Alarm Bells
Rising from the ashes of Glaswegian post-hardcore band Dananananaykroyd come Alarm Bells, with a sound akin to their fun-loving predecessor. More experimental than before, expect pensive soundscapes, bubbling guitar riffs, muffled distortion, intense drum breaks and Billy Talent-esque screams (but with a Scottish twang, of course). If members of Enter Shikari and Klaxons ever decided to start a band together, we’d suspect it’d sound something like this. As if that would ever happen. Like Test Icicles but friendlier. (TLB)
Anushka
Brighton-born Anushka consists of soulful singer Victoria and ex-Dirty Diggers producer Max, who make sweet, sweet music together. Their debut EP ‘Yes Guess’ was out last month and their few live performances to date have been spectacular – strong beats with sultry vocals, interspersed with funny, modern references and slang. Considering how newly formed they are, there’s been a lot of attention focused on this duo, and 2013 looks set to be their year. (JMM)
Bipolar Sunshine
Despite having only released one track, Bipolar Sunshine’s soulful yet indie vocals are enough to promise big things for this act. This is the solo project from Adio Marchant, member of disbanded Mancunian hip hop band Kid British, and his sound is far softer than you’d imagine. ‘Fire’ is a breezy ambient track that revels in simplicity, never boiling up into over-dramatic builds. Put simply, it’s very pretty and has left us eager for more. so we won’t be missing out on this opportunity. (TLB)
The Blackout
Despite having formed almost 10 years ago, The Blackout find themselves at a new music festival. With four albums behind them, they’re more established than most on the bill, although considering that Billy Bragg is headlining this year’s event maybe their inclusion doesn’t seem so odd. They’ll be appearing at Rock Sound magazine’s stage at the Concorde 2, which means that fans of Welsh post-hardcore can purchase a stand-alone ticket without buying a wristband, while festival attendees get in for free. (AJM)
Bo Bruce
After failing to find fame on Channel 4’s Orange unsignedAct several years ago, singer-songwriter Bo Bruce braved the glare of reality TV again during the first series of The Voice. Although the show’s champion Leanne Mitchell is releasing her debut album this month, the focus is likely to remain on this popular runner-up. Bruce’s voice may not have gained the most votes but it won the most hearts. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the beautiful music of the true winner. (AJM)
Mikal Cronin
American singer-songwriter Mikal Cronin and his band create the kind of psychedelic wall-of-sound racket that the Pixies might have given birth to had they stepped into a time machine and engaged in a spot of 60s free loving with The Byrds. Grungy fuzz-laden guitars chug away underneath dreamy, melodic vocals, the perfect embodiment of sun-drenched Californian garage rock. If you can excuse the forgettable name, this should prove one of the dark horse performances of this year’s Great Escape. (NJF)
Crystal Fighters
With a new album ‘Cave Rave’ set for release this month, Crystal Fighters are ready to remind us why they’re considered one of Britain’s most exciting dance live acts. Through their use of traditional Basque instruments, they merge world rhythms with pulsing synth basslines and floaty, delicate vocals. The band are also known for putting on fast-paced, mesmerising shows. New tracks ‘Wave’ and ‘Separator’ are fun, tribal and dreamy songs that make their album and these upcoming shows look very promising. (TLB)
Darkstar
Having been around since the early days of dubstep’s rise in popularity (years before Skrillex’s bastardisation of a whole genre) Darkstar have had considerable experience in both dubstep and grime. After releasing the critically acclaimed ‘North’ on Kode9’s label Hyperdub they exiled themselves to West Yorkshire, away from the distractions of London, for the sequel. This has resulted in ‘Timeaway’, a perfect example of the drastic evolution of their sound over the years. (LL)
Mac DeMarco
Mac DeMarco’s name is slowly beginning to emerge from the muso grapevine and on to the international festival scene. So why is it that a twenty-something adult who dresses like a 13-year-old boy should have this level of street cred? Take one listen to his self-proclaimed ‘jizz-jazz’ and you’ll understand. Twinkly Marr-esque guitars chime relentlessly around lamenting vocals, resulting in ludicrously catchy pop hooks. Oh, and he’s been known to take his kit off during live shows too. (NJF)
Drop Out Venus
Moody, creepy and a little demented, Drop Out Venus are a self-proclaimed ‘junk jazz’ three-piece from Deptford who’ve captured the essence of apathy in their sound. There is something about their sultry female vocals and intentionally messy, jarring and, in places, anti-melodic sound, that speaks to everyone’s inner weirdo. We can’t promise they won’t jump out at you from the stage considering the themes in their lyrics, but whatever they’re like live it’s bound to be intriguing. (TLB)
Chlöe Howl
Every year, The Great Escape sees intimate performances from future superstars. Chlöe Howl looks set to join that elite class. Although every artist booked to play the festival is tipped for success in some form, Howl is likely to be one of this year’s over-achievers. Her free ‘Rumour’ EP was released on her 18th birthday and has already notched up an impressive amount of acclaim. She may be a sweary, frank talking teenager but she’s one with enviable musical ability. (AJM)
Kid Karate
Slamming trudging guitars, indie dance drums and howling punk vocals together, Dublin-based duo Kit Karate have created a gritty, raw yet fun sound that can keep any room moving. Death From Above 1979 heavily influence their simple approach, yet the rocked-up aura of Queen Of The Stone Ages is still present. If you can imagine what The White Stripes would sound like if they had a better drummer and James Murphy helping them out, then you’ll probably love these boys. (TLB)
King Krule
With a five-panel cap balanced on a shock of ginger hair and the face of an innocent schoolboy, King Krule’s Archy Marshall has the look of a street-wise Tintin. That’s where the similarities end, however, as Krule performs his deep and irrevocably bleak lyrics in a mournful baritone. Formerly known as Zoo Kid, his popularity has grown steadily since the release of debut single ‘Out Getting Ribs’, with the likes of NME and the New York Times hailing his talents. (LL)
The Midnight Beast
In relation to gigs, the term ‘all ages’ has become interchangeable with 14+ limits. However, The Great Escape knows that pre-pubescent boys and girls like music too. The Midnight Beast’s performance is open to ticket holders as young as 10, but that doesn’t mean this show will be family friendly. Expect to see embarrassed parents wondering whether their children should be listening to ‘Censorshit’ and ‘Strategy Wanking’. Grown-up wristband wearers who still enjoy toilet humour can join the fun too. (AJM)
Moxie
With a fortnightly show on NTS and regular appearances on Rinse and Kiss FM, Alice Moxom’s a familiar on-air presence. Her reputation as a DJ, broadcaster and party-starter has seen her play at some of the best clubs around the world, and she’s a firm fan of the eclectic, mixing everything from grime to disco in a tight, dancefloor-centred style. Her record box is always filled with a blend of classics and the cutting edge. (JMM)
David ‘Ram Jam’ Rodigan
A god among men for any reggae fans in Britain, Rodigan has been honing his skills since he was 15 and was captivated by a Millie Small performance of ‘My Boy Lollipop’. Now 61 and recently knighted for his services to broadcasting, his undying passion and encyclopaedic knowledge of the genre has never faltered. You’re sure to find red-eyed, dreadlocked veterans bopping to Rodigan’s bass-heavy vibes, with an all too familiar aroma clinging to their clothes and seeping out their pores. (LL)
Sweet Baboo
Quintessential Welshman Sweet Baboo is a folky, psychedelic musician with a captivating stage presence. Having honed his skills on the festival circuit, he released his debut album ‘Ships’ in March and this is one of his first shows to promote it. The album is full of catchy pop hooks, but presented in a heartfelt, country-tinged manner, making for a sound that’s polished but maintains its touching, genuine truthfulness. (JMM)
Title Fight
Grungy punk rock band Title Fight have been causing quite a stir ever since they released ‘Shed’ in 2011, instantly becoming one of the biggest names on the scene. Borrowing elements of 90s emo, contemporary pop-punk and post-hardcore, the’ve created a distinctive sound that very few can hold a candle to. A whole wave of young bands both sides of the Atlantic often cite the Pennsylvania group as a key influence, with good reason. (CB)
Trevino
Drum’n’bass demigod Marcus Intalex’s house and techno alias Trevino is now almost as appreciated as his original guise. Inspired by the original sounds of Detroit and Chicago, Trevino’s mixes also feature the newer mutations found in the clubs of Berlin and varied, split-up beats sourced during his years of touring the world. As you’d expect, his DJ sets are equally as diverse and perfectly balance the classics with vinyl so fresh it’s still hot. (JMM)
Andreya Triana
Following collaborations with artists such as Flying Lotus, Mr Scruff and Bonobo, Andreya Triana’s popularity has continued to soar. With a voice reminiscent of Corinne Bailey Rae, but with a dreamy, transient quality, it’s easy to see why. Having realized her passion for music from a very young age she honed her undeniable talent through hours spent locked in her bedroom writing poetry and recording tracks. These experiences now culminate in her hypnotic ‘Freeflo Sessions’, a one-woman show incorporating looping vocals and percussive beats to produce a truly memorable experience. (LL)
Tribes
London’s achingly cool Tribes quickly gained a cult following after debut single ‘We Were Children’ won Zane Lowe’s ‘hottest record in the world’ award, cemented by a live appearance on top of a shop in their native Camden. With a sound that harks back to the era of the Pixies, they’ve just finished recording their second studio album ‘Wish To Scream’ in LA. Expect nothing less than great things from them when they take the stage in Brighton. (LL)
The Wytches
The first thing that jumps out at us when we listen to Brighton trio Wytches is how on edge the vocals sound. A crackling voice flickering between monotone Gallagher-esque whines and an evil Liza Minnelli cackle, one minute he’s breaking down, the next he’s laughing in your face. Paired with dark riffs and psychedelic guitar twangs, this paints a sound reminiscent of a gritty gangster wasteland film. It’ll be like Reservoir Dogs on Halloween… or something like that. (TLB)
The 1975
There’s nothing that could dent The 1975’s cool. Not even an X Factor cover version of ‘Chocolate’ or endorsement from a politician would damage their credibility. They could sing advert jingles, appear in costume on kids’ television or confess their love for train spotting (the activity, not the film) and still be devastatingly cool. Their performance is likely to be the one of the most popular of the festival – because whoever they clash with won’t be as cool as them. (AJM)
The Great Escape, Thurs 16th – Sat 18th May
Words by Chris Biggs, Nat Forrester, Lizzi Hart, Teoh Lander-Boyce, Liam Lawrence, Jessica Marshall McHattie, Amy Jo McLellan