Maximo-Park-confirmed-for-Brighton’s-The-Great-Escape-20121A mass of bands are descending on Brighton today for the Great Escape festival; a music event that showcases emerging artists from all over the world. Over 400 bands will play in 35 Brighton venues making the festival a great place to discover new bands and see them in an intimate setting before they go on to bigger gigs.

As expected, Scotland have an impressive representation at the event with bands including Hector Bizerk, Model Aeroplanes, Neon Waltz and White all in attendance.

In 2014, the event saw acts including Albert Hammond Jr. play, this year will see The Cribs, Alabama Shakes and Slaves top the bill.

Check out our top Scottish picks for this year’s The Great Escape festival:

HECTOR BIZERKTenement TV SXSW Hector
Becoming somewhat of a pioneer in the Scottish music scene, Hector Bizerk have won over fans around the globe, cementing their distinct style and Glasgow flare stateside on their recent trip to SXSW in America. Their live show is almost impossible to put into words. From the loyal fan crowd jumpers, the chanters and the people discovering this explosive live act for the first time, there’s a sense of collectiveness and togetherness that I am yet to discover from any other live act on the scene. Hector Bizerk are special. And sometimes, things have to be seen to believed.

NEON WALTZneon waltz tenement tv
There was a buzz about Neon Waltz after their first track hit the internet. Those who managed to squeeze into the small and secluded GoNorth tent at Belladrum last year would have seen a band with huge potential, something to get really excited about. Their recent run of live shows has tightened everything up and they continue to push the boundaries and raise the bar with each and every performance. The TTV session below is proof of that and we’re assured The Great Escape will be no different.

WHITEWhite
WHITE’s recent BBC Introducing session showcases an energy and a hunger that’s infectious to the viewer. They didn’t disappoint at Live at Glasgow earlier this month either, with the audience captivated by the noise, the scratchy guitar riffs, the thumping beat, the glorious vocals bringing it all together. Its an exciting time for Scottish music and we’re looking forward to WHITE’s career unfolding; a band not to be missed this weekend.

C. DUNCANcdunan
Announced as the support for Admiral Fallow’s tour which kicks of this month, C.Duncan is signed to FatCat Records and is the son of two classical musicians. A clash of classical and modern music, choral harmonies and acoustic instrumentation are textured into dream pop lo-fi folk. All recorded at home in Glasgow on his bedroom studio setup, C.Duncan gradually builds up one layer and one instrument at a time. The results of this methodical and isolationist recording process give us a charming, unique sound. Catch C.Duncan’s original style for a new take on the Scottish scene.

MODEL AEROPLANESModel Aeroplanes

Winning a slot on the T Break stage in 2013, Model Aeroplanes shared the line-up with Hector Bizerk and Honeyblood – both of whom have stormed the circuit ever since. Model Areoplanes haven’t exactly shied away since either, playing the main stage at Wickerman last year, the band went on to tour up and down the UK bagging fans left right and centre. Their new single ‘Deep in the Pool’ is a fresh lick of sweet pop, more refined, more exciting than ever before.

PINACT
pinact

The brainchild of vocalist/guitarist Corrie Gillies, Pinact are a visceral and rambunctious two piece who specialise in hard edged alt-rock that recalls the 90’s heyday of artists such as Dinosaur JR and Weezer; teaming intricate melodies with charged riffs and ferocious drums. Pinact’s long awaited Stand Still And Rot will be released on the 19th May 2015 via Kanine Records. With Chris McCrory of Catholic Action/Casual Sex now taking over the reins on drums, the band’s performance at TGE is sure to be a highlight.

THE MERRYLEES
the-Merrylees-560

A six piece band from Edinburgh/Glasgow, The Merrylees continue to be ones to watch. They have previously supported Paul Weller, The Zombies and Babyshambles and in a similar way to The Temples, The Merrylees have captured that 60’s Psychedelic sound, but with a little more pop. Another of the 2013 T Break line-up, The Merrylees have continued to keep up the momentum touring regularly around the country.

VUKOVI

Vukovi1

A band to storm the stage at last year’s Tenement Trail, Vukovi are signed to First Run Records as well as 23rd Precinct Music/Notting Hill Music. The band will release new single ‘Boy George’ in the coming weeks, recently teasing artwork on social media to announce the release. The band will play Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival in August but more immediately, check them out at TGE this weekend.

ADMIRAL FALLOW 

Admiral Fallow

Set to hit the road for a full UK tour later this month, Glasgow’s Admiral Fallow haven’t released a record for almost three years. 2015 will see the band release their new LP and sound which proceed releases Boots Met My Face from 2011 and Tree Bursts In Snow from 2012. Featuring a new style and with electronica cementing the sound, Admiral Fallow continue to show off their skills for creating beautiful melodies and harmonies. Catch them at TGE to witness this new reformed style in the flesh, you won’t be disappointed.

Check out the full programme and times via The Great Escape website.