2015 Bear Stone Festival Preview
Bear Stone Festival is an annual event that celebrates psych, stoner, and desert rock music in the picturesque setting of Donje Primišlje, a village in Central Croatia. The festival takes place along the serene Mrežnica River, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning waterfalls. Attendees have the opportunity to camp under a verdant canopy of trees or park their campervans amidst the surrounding lush woodland. The absence of technology at the festival allows participants to truly immerse themselves in the experience without distractions from screens or mobile devices. Cash is the only form of payment accepted, creating a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era.
The festival boasts a diverse lineup of over forty bands performing across three stages with no scheduling conflicts. Attendees can look forward to a mix of renowned US groups like King Buffalo and Brant Bjork trio, as well as prominent European stoner acts such as Monolord, Graveyard, and Motorpsycho. Local talent from Croatia, such as Portman, an instrumental post and prog rock band from the East, and Bizon, a hard-edged, chameleonic sonic landscapes group from Split in the South, will also grace the stage. Lord Drunkalot from Zagreb offers a unique blend of psychedelic heavy metal designed for enthusiastic head-banging and revelry.
This year, Bear Stone has made a concerted effort to enhance gender diversity in its lineup by featuring all-female acts like Sweden’s Maidavale and The Darts from Seattle, renowned for their horror rock & roll and garage rock sound. Seeking to push boundaries, Earth Tongue, a garage punk duo hailing from Wellington, New Zealand, showcases distinctive dual vocals that captivate audiences. Following the headlining acts, electronic-oriented performances by artists like Bamwise from Zagreb and the Latvian duo Oil x Gas further extend the party atmosphere well into the night.
One unique aspect of Bear Stone is the Sviraj! (“Play on!”) stage, which hosts freeform jam sessions conducted by festival musicians. This interactive feature allows attendees to engage with artists in a creative and spontaneous way, adding a dynamic element to the event. Additionally, the festival’s psychedelic art installations and analog projections create a visually captivating backdrop for the musical performances. Vibrant colors, fractal patterns, and hypnotic designs envelop the tent stages, enhancing the overall sensory experience for festival-goers.
Ensuring the comfort and convenience of attendees, Bear Stone prioritizes essential amenities such as clean restrooms, diverse food options, and quality sound and visuals. With positive feedback from past participants and a wealth of information available on the festival website, attendees can expect a seamless and enjoyable experience. For those seeking a vibrant weekend filled with breathtaking landscapes, friendly vibes, and an eclectic mix of epic bands, Bear Stone Festival promises an unforgettable journey into the world of psych, stoner, and desert rock music. Get ready for Bear Stone 2025!