Yukon Blonde – The Hope, Thursday

Vancouver’s Yukon Blonde take the stage and from the outset unleash an impossible-not-to-like brand of Canadian indie rock – laced with sing-a-long hooks, bouncing rhythms and exuding fun, the crowd instantly is on board for the duration.

We Were Evergreen – Komedia Studio Bar, Thursday

Seemingly France’s cheeriest export, We Were Evergreen battled through rampant sound issues to conquer the hearts, and feet, of those in attendance at their early set of the day. Impossibly uplifting, while still accomplishing a deadly marrying of technical proficiency and hoe-down groove.

Half Moon Run – Above Audio, Saturday

Montreal’s Half Moon Run have a sound that resonates with layers of thoughtful folk lyricism, restless indie energy, and (for lack of a better word) Radioheady atmospheric waves of electronic warmth. A fantastic set from a fantastic band.

Jinja Safari – Coalition, Saturday

If you want a smile put on your face, Australia’s Jinja Safari is your band. The mid-afternoon Saturday crowd needed a good blast of pure ‘forest rock’ fun to rouse their sleepy bodies back into festival mode. Slamming through their set – full of tribal drumming, four-part harmonies, and even the odd sitar – Jinja Safari delivered.

Loney Dear – St. Mary’s Church, Saturday

Set in the celestial reverb chamber that is St Mary’s Church, Loney Dear (Sweden’s Emil Svanängen) delivered what was certainly one of the most moving performances of the festival. The simple fact is that, unless you were in attendance, it is impossible to describe here the emotion of experiencing his songs live. Suffice it to say – see Loney Dear as soon as possible.