Palma Violets

Live at Leeds 2015 Review

by

Awarded 'Best Metropolitan Festival 2014' and due to celebrate its 10th birthday next year things are going pretty well for Live at Leeds currently. One of a growing number of urban music festivals, there are some distinct advantages to be had from avoiding the expense and mud of the established camping festivals, and you get to sleep in a bed at the end of the day! Crucially though, there is a huge range of acts across multiple stages – and all at a very reasonable price tag of £27.50.

Based on an ethos of promoting up and coming bands, particularly local ones, the festival has given early career appearances in recent years for the likes of Jake Bugg, Rudimental and Royal Blood. However, a smattering of established acts are always on hand for those less adventurous punters with The Cribs, Gaz Coombs and experimental-punk-rock legend Thurston Moore all on the bill this year.

Legendary status comes in all forms and for the Leeds music scene it's a venue – in this case the Brudenell Social Club where things kicked off for me in impressive style with St. Petersburg's Pinkshinyultrablast doing their very best to revive the early 1990's British shoegaze sound. Fresh from a Radio 6 session earlier in the week their wall of sound comprising effects heavy guitar, synth and driving drum beat is well constructed and pleasingly reminiscent of their forebearers: Ride, My Bloody Valentine etc with perhaps even some Cocteau Twins thrown in for good measure. Next door on the smaller games room stage is Lancaster's Lake Komo offering up sweet pop melodies echoing somewhat The Magic Numbers. Back on the Brudenell main stage the fabulous Broncho from Oklahoma are in full swing. A raggle taggle bunch of skinny scruffs with ripped jeans, their twitchy, urgent Americana-punk is Ramones / Stooges inspired and has the afternoon audience bouncing joyously at the front.

In town at one of the bigger venues, Leeds Beckett University main stage I caught local band Hookworms' set of synth-led droning psychedelic rock. It's clearly a sound these boys take very seriously – powerful and confident; undoubtedly a band to watch for the future. Over the road Palma Violets open as they mean to go on with their driving, heavy blues rock sing-along anthems, sending a packed Leeds Town Hall into euphoria. Fans sitting on shoulders, jumping up and down, fists in the air: this is rock'n'roll as it should be – inspirational and ecstatic. On leaving the venue the queue for The Cribs was round the block leaving me questioning whether I would be able to get back in for the headliners but I was determined to catch Eagulls back at the student union, and was glad I made the effort. In the home of goth these Leeds locals are doing an admirable job of keeping the genre alive. The influence of Sisters of Mercy and The Mission is evident here using many conventions we have come to associate with that often, but unfairly, derided sound – scything guitar, walls of screechy feedback and a fabulously gaunt, waily voiced front man, complete with black over-coat.

Next up is Thurston Moore and his roots in experimentation and pushing the boundaries of New York's 1980's hard-core punk scene with his band Sonic Youth are very much on display in an elongated minimal Phillip Glass like intro plucked out on his guitar. However, this gives way to a catchy garage-punk chugging guitar groove which sustains his 15 minute opening track admirably. His vocals relatively quite in the mix, this is an altogether lighter, more melodic and easier on the ear sound than much of Sonic Youth's often challenging hard-core. Perhaps a little phased by the sparse turn out in the venue – packed to the gills for the previous set by Eagulls – Moore is initially rather taciturn but visibly perks up after a “We love you Thurston!” emanates from the audience, and finally breaks his between songs silence with a “Thank you” and introduction of his band as “Slade”!

Happily I am able to gain access to the town hall again for the second half of The Cribs set despite there still being a queue, albeit a diminished one. There is little that can go wrong here: the band are local boys made good (strictly speaking from nearby Wakefield rather than Leeds itself), now internationally famous rock stars playing a suitably rapturous homecoming gig. They belt out their catalogue of pop-punk anthems to an adoring crowd, surpassing the response, even, gained by Palma Violets. As has become customary in these parts at major homecoming gigs, the chants of “Yorkshire, Yorkshire” go up at the end and the band politely thank the audience before duly smashing up their instruments, denoting their now fully fledged rock star status.

To finish the day I can't resist making my way back to the Brudenell, which is at the fullest and sweatiest I have ever seen the venue, to catch the end of Slaves set. Keeping the DIY spirit of punk alive this is a primal and energetic two man drum and guitar assault, a Sleaford Mods / Rage Against the Machine hybrid perhaps. The security are kept busy by multiple stage invasions while band members Isaac Holman and Laurie Vincent repay the compliment by jumping into the crowd themselves and completing the final song held aloft before embracing and leaving the stage – the gig clearly a powerful experience for them as well as us, and a great way to end Live at Leeds 2015.

 

Photos by Paul Jones

Reading and Leeds Festival add alt-J, Palma Violets, Modestep and more

by
With only four months to go until August Bank Holiday Weekend, Reading & Leeds Festivals are excited to add over 60 new acts to an already incredible bill headlined by Mumford & Sons, Metallica and The Libertines.
Leading the charge are indie rock heroes and all round band of the moment alt-J. Last seen headlining the NME/BBC Radio 1 Stage at the Festivals, the band’s sophomore album ‘This Is All Yours’ has established them as one of Britain’s brightest and biggest bands, who will deservedly step up to an evening set on the Main Stage in 2015.
 
Gus Unger-Hamilton says:
"We're really over the moon to be returning to Reading & Leeds. It'll be our third time playing, and we always have the best time."
 
Joining alt-J on the Main Stage on Friday at Reading / Saturday at Leeds, Palma Violets will be treating revelers to cuts from their upcoming ‘Danger In The Club’. Their garage rock clatter is sure to get the crowd going, whilst Drenge graduate to Main Stage status with their extremely loud brand of grunge.
 
Fusing dubstep and rock to create a sound that is entirely their own, London’s Modestep step up to the plate on Saturday at Reading / Sunday at Leeds, joined on the bill by raucous LA skate punks FIDLAR and Japanese metal idol stars Babymetal, who will be opening the stage.
 
Sunday at Reading / Friday at Leeds will see the return of Festival favourites The Gaslight Anthem, whose signature heartfelt punk rock is sure to provide one of the afternoon’s biggest singalongs. Lead by the iconic Laura Jane Grace the passionate, dynamic punk of Against Me! will cause a similar stir whilst British hardcore titans Feed The Rhino will be providing a suitably noisy start to the day.
NME / BBC RADIO 1 STAGE
Joining the NME/BBC Radio 1 Stage line-up on Friday at Reading / Saturday at Leeds are energetic Brooklyn indie-punks Parquet Courts and LA indie-poppers Echosmith.
After storming the stage last year Scottish chart-smashing rockers Twin Atlantic will return to the bill on Saturday at Reading / Sunday at Leeds, celebrating a huge year with a characteristically anthemic evening set. London indie favourites Spector and up and coming rock newcomers Nothing But Thieves return to the Festival. British soul and R&B singer Kwabs, AWOLNATION, Ghostpoet and The Skints are added to the bill on Sunday at Reading / Friday at Leeds.
BBC RADIO 1 DANCE STAGE
Getting the BBC Radio 1 Dance tent moving on Friday at Reading / Saturday at Leeds will be Jacob Plant, Maribou State, LANY and All We Are, while dance-icon MK will be bringing his stunning show to close the stage on Saturday at Reading / Sunday at Leeds. Oliver Dollar is added to the bill at Reading only, while Kevin Saunderson will fill this slot with an exclusive set at Leeds.
 
After a stunning 2014, pop provocateur Charli XCX also joins the Radio 1 Dance Tent line-up, a highly anticipated performance in the wake of her critically acclaimed new album Sucker and a sold-out UK tour. Secondcity,Dimension x Kove and Elliphant will join an amazing line-up on Saturday at Reading / Sunday at Leeds, whileBlonde Live, Rustie, Evian Christ, Snakehips, TCTS and 99 Souls are set to entertain the BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage audience on Sunday at Reading / Friday at Leeds.
THE LOCK UP / THE PIT
Joining an already huge line-up on the Lock Up, on Friday at Reading / Saturday at Leeds will be Modern Baseball, The Bots, The Smith Street Band and Youth Man.
 
The Pit will feature a of line-up of gargantuan established acts and fresh emerging talent including iconic metalcore group Atreyu, PVRIS, And So I Watch You From Afar, Black Peaks, Ho99o9 and The One Hundredon Saturday at Reading / Sunday at Leeds.
 
On Sunday at Reading / Friday at Leeds, American metalcore five piece Beartooth are added to the bill, and former Gallows frontman Frank Carter will be bringing his new band Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes, whileriff-tastic Bristol rockers Turbowolf, Moose Blood, Queen Kwong, Hawk Eyes, Single Mothers, Black Foxxesand Fort Hope are also now revealed for the stage.
FESTIVAL REPUBLIC STAGE
Fresh indie talent has been added to the line-up for the much-loved Festival Republic Stage, with Saint Raymond set to bring his joyous indie pop to the masses on Friday at Reading / Saturday at Leeds. Bombastic Scottish trio Prides, Bear’s Den, Vaults, Joywave, Eliza And The Bear and Hunter & The Bear are also revealed for the bill.
 
With new single ‘Our Eyes’ currently receiving huge radio support and fast-amassing buzz for her forthcoming second album, Lucy Rose will play second on the bill on Saturday at Reading / Sunday at Leeds, with Blossoms and Bad Breeding also added to the line-up.
 
Geordie heroes Little Comets will take to the stage on Sunday at Reading / Friday at Leeds, along with Mini Mansions, Gengahr, Hippo Campus, Sundara Karma, Black Honey and The Sherlocks.
BBC 1XTRA STAGE
 
One of the most exciting stages at the Festival, the BBC 1XTRA Stage sees British legend Ms Dynamite announced for Saturday at Reading / Sunday at Leeds, joined by visceral Tempa T, Loyle Carner, and Kiko Bun.
 
Dope D.O.D., Fekky, Siobhan Bell and Isaiah Dreads are revealed for the line-up on Sunday at Reading / Friday at Leeds, joining a bill which features some of the best urban talent the world has to offer. 

Franz Ferdinand and Sparks to play a joint set at Benicassim 2015

by

Soon to be taking the stage at benicassim in 2015 is the newly configured FFS, and by that I don’t mean for fucks sake! A seemingly different pairing, Franz Ferdinand and Sparks have united to create a sort-of super group, and to top it off a collective album produced by non other than John Congleton. Ron Mael (Sparks’ keyboardist) has said the album sounds like ‘the wreckage of a train crash between the bands’. Woah, well if that’s anything to go by we’re sure their set won’t be anything less than mind blowing, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store.

But that’s not the only wonders Benicassim has to offer, with it’s coming of age this year and to celebrate the big 2-1 they’ve added some amazing bands to the bill. Headliners include britpop legends Blur and drum and bass kings The Prodigy, plus with new acts just announced theres something for everyone who wants to have fun in the sun.

On the cusp of releasing his 6th studio album Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls promises to wow us all, there’s monumental post-rock from Godspeed You! Black Emperor, raucous rock ’n’ roll from The Cribs, epic Muse-like soundscapes from Spain’s Vetusta Morla, Reverend & The Makers bring their great street songs. There’s going to be huge techno sessions from Tiga and Evan Baggs and a dash of French house from Madeon. Exciting young pups Palma Violets and Swim Deep join the bill too, whilst representing Ireland are The Riptide Movement, Hamsandwich, and Gavin James.

All these and more added to a bill that already includes the massive names above as well as Crystal Fighters, Jamie T, Kaiser Chiefs, Mark Ronson, Public Enemy, Stromae and that’s not even the half of it yet. With a few more names to be added to the bill, this is sure to be a week not to forget.

The War on Drugs, Palma Violets, Ella Eyre and many more added to T in the Park 2015 lineup

by
Some of the most talked about buzz bands at this month’s SXSW festival are amongst a wave of new acts added to the T in the Park bill today, festival organisers DF Concerts and founding partner Tennent’s Lager are delighted to announce. The following acts have today joined the T in the Park bill and are set to play Strathallan Castle over Friday 10th – Sunday 12th July:
 
FRIDAY 10TH JULY LINE-UP ADDITIONS
The War on Drugs, SIGMA, The Cribs, Hannah Wants, The Twilight Sad, Prides, Lucy Rose, Slaves, Lower Than Atlantis, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, Lonely The Brave, Indiana, Coasts, Blossoms, The Beaches, The Riptide Movement, Fort Hope
 
SATURDAY 11TH JULY LINE-UP ADDITIONS
Marina & The Diamonds, Palma Violets, Circa Waves, The Strypes, The LaFontaines, Sunset Sons, George The Poet, Walking on Cars, The Coronas, Gavin James, Vaults
SLAM TENT: Maceo Plex (headline set), Annie Mac (joins the Slam Tent bill in addition to her Main Stage Friday set)
 
SUNDAY 12TH JULY LINE-UP ADDITIONS
Ella Eyre, Wolf Alice, Benjamin Booker, Young Guns, Black Rivers
SLAM TENT: Claude VonStroke
 
Philadelphia’s The War on Drugs’ signature layered, dense sound has won the band a mass of fans around the globe. They reached the number two spot in the UK Independent chart with 2014’sLost In The Dream, which was hailed Album of the Year by Uncut and Q. The band continue to reap recognition internationally, and fresh from an epic performance at SXSW, they are a hugely exciting addition to this year’s T in the Park line-up.
 
International chart toppers SIGMA’s early releases quickly marked them out as producers to watch, while remixes for Eric Prydz, Ellie Goulding, Stylo G and Sway began to take them to a wider audience. Their first number one single, Nobody To Love was followed up by another chart topper when their second single, Changing ft. Paloma Faith was released, and they’re sure to bring a party vibe to Strathallan Castle.
 
Marina & the Diamonds aka Marina Diamandis creates irresistible electro indie pop, and will make her long-awaited T in the Park debut this summer. The Welsh singer-songwriter has released her latest album Froot this month and is sure to showcase new material in her T in the Park set.
 
Since forming in 2002, The Cribs have won major plaudits including NME’s prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Music Award in 2013. The band return this month with a brand new album For All My Sisters, heralding an exciting new chapter in the upwards trajectory of the Jarman brothers. BigT in the Park favourites, they’re sure to go down a storm at Strathallan Castle.
 
Hailed “the undisputed queen of 2014” by Mixmag, Hannah Wants has validated herself as a world renowned DJ with some serious credentials. Last year alone she picked up the Best Breakthrough DJ title at the DJ Mag awards and became Mixmag’s Best Breakthrough DJ and Star Of The Year, and her set is not to be missed.
 
Scottish trio The Twilight Sad’s desolate, majestic and dense sound has earned them major plaudits since they formed in 2003. Their fourth studio album Nobody Wants To Be Here And Nobody Wants To Leave (released in October) was named Scottish Album of the Year by The Scotsman and Album of the Year by Drowned in Sound.
 
Another exciting band hot off the back of shows at SXSW, Palma Violets have been working with producer John Leckie (Radiohead, Stone Roses) on their new album Danger in the Club, due for release this May. The band recently went on the road for the NME Awards Tour and will bring their euphoric sound to T in the Park this summer.  
 
In what’s sure to be a huge moment for band and fans alike, Prides will make T in the Parkhistory when they become the first band to play the Main Stage at the festival's new home, Strathallan Castle. Since they last appeared at Balado in 2013, they have played to a global audience at The Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony. Producing original synth-pop tracks with infectious lyrics and feel-good melodies, the Glasgow trio are sure to receive a local heroes’ when they open the Main Stage on the Friday. 
 
Slaves aka Laurie Vincent and Isaac Holman opened the NME Awards Tour’s 20th anniversary shows earlier this year. They count Arctic Monkeys amongst their many fans, and are set to make a hotly anticipated return to T in the Park after their incredible headline set on the BBC Introducing Stage last year.
 
Liverpudlian quartet Circa Waves are another band who dazzled crowds in Austin and who are hotly-tipped for a successful year. After making a big impression at last year’s T in the Park, Circa Waves have played sold-out shows around the country and are sure to delight fans with their energetic indie pop tracks at T in the Park in July.
 
Since forming in 2007, Lower Than Atlantis’ sound has evolved from hardcore punk to melodic indie rock. Their self-titled fourth record was released in October last year and was hailed album of the year by Rocksound.
 
Siblings Kitty, Daisy and Lewis’ musical references and skills are rooted in the old tradition where songs and music are handed down, played and enjoyed at gatherings of family and friends. They’ve built an impressive fan base and will showcase tunes from their exquisite second studio albumSmoking In Heaven.
 
Creating infectious rhythm and blues infused rock 'n' roll, Ireland’s The Strypes have in the past toured with the likes of Arctic Monkeys and are sure to get the T in the Park crowd rocking when they return to the festival this July.
 
Cambridge quintet Lonely The Brave are one of the most exciting live acts on the UK rock scene at the moment, with David Jakes’ goose-bump-inducing vocals as striking live as they are on record. They released their debut album The Day’s War to massive critical acclaim and a place at no. 14 in the UK album charts this past September.
Nottingham singer-songwriter Indiana released her critically acclaimed debut album No Romeo in February of this year. Featuring the hit single Solo Dancing, the record is a collection of moody electro pop gems.
 
Original party band, The LaFontaines had a belter of a year in 2014. Playing their first US headline shows, conquering Europe with Watsky and performing to a capacity crowd at T in the Park as well as headlining their biggest ever show at Glasgow’s O2 ABC. 2015 is the year they release their highly anticipated debut album ‘Class’ – produced by Matt O’Grady (You Me At Six, Don Broco, Deaf Havana), with an accompanying UK headline tour.  
 
Bristol’s Coasts are creating a huge buzz around the UK and beyond. Recently on tour in America, their performance at this year’s T in the Park is sure to treat the crowd to a soaring performance full of indie rock tunes. Tracks including recent single Oceans have received support from the likes of Radio 1 alumni Zane Lowe and has resulted in festival slots at the likes of Coachella and Lollapalooza.
 
Also fresh from SXSW, Blossoms are one of Stockport’s finest musical exports. They combine psyche-pop riffs, vocal melodies, a film noir meets 60s aesthetic, a range of audible references from Arctic Monkeys via Abba to The Doors to incredible effect and are sure to be a big hit at T in the Park this July.
 
The start of 2014 saw Sunset Sons morph from surfers making music for fun into a band at the centre of an A&R scrum into a major label-signed, red hot tip to become arena-sized stars. Their irresistible sun-soaked pop rock anthems earned them a spot on the BBC’s Sound of 2015 longlist.
 
Bold, edgy, with an incredible vocal to boot, Ella Eyre’s buzz has grown exponentially. A casual songwriting session with Rudimental evolved into Ella writing two songs for their debut album, and she can be heard on the band’s Waiting All Night. Also featuring on DJ Fresh’s top 5 smash Gravity, she won the MOBO Award for Best Newcomer last year and releases her first studio album Feline in May.
 
The Beaches – named after the area of Toronto where they live – are proud pioneers of the new wave of fem-rock. Their sassy, saw-toothed alt-rock songs recall The Strokes, Elastica, The White Stripes, Metric and The Runaways, and they exude the kind of romantic defiance, youth rebellion and peer solidarity that makes them a formidable force for rock.
 
George the Poet blends poetry and rap to hypnotic effect. Having amassed more than half a million views for his poems on YouTube and Vimeo, he has brought poetry to a new generation, mixing social and political comment with humour, and featured at no.5 in the BBC’s Sound of 2015.
 
Fresh from a rapturous appearance at SXSW, Wolf Alice will release their debut album My Love Is Cool in June and will bring some of their rock-tinged new material to T in the Park the following month. The grungy London four-piece create a relentless sound fused with superfuzzed guitars and were named Breakthrough Act of the Year at the UK Festival Awards in December.
 
Walking on Cars are one of Ireland’s most exciting new acts. Signed to Virgin EMI Records, they’ve been taking their soaring rock anthems to an international audience including a packed show at SXSW earlier this month and will make their first appearance at T in the Park this July.
 
Songstress Lucy Rose, The Riptide Movement (who supported the Rolling Stones at their Hyde Park show in 2013), Fort Hope who combine earth shattering riffs with soaring melodies, Dublin’s boisterous rock outfit The Coronas, soulful New Orleans singer-songwriter Benjamin Booker, English rockers Young Guns, Ireland’s Choice Music Prize Award Winner for ‘Song Of The Year’Gavin James and London trio Vaults (who made a big impression when they supported Paolo Nutini on tour at the end of last year) also join the bill. As two-thirds of Manchester’s Doves, the Williams brothers Jez and Andy achieved major success with four hit albums, before forming their new band Black Rivers. They recently supported T in the Park headliners Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds on their UK tour, and will make their Strathallan Castle debut this July.
 
T in the Park and Slam are also delighted to confirm that Annie Mac, Claude VonStroke andMaceo Plex will play the Slam Tent this July. Annie Mac – who has recently taken over from the legendary Zane Lowe on BBC Radio 1 and who also plays a Main Stage set on Friday – has joined the bill for the Slam Tent on Saturday. Maceo Plex first gained popularity during the early 90s rave culture with his mixes of techno, electro, and house music, before incorporating a more funk and groove-based sound. He’s played some of the most prestigious clubs in the world such as Cocoon and Fabric, and headlines the Slam Tent at T in the Park on the Saturday night. San Francisco-based house and techno producer Claude VonStroke is another exciting addition to the Slam Tent line-up.
With some of the biggest names in music heading for Scotland this summer, T in the Park’s debut outing at Strathallan Castle is already shaping up to be an unmissable weekend:
 
FRIDAY 10th JULY: Kasabian, David Guetta, Sam Smith, Rudimental, Fatboy Slim, Hozier, Mark Ronson (DJ set), The War on Drugs, Annie Mac, Hot Chip, The Wombats, Gorgon City, Duke Dumont, SIGMA, Jessie Ware, Fuse ODG, The Cribs, Hannah Wants, The Twilight Sad, Prides, Lucy Rose, Slaves, Lower than Atlantis, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, Lonely the Brave, Indiana, Coasts, Blossoms, The Beaches, Fort Hope, The Riptide Movement
SLAM TENT: Adam Beyer B2B Joseph Capriati, Âme, Ben Klock, Eats Everything, Slam, Telford
 
SATURDAY 11th JULY: Avicii, The Libertines, The Script, Twin Atlantic, alt-J, George Ezra, Jessie J, Courteeners, The Vaccines, Labrinth, The Proclaimers, St. Vincent, Enter Shikari, Seasick Steve, Jungle, Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott, Marina & the Diamonds, Idlewild, Jess Glynne, Charli XCX, Palma Violets, Circa Waves, Jack Savoretti, The Strypes, Rae Morris, The LaFontaines, Sunset Sons, George the Poet, Walking on Cars, The Coronas, Gavin James, Vaults
SLAM TENT: Annie Mac, Art Department, Gary Beck, Jackmaster B2B Joy Orbison, Lil Louis, Rødhåd, Visionquest, Maceo Plex
 
SUNDAY 12th JULY: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, The Prodigy, Stereophonics, Jamie T, Paloma Faith, Above & Beyond, Alabama Shakes, Kodaline, Catfish & the Bottlemen, James Bay, Clean Bandit, Oliver Heldens, Ella Henderson, The View, Modest Mouse, Years & Years, Peace, Everything Everything, Admiral Fallow, Ella Eyre, Marmozets, Wolf Alice, Benjamin Booker, Saint Raymond, Young Guns, Black Rivers
SLAM TENT: Alan Fitzpatrick, Dense & Pika, Dixon, Dubfire, Loco Dice, Maya Jane Coles, Claude VonStroke

More artists announced for Secret Garden Party 2015

by

Enigmatic Australians The Cat Empire have a reputation for buoyant live shows and are always a big draw when they visit the UK. Their mash up of Cuban salsa, ska, reggae and pop becomes something joyous and truly original whenever they take to the stage. Angus and Julia Stone are also Australians; a brother/sister duo whose heartfelt and textural folk/blues is beginning to make big waves in Europe. Their recent self-titled album co-produced with the legendary Rick Rubin is the highest-charting by the duo to date, reaching the top 10 in several countries including France, Germany, the Netherlands and New Zealand. Public Service Broadcasting are more familiar to UK festival goers.  They made quite an impact on their debut, combining a wonderful mix of electronics, guitars with vintage public service information samples. Their brand new follow-up album, The Race for Space, takes as its theme the exciting late ‘60’s American-Soviet exploration contest, mingling evocative archive footage with harmonizing electronic soundscapes.

Merriment and Participation

The Secret Garden Party is all about a magical immersive experience and everything a for 2015’s event nods to this year’s arts & expressions theme ‘Childish Things.’ Content includes:

Giant Parades – Visual Spectaculars – Boating Lake – 24 Hour Woodland Parties – 14 Live Music Stages & 6 DJ Stages –  Goat Racing – Aerial Displays – Toys & Games – Art Installations – Mud Wrestling – Revelries & Merrymaking – Fire Walking – Sanctuary & Hot Tubs – Massage Area – Guerilla Science – Floating Dance Floors – Wild Swimming – Little Gay Brother Bar – Paint Fights –24 Hour Toad Hall Bar – Live Theatre & Comedy – Organic Food Stalls – Intellectual Exchange & Mart Dialogues  – Camp Fire Tales – Dance-Offs – Poetry Slams & Spoken Word – Kids’ Area – Fine Dining

Full lineup announcement:

THE CAT EMPIRE

PUBLIC SERVICE BROADCASTING – ANGUS AND JULIA STONE

TEMPLES – BEARS DEN – BERNHOFT – PALMA VIOLETS  – IBEYI – SAY LOU LOU DARWIN DEEZ  ROOTS MANUVA – THE ACID – HINDS – CHARLOTTE OC HÆLOS – GENTLEMANS DUB CLUB – 8:58 (ORBITAL’S PAUL HARTNOLL) – ZOLA BLOOD – YAK – EKKAH

  THE MAGIC GANG – LAUREL  – KIKI BUN – LITTLE BARRIE  – FURS – FICKLE FRIENDS  BEATY HEART  PLUTO SHERVINGTON – EAVES – MEANWHILE – KAWEHI – LUSTS  VESSELS – BLACK HONEY – THE MOON  LOLA COLT – BEANS ON TOAST

WILL AND THE PEOPLE – GULF – BEN UFO/JOY ORBISON – RICHY AHMED

They will join as previously announced;  JUNGLE – KATE TEMPEST – CARAVAN PALACE – JACK GARRATT – MARIKA HACKMAN – JAGAARA FLYTE – ELDER ISLAND – MENACE BEACH –and IYES

Y Not Festival 2014 Review

by

One of the UK's fastest-growing festivals, Derbyshire's Y Not returned for its ninth outing and delivered a weekend chocked full of 'I was there' moments; be it the triumphant closure of Dizzee Rascal's compelling Saturday night headliner set, the smooth hip-hop of American trio De La Soul or the rousing, foot-stomping bangers that pumped out of the Saloon Bar all weekend long, there was something for every music lover, young and old, at this year's gathering. 

For me, it began on Friday with exciting Birmingham band Superfood. Scores of teens flooded the main stage front to see the intriguing four-piece, who proceeded to belt out guitar-led anthems that were shouty, loud and fun. A band who'd been on my radar for a while, exceeded my expectations and kicked off the festival nicely. Intermittent rain showers were just a preview of the weather to come, but still it led me to the Saloon Bar in the middle of the site, to check out Three Minute Heist. 

The Saloon Bar is a perfect replica of an American Western bar, with only the stench of Somersby cider and cans of Tuborg giving away the fact we were at a festival in the middle of the Derbyshire countryside in 2014! Nevertheless, that didn't stop the aforementioned quartet bringing their brand of country blues and sing-a-longs along to transport us back a century. The packed out venue was rocking, especially so with closer 'Johnny B. Goode'.

After checking out the finest reggae and drum 'n' bass tents Y Not has to offer, it was off to the wetter Main Stage to check out London's very own Spector. Lead singer Fred Macpherson's powerful and unique vocals managed to keep his band alive, as they put in a so-so performance of their back catalogue 'Chevy Thunder' and fresh cuts from an upcoming new record, that managed to keep the crowd bobbing along to their bouncy pop-rock.

The first of the weekend's big boys then took to the Main Stage; Johnny Borrell leading his Razorlight bandmates out almost a decade after headlining a stage at Glastonbury. They reeled through a Greatest Hits set in which you could sense their class, but it was all pretty unexciting. Borrell was never the greatest of stage presences, and whilst his ambition was there, his band never quite reached their fullest of potential with either their career or this subbing set. 

A headline set by Reel Big Fish is a must-see. The pop-punk band are an assured live act, and got the Quarry crowd up off their feet for a good chunk of the gig. Live brass bands are always a plus, and the band had their crowd in the palm of their hand, with circle pits forming as far as the eye could see, a packed crowd revelled in the moment in what was surely one of the most memorable Quarry sets. Finishing with their famed cover of a-ha's 'Take on Me', was predictable, yet incredible.

A quick dash back over to the Main Stage, saw White Lies begin. Despite their tunes lacking the considerable 'oomph' of their fellow headliners, the indie-rockers kept sections of the crowd entertained, with an enjoyable if forgettable set. 

My Saturday began over at the Quarry, to check out up-and-coming rap/pop artist Ady Suleiman. Describing him as a 'better' Ed Sheeran might be a step too far (and I'm not a fan of Sheeran!), but Suleiman was the perfect hangover cure for many, as he and his band rattled through their half-an-hour set, leaving you wanting far, far more. If there could be any criticism, it would be that his lyrics could develop moreso, hearing song after song about the generic 'lost woman' does tire after a bit, but this is a man to watch out for. Equally experiemental beatboxer Shlomo was another top pick. Using his loop machine, he treated us to stories of how he discovered his talent, a great cover of 'No Diggity' and a pulsating climax.

One of the most anticipated artists of 2013 were Brummie's Swim Deep. Scintiallating cuts of sun-laden summery tunes were released periodically by them throughout the year, before the release of debut album, 'Where The Heaven We Are' disappointed many, myself included. This set though, reignited some hope within me, that they can reach the heights promised by songs like 'Honey' and 'King City', as they impressed hugely in 'Arcade Fire'-esque blue facepaint. The all-important second record could make or break them.

Scots The Fratellis, know all about that, debut album 'Costello Music', providing them with a springboard into British music, before their follow-up 'Here We Stand' flopping, and the inevitable hiatus following. But they brought back memories of their 2006 breakthrough with hit after hit. Even the songs that weren't ingrained into our brains, were pretty good, bouncy tracks. However, throughout the set, bottles and cans of beer littered the stage, leading to frontman Jon Fratelli to warn 'one more of that and that's your lot'. It ceased the flow, but still was an unsavoury incident, and not the last of it at all…

The man most of the 12,000 festival-goers had flocked to see, Dizzee Rascal took to the stage a little after his 10pm start time, but delivered in a massive way. His set was eclectic and his famed live show, was a tour de force in pure entertainment. All he needed was his DJ, a couple of hype men and the stage was set for a victorious performance. His collaborations with other artists, opener 'Here 2 China' with Calvin Harris, 'Heavy', from Chase & Status and the excellent 'Dirtee Love' with Florence + the Machine, reminded you of the quality of Dizzee's back catalogue, but his standalone hits, 'Holiday', 'Bassline Junkie' and the sheer power of 'Bonkers', makes you wonder how long it will be before Dizzee headlines ascends to headliner status at one of the UK's greatest and biggest festivals.

With the crowd size having thinned out following Mr Rascal's Saturday night slot, I thought it best to check out the finer sights of Y Not on Sunday…the funfair! With a cheap roller disco, a cracking dodgems and a postponed paint fight, Sunday was a riotous day, with the sun finally coming out to dry the festival site considerably by the evening. It boosted the fatigued amongst the Y Not crowd, and was grand preparation for a fantastic end to the festival.

Derby band Joint Honours managed to fill the Allotment stage to the max, bringing some poppy, guitar-driven tunes to the fore and getting the crowd going hugely for late afternoon on a Sunday. One of my favourite bands of the minute, Palma Violets did not disappoint on the Main Stage. The powerful rock band, were uber-confident and strutting around the stage for an extended 45-minute set. 'Best Friends' has to be the biggie, but I cannot wait for their second album to drop so they can expand their ambitious sound and step up to the next level.

A switch in sound, to the hip-hop stylings of legends De La Soul. Hit after hit followed as the trio participated in some hilarious crowd participation, promoting inter-crowd rivalries, before daring the very same idiotic people who had pelted bottles at the Fratellis the previous day to try the same with them, but letting them know how stupid they were, provoking yet more acclaim. Their set was a perfect exercise in getting a field full of weary bodies to dance to some classic tunes for one last hour.

There was only one man who could close such a festival, take to the stage Y Not three-timer, Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls. Frank's last outing in these parts came in 2009, a well-overdue return saw him rise to headliner status. The cult rocker entertained in huge doses, as he reeled through tracks from 2013's 'Tape Deck Heart', his fifth studio album, as well as crowd favourites 'I Still Believe' and 'Wessex Boy'. The riotous fireworks that marked the end of his hour and the end of the Y Not weekend were special and poignant.

Here was an artist and a festival that have never been better, Y Not will celebrate its tenth birthday next August and whilst it is hard to see just how it will be able to cram more goodness into one weekend, you can bet that organisers will try their hardest to make 2015 bigger and better than this stellar weekend!

Y Not Festival adds De La Soul, Palma Violets and many more!

by

Y Not Festival announces some massive additions to this years lineup including De La Soul, Palma Violets, British Sea Power and more.

At Y Not, we're over the moon, stars and everything in between, to announce the third wave of bands playing this year.

See the latest additions below:

De La Soul
British Sea Power
Palma Violets
Spector
Tom Vek
The Sunshine Underground
Bipolar Sunshine
Josh Record
Shlomo
Sonic Boom Six
Turbowolf
Luke Sital Sing
Natives
LostAlone
Fight Like Apes
Slaves
Hotei
God Damn
Baby Godzilla
Blitz Kids
Empire
Freeze The Atlantic
Tangled Hair
Woahnows
M+A
Post War Glamour Girls
Doctrines
Emperor Yes
Emperor Chung
In Colour
INVSN
Lyger

Check the full lineup below:
Friday-Sunday
White Lies (HEADLINER)
Dizzee Rascal (HEADLINER)
Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls (HEADLINER)
Razorlight
The Fratellis
Newton Faulkner
Shed Seven
Reel Big Fish
Swim Deep
Andrew W.K (solo)
The Blackout
Ella Eyre
Cerebral Ballzy
Yuck
Catfish & The Bottlemen
Circa Waves
Itch
Beans On Toast
DZ Deathrays
Eliza & The Bear
Darlia
Lonely The Brave
The Wytches
Menace Beach
Best Friends
Night Engine
Flyte
Brawlers
King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys
Amber Run
Black Moth
Nordic Giants
Nothing But Thieves
Youth Man
The First
Tigercub
Hungeroff & The Wild Roots

Thursday (because three days is never enough)
Goldie Lookin Chain
Max Raptor
James Warner Prophecies
Bare Knuckle Parade

Another massive fifty acts added to Reading and Leeds Festival lineup

by

The Summer Festival Guide is excited to announce a mammoth addition of fifty artists to the Reading and Leeds lineup for this summer.

This year sees one of the most spectacular Main Stage line-ups ever! Undisputed modern rock godsQueens Of The Stone Age and pop-rock superstars Paramore share headline duties alongside the completely inimitable Arctic Monkeys and pop-punk legends Blink-182.

With a supporting cast including Vampire Weekend, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, You Me At Six, Jake Bugg, Imagine Dragons, Foster The People and Deaf Havana there are now even more names set to tear up the Main Stage. Completing the line-up for the Main Stage are Brighton indie-punk duo Blood Red Shoes, Japanese metallers Crossfaith, Dry the River, Leeds boys Pulled Apart By Horses, punk trioGnarwolves, nu-metal luminaries Papa Roach, UK rock kings Young Guns and pop punk champions Tonight Alive and The Story So Far.

Over on the NME/Radio 1 Stage alongside headliners Courteeners, Bombay Bicycle Club and Disclosure will be UK anthemic rockers Twin Atlantic and last year’s Main Stage openers Mallory Knox. Also appearing are fellow newcomers Lonely The Brave, shoegazer, post punk festival veterans The Horrors, multidirectional The Kooks and Brooklyn based musician Twin Shadow.

Reading & Leeds continue to bring the best in electronic music and dance to the BBC Radio 1 Dance Stage with an exclusive performance from special guest Duke Dumont Live, AlunaGeorge,Gesaffelstein, The Glitch Mob, Borgore, Adventure Club, Snakehips and Electric Youth taking to the stage along with headliners Netsky Live, Pendulum DJ Set and Flume.

The unique sounds of Gypsy-punks Gogol Bordello and emotional rock heroes Jimmy Eat World will act as the perfect Lock Up Stage headliners, along with Brody Dalle, Möngöl Hörde and Architects.

Elsewhere, the headliners have been revealed for the Festival Republic Stage and they will be the riff-heavy Southampton group Band Of Skulls, garage rockers Palma Violets and the energetic Augustines.

Also appearing across the Festivals’ stages over the weekend will be A Wilhelm Scream, Baby Godzilla, Bear Hands,Bipolar Sunshine, Catfish And The Bottlemen, Darlia, Dave Hause, Every Time I Die,Hudson Taylor, Marika Hackman, Mayday Parade, Meridian Dan, P Money,PUP,Slaves, The Districts, The Flatliners, The Front Bottoms, The Orwells, The Skints, The Wonder Years, Touché Amoré and Wovenwar.

Bastille and Chase & Status to headline Boardmasters 2014

by

Bastille and Chase & Status have been confirmed to headline Boardmasters 2014, the UK’s biggest surf and music festival, which will take place on the stunning Cornish coastline from Wednesday 6 August to Sunday 10 August. Ben Pearce, Dan Croll, Palma Violets, Bipolar Sunshine, George Ezra + plus many more have also been confirmed to play across the weekend at the Watergate Bay site, with a whole host of acts still to be announced including the third headliner.

Bastille

Andrew Topham, Festival Director, says: “We are delighted to announce these first acts, making it Boardmasters biggest music line up to date and still more to come!”

This year’s 4 times BRIT Award nominated band Bastille quickly become one of the biggest bands in the UK since they broke onto the music scene last year with their debut album ‘Bad Blood’. To date the album has clocked up over a quarter of a million sales in the UK alone, becoming the biggest selling debut album of the year so far and still remains in the UK top 10. The band’s single ‘Pompeii’ has become one of the stand out tracks of the year with over half a million sales to date. 

Electro duo Chase & Status released their Gold selling debut album ‘More Than A Lot’ in 2008. Since then they have gone on to collaborate with the likes of Tinie Tempah, Dizzee Rascal, White Lies, Cee-Lo Green and Plan B. Their most recent album ‘Brand New Machine’ stormed the UK charts reaching the no.2 spot in October 2013. Renowned for their electrifying live shows the Drum & Bass maestros are sure to give an explosive performance. 

Also confirmed to play across the weekend at Watergate Bay are Ben Pearce, Palma Violets, Reel Big Fish, George Ezra, Dan Croll, Bipolar Sunshine, The Cuban Brothers, Raleigh Ritchie, Coves, Kidnap Kid, My Nu Leng, Tcts, Billon, Big Deal, Lyger, Emily & The Woods, Dj EZ, Roska, Toyboy & Robin, Monki, The Golden Boy, Eton Messy Presents: Friend Within, Blonde, Isaac Tichauer, Bodhi and Eton Messy Dj Set.

Established in 1981, Boardmasters is a 5-day event situated in two legendary locations in Cornwall. Boardmasters opens on Wednesday 6 August at Fistral Beach, the UK’s surfing mecca and will host the festival’s surf, BMX and skate competitions in addition to the ‘Beach Sessions’ gigs. The festival continues down at Watergate Bay, arguably the most picturesque festival site in the UK with beautiful, uninterrupted views of the ocean for a weekend of explosive live music. The festival has grown year on year with 2013 seeing over 150,000 visitors. 

For 2014, Boardmasters continues its residence at renowned surf hot spot, Fistral Beach, hosting five-days of thrilling surfing. From Wednesday 6 August to Sunday 10 August a record number of fans, friends and family is expected to watch the competition unfold. Surf categories will include Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Men’s Longboard, Pro Junior, Under 16’s and the Air Show. The festival is embracing even more home grown talent than ever before. 2014 is already looking likely to be a record year.

Leeds Festival 2013 Review

by

Typically the last 'big' festivals of the summer months in the UK, Reading & Leeds are a special pilgrimage a combined audience of hundreds of thousands of people make every August Bank Holiday weekend. This year I headed to Leeds Fest to check it out, here's what happened!

Arriving on Friday morning, the site was buzzing with campers dampened slightly by a little storm on Thursday evening, but nothing to put off the masses from what was hopefully going to be a great festival.

Don Broco, a Bedford-based alternative rock band took to the Main Stage, and were an unexpected surprise. 'Hold On', probably their most popular tune got everyone going, as did the band's in-time dance moves, steps to the side, hand-claps, a cheeky boyband touch for the popular quartet, who's lead singer had an Elvisy-look going on.

Then it was time for something different, a rapper by the name of Wacka Flocka Flame took to the brand-new Radio 1Xtra Stage, to a huge crowd. His hype man got things bouncing, as the man himself finally arrived 15 minutes late. Wacka wore a Leeds United shirt and some appropriate bling, as his set saw him get a few headbanging fans up onstage,along with a girl plucked from the crowd who 'twerked'. It was an interesting 40 minutes or so.

Just over the way to the NME/Radio 1 stage, where American girl trio HAIM were the main attraction, bringing their guitar-laden hooks to the masses. They played favourites like, 'Forever', 'Falling' and new single, 'The Wire', all from their much-anticipated debut album. One of the best things about HAIM is Este, their bassist. The older sister likes to have coarse, blunt banter with crowds during gigs and is famed for her 'bassface'. You can watch her facial expressions for 45 minutes and be easily entertained. 

Overall, their performance was better than expected and I left happy, as did many others who had squeezed into the tent.

I took a bit of a wander around the Arena site afterwards, taking note of the wide variety of stalls, grabbing a few ponchos for the oncoming storm and taking in some pizza (note: this was at a time when you could actually SIT on the ground and not get covered in mud…)

Then it was time for the sub-headliners, Nine Inch Nails, almost a cult band, such is their feverent support. Being a few rows from the front barrier, I couldn't tell the size of the crowd at the time, but having seen so afterwards, it wasn't very busy, but then that should be expected given Trent Reznor and his merry band have never been notable to a mainstream audience. 

NIN @ Leeds Festival 2013

NIN were good. They missed out a couple of hits, like 'Closer' and 'Hurt', but if a newcomer like me could get into it, I'm sure the hardcore fans were ecstatic with their 80 minute set. Reznor is a tense, serious stage presence and if memory serves me right, he didn't interact with the crowd one bit. At the time I didn't question this, but afterwards it turns out he put out tweets suggesting he was 'lied to' by R&L boss Melvin Benn, which Benn himself has since said is a lie. 

It's all very confusing but what we are led to believe is that Reznor was promised a more extravagent stage show than the one he got, as headliners Biffy Clyro would've had stage priority, it resulted in a bank of lights instead, still impressive but not the full NIN experience. 

There were probably the perfect set-up for what was a definitive headlining performance, from Biffy-motherf***ing-Clyro, as they were known for the evening. 

Some doubted they had it in them to headline a major UK festival, but they delivered in spades, with a strong set packed full of their more recent mainstream hits, with a few golden oldies squeezed in for long-time supporters. Simon Neil, lead singer, was very appreciative of the crowd, telling them, '"It all goes downhill from here…I'm only joking"'. Their 'banter' was limited, but the shirtless trio let their epic music do the talking, which really got the crowd going too. 

Lasers, fireworks, smashed up guitars, sing-a-longs, a massive tree prop, mental mosh pits; the show had it all, and despite the swirling wind and rain it was a fantastic way to close the first night of Leeds 2013.

Saturday came and the site's landscape had changed drastically. Rain had come in a big way, with heavy rain in the night, turning the lush green grass into a mudbath. Wellies were a necessity, as were ponchos, it was 'proper' UK festival weather.

As a result of the poor conditions, I was stationed in the NME Tent for a good few hours and was lucky to see what I saw!

Fatigue seemed to have set in during the first half of Deap Vally's set. At the 20 minute stage, drummer Julie Edwards instructed the crowd to wake up and have fun, reminding them they were at a festival! They promptly did so and the atmosphere was quite good afterwards, shame the music wasn't quite as good. I sort of like Deap Vally, but their music is too samey for my tastes, I liked their energy during the gig though, they played at such a frenetic pace I'm surprised they managed 2 shows in 2 days!

Next up were fellow Americans Fidlar. A little heard of band, but an excellent band, one of my finds of the festival. They played a clutch of quick, simple songs that relied on great riffs and lead singer Zac Carper's hyper vocals. I was reminded of a very low-fi Nirvana, if you want to see for yourself I recommend you check out 'Cheap Beer', the slogan that adorned their merch and the song that really had the crowd going wild. 

I suspect that the crowd was boosted because of the next act. Brummie stars Peace, were as flamboyant as predicted, lead singer Henry Koisser striding out in a leopard print jacket and hat to a loving audience. Tracks 'Follow Baby', and 'Lovesick'', got the best responses and saw the band at their most confident. Sure the live set isn't yet perfect, some of their songs weren't the most interesting in a a live arena, but they are getting there as one of a few bands that could really kickstart the era of the British guitar band.

After a bit of Peace, I ventured into the now spitting rain to find some fresh music. It was the Rock Stage that I found it, with The Computers part way through their set. Instantly I thought I'd been transported back to the 1950s as they were all dressed in slick suits, with even more slicked back hair. Their tunes matched the image, and were a breath of fresh air. Sure the lead singer's attempts at telling a story inbetween songs were a bit manufactured, as were his off-stage antics which saw him join a wet, muddy mosh pit. But it was pure fun, reminding me of The Hives' eccentric set from 2012, in a good way!

Then, then it was Major Lazer time. Now I didn't know what to expect, a pure DJ set? 

Headliner time had come, and the pop-punk of Green Day was blasted from the Main Stage. Now I was a fair distance back, and wasn't massively impressed with the size or energy of the crowd, but to be fair, it was constantly raining, muddy as anything and the band were just okay, nothing more, on reflection. Billie Joe Armstrong annoyed me, with his political speeches and subtle nuances. However, I did enjoy songs off 'American Idiot', which I loved at the time of release, with their comprehensive playing in full of 1994 album Dookie, released the year of my birth, missing the mark for me, but not for the legions of loyal fans down the front.

Come Sunday, the thousands of campers were weary and out on their feet, but ready for a fantastic days's entertainmen The site was still a swampy mudbath, but with forecasts of clear skies and sun, it was looking promising for the final day of the festival.

Similarly to Saturday, I spent a good couple of hours in the same place on Sunday, this time the Festival Republic Tent, a place full of new talent waiting to be discovered. I saw Drenge and Swim Deep, back to back. Both were good in moderation, with outstanding songs, like 'Honey', 'The Sea' and 'She Changes the Weather', from the latter Brummies. Crowds were pretty decent too, with plenty of shoulder-riding and singing going on for the latter. Drenge were slightly more subdued, as the duo rattled through some awesome sounding music, but I'm not entirely sure whether they fit the tone of the stage.

Then it was time to check up on another NME darling, Palma Violets, a group who I was undecided on, their first album deceiving me at times. However, their blistering live set had people jumping around and going crazy. They are energetic, cocky and funny, all great features for a band to have. 'Best of Friends', was the highlight, a song that evokes the spirit of the Libertines when they were in their prime. With a couple of albums under their belt, I can see the southerners living up to the aforementioned hype, they look like they believe it too!

Palma Violets @ Leeds Festival 2013

With that brief foray to the NME tent, it was off to the Main Stage for the remainder of my 2013 festival. White Lies were 4th from the top of the bill, but didn't really live up to expectations. For a start, I wasn't the biggest fan, I think a lot of their material sounds very 'samey', which was true of the performance, a performance hampered by sound problems and a pretty uninterested crowd, most of whom were hanging around for Chase & Status and Eminem later on that evening. Their early hits, 'Fairwell to the Fairground', and 'Death', were nice, but the longer it went on, the longer it felt they were 'going through the motions'.

Up next were Foals, again a band I was wary of. I like a lot of their songs, but had never been impressed by their live performances I'd caught on TV. However, they were great fun, energetic and had some good banter with the crowd, lead singer Yannis ending up in the crowd by the end of their set. Before that though, songs like 'Spanish Sahara' and 'My Number', showed the variation in their song-craft, going from the deep, building tunes to a catchy pop number. The boss of the festival Melvin Benn has since claimed they could headline the festival, which I think was a slight over-exaggeration, although he said the same about the next act, something which may be true…

Chase & Status, an incredible act and a perfect appetizer for what was to come. Their set up saw the duo positioned behind a 'C' and 'S' DJ booth each, with MC Rage effectively the ringmaster of proceedings, dragging out the likes of Liam Bailey as guest vocalists, with Plan B and Delilah projected onto a humongous video screen above their heads. It was impressive to see such a stage show, especially given the problems Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails had.

Chase & Status

When tracks like 'No Problem', 'Let You Go' and 'Hypest Hype', dropped, the crowd went nuts for it, descending into mosh pits and general dancing. It was amazing to see, and one of the loudest, best atmospheres of the festival I had witnesses (more of which later). It was strange, given all I'd heard and read online prior to the festival was that their booking was a poor one, not in-keeping with the tradition of the festival. Sure, that may be correct, but why not move with the times, book popular acts who DO have crossover with the rock, alternative and indie music scene (you'd have been surprised just how many 'metalheads' were enjoying themselves to C&S). I don't see it as an issue, especially as it helps to keep the festival going, something which the next act definitely helped with. 

The rap legend that is Eminem graced the stage for his second headline set, amongst a bunch of questions and fears. I got talking to people around me beforehand and whilst everyone was excited, noone knew what to expect! Old material, new material- a mixture of both? Would he mime? Well whilst that wasn't really clarified (although personally I think he relied on backing track the odd time, but was at his best and actually rapping for the majority of the set), one thing was clear; Eminem was back. 

Whilst a lot of the first half of the set was his newer material, from 'Recovery' and 'Relapse', it was bearable in a live environment. This was partly due to the live band AND DJ he had accompanying him, aswell as the buzzing crowd, still excited from C&S who were devouring his hit-packed set.

My favourite moment of the festival came with the 3 minute medley of older songs, that was, 'My Name Is/The Real Slim Shady/Without Me'. For 3 minutes I was a child again, and it was amazing! As was the special guest for 'Stan', Dido herself. Both of those moments were special and brought much acclaim from the audience. Then a one-song encore came about a great rendition of the intense, 'Lose Yourself', before Em headed off for good. It may have been a fairly brisk, 25 song, 100 minute set, but god was it good. And that was Leeds Fest 2013, done just like that!

So, to round it all off, Leeds 2013 was fantastic, perhaps as an overall experience outing 2012's edition, Foo Fighters and all! We saw the newly anointed Biffy Clyro become the rock gods they were destined to be, a return for the veterans of pop-punk, Green Day and Eminem finish it all off with a blistering display of a hip-hop gig. Other personal highlights were the likes of HAIM and Peace on the NME stage, Chase & Status killing the Main Stage, Major Lazer bringing the party to the tent, aswell as echoes of the Libertines, with Palma Violets giving a confident, humourous performance.

It may have been muddy, it may have been soaking wet; but Leeds Festival 2013 was bloody good!

Photos by Danny Payne