhanced by them holding hands as they sang to each other, completely immersed in their connection. As it grew into a dance-like composition, the tracks driving rhythm and layered harmonies built into a powerful crescendo, enveloping the audience in its energy and emotion. The band then launched into their new edit of the poignant ‘Stay’. Mark Hunter’s delicate keyboard work served as the foundation, elevating its stirring melodies and heartfelt lyrics into a powerful anthem of hope for those navigating life’s challenges. Undoubtedly, it stood out as a defining moment of the set.
The band dialled down the tempo for a mesmerising performance of ‘Out to Get You’, which built to a dramatic crescendo featuring Saul’s searing violin artistry. The intensity of the moment spurred Tim to prowl the stage, visibly electrified, and inspired by the remarkable talent of his bandmates. The tempo surged once more with lively performances of ‘Say Something’ and ‘Born of Frustration’, before easing back down for ‘Way Over Your Head’. An emotive track that delves into the struggles of life, its introspective lyrics struck a chord with the audience, as the song slowly built up to a mesmerising finale that had the entire band singing in unison. Led by bassist Jim Glennie, the infectious ‘Beautiful Beaches’ followed. James are renowned for pushing musical boundaries with their innovative arrangements, including the distinctive use of two drummers, which brings depth and complexity to their sound. A perfect example of this, ‘Beautiful Beaches’ featured an exhilarating drum duel between David Baynton-Power and Debbie Knox-Hewson that elevated the track to new heights.
After a fiery rendition of ‘Sometimes’, Saul sparked the crowd’s anticipation, teasing the arrival of ‘Laid’ with a few playful strums on his acoustic guitar. The moment Dave’s unmistakable drumbeat cut through the air, the audience erupted in excitement and despite the late hour and the demanding vocal range of the song, Tim met the challenge head-on. Last, but by no means least, came ‘Getting Away With It (All Messed Up)’ – a true crowd favourite and the band’s anthem. The energy in the room was palpable, and it was evident that the band revelled in performing it just as much as the audience relished hearing it.
From the release of Yummy in April to their co-headline tour across North America with Johnny Marr in September and October, it’s been a whirlwind year for James. After a string of shows across the globe, their headline set at Festival Authentica marked their final performance of the year. James share a special connection with Portugal, where their music is always met with open arms, and this show was no exception. Throughout the night, their gratitude and affection for their Portuguese fans was unmistakable, and a sentiment clearly reciprocated by the crowd, making for a truly unforgettable conclusion to an incredible year.
