Turin’s C2C festival showcased the fun side of experimental music

Before we jetted off to Italy for C2C, THE FACE speculated that the long weekender might, in fact, be the coolest festival in Europe. And the four day event, where most of the action took place at a massive former Fiat factory, didn’t disappoint. The venue is suitably epic, the crowd looks great, and you could easily get a tasty pizza for less than 10 Euros in town. C2C’s line-ups are packed with adventurous artists and the music runs past 4am, so the festival always attracts curiously-minded ravers. This year’s bill was particularly impressive.

Arca delivered operatic ballads and mutated reggaeton from a stage that was smothered in flowers and equipped with a sex swing. Surprise guests Two Shell went Big Room Techno mode and threw in a few cheeky curveballs (a chipmunked remix of Wiley’s 2008 dance-pop hit Wearing My Rolex, anyone?).

Meanwhile, Milan-based artist Lamusa II soundtracked THE FACE x C2C event at Combo with a trip-hop DJ and the occasional hiss of industrial music and post-punk. John Glacier, kitted out in Stone Island and a pink wig, attracted an affectionate moshpit and declared it her best show ever, and Snow Strippers’ sweat-soaked trance euphoria inspired a brave bloke to attempt a stage dive.

Dean Blunt’s DJ set was largely made up with nostalgic rock anthems by the likes of The Distillers, Hole, Danzing, Deftones and Incubus. He also turned off every single light in the venue, including the drinks fridges at the bar, and so it was a nightmare getting served. Classic.

Check out THE FACE’s wrap-up photos below.