Texan shitkickers might well blather on about SXSW, their own annual lynching of the live music scene, but Barfly’s Great Escape Festival is easier on the carbon footprint. Over 300 acts, from still-in-short-trousers hype bands to seasoned number crunchers, descend on 34 city venues over three days in an outing that confirms the robust state of live music in the UK. Here are some SOURCE recomendations from the killer line-up.
The Big Pink
This enchanting pair arrive showing off their dark, dreamy, atmospheric music, with its excellent rumbling basslines. Influences from Chemical Brothers and Primal Scream are packed in there, yet it’s brilliantly original music you will totally lose yourself in.
VV Brown
If it’s style and originality you’re after then pop your head round the door of this outstanding show. One of the UK’s most unusual and exciting new pop talents, she describes her music as ‘doo wop indie’. It’s bright; it’s catchy and instantly loveable.
Chew Lips
Forming last year and already playing more shows than we have fingers and toes, the self-proclaimed “drone-disco” trio Chew Lips are bringing their Crystal Castles-esque pop coastside, an opportune moment to catch them before everyone else does. Kudos.
Datarock
It’s all funky basslines, racing disco and catchy electro with this Norwegian duo. With their pumping live set and a comedy charm in their lyrics, they’ll be one of the best ends to any Great Escape evening.
Fan Death
Riding high on a wave of Italo-Disco, this female duo have recently received plenty of online chatter. Their live sets provide a new energy to their perfectly constructed, four-beat, string-heavy tunes and slow, sexy vocals.
Fanfarlo
Following their debut album in February and subsequent shows at SXSW Festival in March they arrive in Brighton to play us their uplifting clash of instruments and layered singing. Catch them if you like Arcade Fire-inspired orchestral sounds.
Gang of Four
One of the original post punk bands, everyone reading this must have heard standout Damaged Goods in a club at some point in their life. If not, why not put faces to the name-check so many bands trot out?
The Joy Formidable
Worthy darlings of the new music press, this Welsh trio have a contagious energy in their bright, lively indie tunes. They create an absolutely massive sound, with guitars that come in tidal waves through the songs. Addictive.
Little Boots
This year has seen Little Boots arrive onto the wider music scene with one hell of a thump. Her sublime, synth-led, pop wizardry will ensure this performance to be one of the most packed out sets across the three days. Arrive early.
Marina & The Diamonds
This fiery, London-based, future star will light up the festival with her truly astonishing, Kate Bush-esque vocal range. Together with her original mixture of catchy, piano-based, punchy, melodic pop, she may prove the festival’s best highlight.
Mystery Jets
You can only do so many DJ sets before people start forgetting you were ever a band in the first place. In what feels like something of a rarity of late, the Jets are out here for a full band set. If you’re new to them, shout out for Two Doors Down and Half in Love with Elizabeth and pretend you know.
Noah & The Whale
While it’s not immediately obvious who’s buying them, it’s fairly safe to bet that before long Noah and his blubbery cohorts will be sitting on a throne made out of gold coins from their Magic FM royalties. Ultimately, they’re not hurting anyone. Good luck to ’em.
Passion Pit
For music jammed with upbeat originality look no further. This hotly tipped Massachusetts band plays out a lo-fi melody, with high-pitched, distorted vocals. Rest assured it’s packed with tunes and that’s how they ultimately win you over.
Rainbow Arabia
Dance out in Ancient Egypt with added electricity. This duo from L.A are channelling Pharaohs on synths, middle-eastern street parties playing drums and Cleopatra chanting vocals. Are you ready for otherworld music, Glow-Stick sacrificial sounds? Step up.
The Soft Pack
Following a possibly life-prolonging name change from The Muslims, this San Diego four-piece are bucking the trend that says bands lumbered with ‘set to be huge’ hype usually turn out to be ‘you want fries with that?’ Check out The Muslims EP on download only.
We Were Promised Jetpacks
The powerful and lightning quick indie-rock tunes that this Scottish band produce are packed with energy and hooks not seen since The Arctic Monkeys. Clutching tomorrow’s anthems you should definitely prepare to sing along.
WORDS BY MIKE BRADFORD, JACK CASSIDY, NICK COQUET, TOM SMITH, LYDIA STOCKBRIDGE
