FROM THURSDAY 16 TO SATURDAY 18/7
BLESS YOU (the Upper Plane)
When looking at the proposal for the thirtieth edition of the FIB It's hard not to have a feeling of already seen: more than a summary of the history of the festival, the alignment of 2026 It looks like a copy of a copy of several previous posters, with heads that have been orbiting Benicàssim for almost two decades. What at another time could be read as a tribute to his legacy, here it is rather perceived as a lack of risk and renewal, especially in a context in which other festivals have opted to diversify sounds and generations. Franz Ferdinand, at the head of the first day of the festival, is the best example of what was said. It is a band that continues to perform live but that no longer surprises. His recent album The Human Fear gives an extra argument to justify the high position of the poster, but it also underlines the festival's strategy: rely on a historic name that is still active to sell continuity rather than novelty. With them, Lori Meyers and a good handful of national names that move between indie and alternative pop, as Polish girl, Besmaya o Ultraligera, make for a comfortable day, recognizable and effective, but also predictable. The poster is completed with nods to British rap Tinie Book, the indie english band The Hunna and the accessible electronics of DJs like DJ Law, in a mix that tries to open the spectrum without breaking the conservative line of the whole.
Friday is the most clearly Brit-indie day, almost a time capsule that refers to the golden age when the FIB was synonymous with British guitars and covers of the prestigious magazine NME. The Kooks y Kaiser Chiefs They lead a day designed for nostalgia, and will be accompanied by electronics Pendulum o Example, the melodic and luminous pop of flowerovlove and the festive profile of Sophie Ellis-Bextor, author of the hit “Murder on the Dancefloor”. The presence of bands like La La Love You reinforces this commitment to the immediate chorus and light energy to build a day designed more to chant than to discover.
On Saturday the intensity increases with the undisputed icons of the rave british: The Prodigy They will sign the most forceful and physical moment of the festival. Besides, His return has a special value because on his previous visit to the IBF the late Keith Flint was still leading, which adds an extra layer of memory to the concert. Next to him, Biffy Clyro, Jet, The Fratellis y Circa Waves They complete a high-voltage rock front with a clear Anglo-Saxon accent, yes, compose a powerful menu, but also anchored in already known formulas. The Spanish representation falls on Dorian y The Red Room, two key names of indie-electronic and national indie-pop that, although solid, They are also part of the recurring imagery of the festival. On the whole, This 30th anniversary of the IBF seems more like a celebration of its comfort zone than a look toward the future.. The poster works, guarantees an audience and offers concerts that will probably meet live, but it leaves the feeling that the festival has preferred to play it safe and bet on proven effectiveness instead of redefining its identity for a new generation. V.CASAÑA
