Electric Castle review: Yungblud, Timberlake and hot air balloons at Europe’s most original festival
Come with Rolling Stone UK as we experience the most ambitious edition of the festival yet
By Susan Hansen
The blazing sight of three hot air balloons high up at a festival is no trivial occurrence. Electric Castle in Transylvania is an extraordinary event, a place where fun surprises appear at pace. As the five-day music extravaganza that it is, the party that just doesn’t stop, makes it a must-see affair in the calendar.
The balloons only make up one of numerous surprising features. A ginormous, inflatable yellow duck, a bundle of massive disco balls, a natural pond and bits of forest, it’s all part of the picture.
Hosted in and around Bánffy Castle in Bonțida, with a guest attendance record of 289,000 from 15 countries, the 11th edition is the most ambitious, it marks a new chapter for the event as one of the most inventive festivals in Europe.
Famous for the changeability, the range of local weather to be uncovered is on extreme end of both spectrums, with everything from intense heat to the greatest of torrential downpours. It rains so much that Justin Timberlake’s headline slot is postponed by 45 minutes.
Later that night Timberlake uses the weather to connect with the crowd. “Did you plan this rain just for me? Rain or shine, let’s have fun together.” The singer moves the audience with songs like ‘Like I Love You’, ‘Rock Your Body’ and ‘SexyBack’.
The main stage headline sets impress. The wide sense of space lets each headliner be themselves and show uniqueness. With Friday fast approaching the time has come for stoner rock icons Queens of the Stone Age.
If there is disappointment following last year’s cancellation, it’s a distant memory now. Only excitement fuels the energy and adds another dimension to the performance. The alternative-rockers’ determination to give this show everything they have comes across. Using the entire stage and the extension, Josh Homme walks back and forth, he gets close up and talks to the crowd.
Raw, emotive renditions of ‘No One Knows’, ‘Emotion Sickness’ and ‘In My Head’ stand out, the full set packs a punch. Authenticity has long been Homme and the band’s trademark, and the songwriter comments on it. “You can pretend to be a rockstar, but the real thing takes passion. That’s the only way to survive in music today.”
It’s an enticing setlist that shows thought and is closer to a concert than a festival appearance. A special treat, it’s a spectacular period of time that also achieves intimacy at scale.
Eight different stages mean there is enough to provide a nuanced experience with something for every palette and preference. The second largest venue, Hangar, targets heavier sound, it emulates an industrial warehouse setting. Imagine being in a warehouse, without any of the hassle, none of the sound issues you might encounter in a converted warehouse-to-venue building.
Similarly, The Beach is an intimate, soothing spot on sand where atmospheric DJ gigs are enjoyed to the sound of airy, pulsating beats. Booha is the antithesis, brash and harsh, it focuses on techno and hard-hitting DJ/dance sets.
Elsewhere, a perfect way to spend an hour on a relaxed afternoon is in front of the emerging talent Backyard Stage where local band Musspell from Cluj-Napoca are playing. Enveloped in tranquillity the dreampop element of their songs blends in with darker tones. Sweet and welcoming, it’s one to watch.
That YUNGBLUD is a phenomenon is hardly news, but witnessing the Doncaster-born vocalist’s meteoric rise, seeing it stretch to Bonțida, makes it news. The musician’s Romanian fans are present in large numbers. Dressed in black, just like their idol, they break out into groups; they sing as they cite lyric after lyric in accurate fashion.
The passion between singer and fans is unrivalled, with no shortage of presence or character. YUNGBLUD seals it, he is a big deal. Here, there and just about everywhere.
Deservedly, electronic miracle Justice are on the main stage. It’s a mesmerising concert from the genre-less duo who seem to win each and every group they play to. As if mimicking the blend of music, their show offers a multitude of lighting to complement the sound. A treat for ears and eyes alike.
Nature is our dancefloor, or so the saying goes. Sustainability matters here. Being in nature is one thing, giving it the respect it deserves is something else entirely. It takes more, and Electric Castle’s track record is strong, it proves that combined efforts is the way to go.
The volume of reusable cups, recycling stations and repurposing of production displays etc. says everything about what drives it. Together the planting of 7,000 trees since 2023, the ongoing focus on reducing landfill and the use of solar sustainable lighting reiterates the width of ambition.
On the topic of dancefloors, Jayda G’s gig on the last day is one of pure zest. The London-based DJ’s eclectic style has become synonymous with joyous freedom, and this upbeat festival appearance is no exception. The ability to move seamlessly from one genre to another, and the character behind it all, makes it unmissable.
Few musicians engage audiences like Shaggy does it. The Jamaican-American songwriter’s ability to grab the attention is inarguable and this crowd is with him from the start. The handpicked setlist is made up of hits and covers including Bob Marley & The Wailers cover ‘Three Little Birds’ and ‘Red Red Wine’ by Neil Diamond, all designed to encourage laughter and singalong. It’s a nostalgic performance.
In truth, Bicep are the Sunday night headliner. To wrap up the running order the legendary northern Irish duo deliver absorbing staging with flair and energy. Celebrating the acclaimed Chroma production from Netsky b2b NGHTMRE this is a definitive highlight. Deeply immersive, the hypnotic element and striking visuals make it an unforgettable moment. A exceptional snapshot in time.
Founded 12 years ago by a group of friends, this is a young festival, where the average age is no more than 25 years. The Romanian people are said to be loyal, once they start going, they return and become regulars. Affordability is a key factor, on-site food options include everything from a huge Lidl grocery store with a DJ to restaurant style fine dining, representing a broad selection of international cuisines and fast food.
An original ordeal, a trailblazer that settles for quality over quantity and prioritises fresh input in place of outdated ideas, hopefully it will all support the future development, so the festival can continue to enthuse crowds in the years to come, and thrive as a result. Mulţumesc!, Electric Castle, it has been a dream.