Don’t be deterred by the naff name. For Noise, started by a couple of local boys in 1997 has earned its reputation as one of the finest European music festivals in terms of rarity and discovery. It doesn't pander to the mainstream. As a result, For Noise has a cult following of music lovers, mostly among 25 to 40 year olds.
The concerts take place over three nights on three stages set in nature’s lap on a wooded hillside of Pully, a suburb of Lausanne. The slopes create a natural amphitheater and contribute to the superb acoustics.
Because there is plenty to eat and drink, it’s worth making an evening of it to watch the darkening sky drop down between the trees. Being with like-minded music enthusiasts gives the festival its particular congenial atmosphere.
Beirut, Blondie, Patti Smith, Tricky. The Kills, M83. The National and Feist have appeared in recent years and the 2015 edition brings its usual fare of discoveries to be made.
Franz Ferdinand, who gave a legendary For Noise concert only two years ago, returns in a new incarnation with the US group Sparks.
Roisin Murphy and Jungle are also the drivers this year.
Thu 20 Aug
FFS (Franz Ferdinand & Sparks) (UK-US) / Mini Mansions (US) / Ought (Ca)
Fri 21 Aug
Jungle (UK) / Owen Pallett (Ca) / Black Strobe (Fr)
Sat 22
Róisín Murphy (Irl) / Young Fathers (UK) / Dan Deacon (US)