Passing the frozen people statues on the way back to the main Sonar Complex, I stocked up on film, snacks, and mobile phone credit which had taken a severe beating in just two days of phone ‘roaming’.

Munk – Matthias mixes it up while Jonas ponders the next selection

I just made it in time to see Munk on stage in the Sonar Dome, looking very relaxed and serving up a suitable selection of warm electro-disco that was the perfect soundtrack to a warm and sunny afternoon. Again, I wished they had played at the larger outdoor space of the Sonar Village, where there was sun and fresh air and a lot more room to move. In fact throughout the Festival this space seemed rather underutilised, with long gaps between performances and lots of unknown artists who could have easily played in any of the smaller venues within the complex.

Whomadewho

This was followed by the next artist in the Gomma Records Showcase, three member Norwegian band Whomadewho. The crowd responded with cheers and whistles from the very first song, with both fronting members smiling and jumping about at the front of the stage. Verdict – they rock.

No French fries please – We’re British

Upcoming new talent Hot Chip were playing at that moment in the Sonar Village so I had to forego some of Whomadewho’s last songs to check out these likely lads from Brighton. They were standing on stage side-by-side with their instruments, wearing brightly coloured shirts and oozing nerd-cool from every pore. I was impressed not only by their stage personas but by their catchy set of electro pop songs – looks like these hot chips are only going to get hotter.

Finally, at 9.15, with still plenty of light, Mocky hopped on stage at the Village, accompanied by Planningtorock’s Janine Rostron on vocals. By this stage I was reclining on the astro turf with yet another beer, and rather than watching intently, was happy enough to gaze in the direction of the stage and enjoy the sounds floating through the summer air.

Soon enough it was time for some tasty food treats to revive our stamina and consider the evening’s options. As with every year, there are a myriad of other events taking place at the same time as Sonar, many of which, depending on your mood, may have more appeal than being enclosed in the Sonar complex.