NOW one of the biggest and most famous events in the musical calendar, the end of August means only one thing for many of the nation’s passionate music fans; Reading & Leeds is back. Taking place across the 25-27th August, the mammoth twin fests open their gates at their respective homes on Richfield Avenue and Bramham Park once again next week to welcome some of the world’s biggest rock bands, rising stars and emerging artists. Headlined by Kasabian, Eminem and Muse, this year’s extensive line-up is another typically eclectic affair which covers all genres from rock to punk to hip-hop to grime. With that in mind, TTV have compiled a list of the best acts worth checking out across the weekend.
LIAM GALLAGHER
He has already made his mark at a number of festivals around Europe this summer such as Benicassim, EXIT and Lollapalooza, but Liam Gallagher will be back on UK soil at the end of August to take on the Main Stage at Reading & Leeds. Back in the spotlight where he rightfully belongs, fans can expect to see an array of new material from his forthcoming solo album alongside iconic Oasis hits such as ‘Rock N Roll Star’ and ‘Morning Glory’.
CIRCA WAVES
Having enjoyed a hugely successful year so far, Circa Waves are more than ready to take on the Main Stage at Reading & Leeds. Emerging with a gritty determination and newfound swagger, their triumphant second album Different Creatures cemented their reputation as one of the UK’s fastest rising indie groups. Having bolstered the fizzing indie-pop and sun-kissed melodies of their previous record with a bigger and bolder sound, the four-piece come armed with plenty of festival-ready anthems.
MARIKA HACKMAN
Marika Hackman explored new sonic territories on her acclaimed second album I’m Not Your Man, which arrived earlier this year. Emerging with a newfound swagger and slacker charm reminiscent of Courtney Barnett, Hackman ditched the twee-ish folk sound of her previous record in favour of a more sultry and raucous approach. Her sharp, witty lyrics and sweet vocals are still very much present; but tracks like ‘Boyfriend’ and ‘Good Intentions’ introduce us to a fiercer Hackman who isn’t afraid to let loose.
HONEYBLOOD
In the midst of a busy summer schedule that has seen them take on a different festival nearly every weekend, Honeyblood’s opening slot on the Main Stage at Reading & Leeds will surely go down as a career-defining moment for the band. More than ready to take on the UK’s biggest rock music festival, the punk duo will undoubtedly do Scotland proud when they deliver one crunching anthem after another.
PINS
PINS blew us away when they rocked up at TTV HQ to deliver one of our fiercest sessions to date featuring powerful takes on ‘Bad Thing’ and ‘All Hail’. Armed with blistering lyrics, delicious harmonies, guttural vocals and a fierce riot grrl energy, the five-piece have been the talk of the tastemakers since they burst onto the scene a few years ago. Taking influence from classic outfits such as The Shangri Las, The Stooges and The Jesus and Mary Chain, their droney, post-punk sound is known to come to life with visceral effect and should not be missed.
HAIM
Arguably now one of the biggest bands in the world, Haim announced their long-awaited return with the release of their hugely popular second album Something To Tell You earlier this summer. Striking gold once again, it was pleasing to see the trio stick resolutely to their roots while adding a sharp slickness and gleaming production to their sweet balance of retro soft rock, shimmering synths and lovelorn lyrics. Brilliantly nostalgic yet refreshingly modern, Haim are sure to be one of the busiest sets of the weekend when they headline the Radio 1/NME Stage.
FRANK CARTER & THE RATTLESNAKES
One of the most iconic frontmen in modern rock, Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes will inevitable tear the roof off the Radio 1/NME Stage when they unleash their savage punk rock on the crowds. Utterly relentless and unbeatable in the live arena, Carter is known to incite utter chaos from the moment he enters the stage; whether throwing himself into the crowd or orchestrating massive mosh pits.
LOUIS BERRY
One of the star names on this year’s Tenement Trail line-up, Louis Berry has won over countless festival crowds up and down the country this summer. Brimming with likeable charisma and catchy, vintage rock & roll tunes, the singer-songwriter is a refreshingly authentic addition to the UK music scene with an effortless grasp of his craft.
THE DISTRICTS
They seized our attention with a highly charged display at The Great Escape back in May but The Districts fully laid down the scale of their ambition with the release of their new album Popular Manipulations on 11th August through Fat Possum. Embarking down a more textured and distinctly intense route, festival-goers can expect to be bowled over by an onslaught of incendiary guitar lines, blown-out drums and searing vocals in an explosive live show.#
THE BIG MOON
It’s been a momentous year for The Big Moon whose debut album Love In The 4th Dimension was recently nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize. Set to return to Glasgow later in the year to play our very own Tenement Trail in September, the four-piece are sure to attract a sizeable audience for their set on the Festival Republic stage amongst some of the UK’s hottest new talent. Brimming with wide-eyed ambition and charming charisma, The Big Moon are a force to be reckoned with live; expect a rollicking set full of infectious hooks and big choruses.
BLACK LIPS
The band behind Arabia Mountain, Underneath The Mountain and latest album Satan’s Graffiti or God’s Art? are the purveyors of a wicked sound that combines thunderous rock & roll and dirty riffs with flashes of psychedelia. Utterly ferocious and relentless in their delivery, the Atlanta garage rock band are icons in their own right with a live show that is not to be missed.
SUPERFOOD
Entirely rejuvenated in their return, Superfood have released banger after banger since bursting back onto the scene with an inspired curveball in ‘Double Dutch’. Bringing their pop instincts to the fore, the duo have taken their songwriting to brilliantly fresh levels by ditching the jangly alt-rock and Britpop-angled tunes that dominated their debut album in favour of rich samples, woozy synths and groove-laden beats.
SHAME
With massive tunes such as ‘Tasteless’, ‘Gold Hole’ and ‘The Lick’ to their name, Shame have declared themselves a force to be reckoned with in today’s music scene. With one of the most ruthless frontmen around at the moment in Charlie Steen, the five-piece stem from the same exciting scene that has spawned the likes of HMLTD, Goat Girl and Dead Pretties. Railing against modern day apathy and the troubling issues currently permeating our society, Shame are a band with something to say; and they use visceral punk rock and a formidable live show to spread their message.
