Festivals and gigs. A listings calendar, plus previews, news, reviews, and photos
London Grammar: A Haunting Headliner at Latitude London Grammar’s headline set at Latitude 2024 was a mesmerising blend of ethereal beauty and raw emotion. The trio, known for their haunting vocals and intricate electronic soundscapes, transported the crowd to a world of their own creation. Hannah Reid’s voice, as ethereal as ever, filled the air…
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Rick Astley: The King of the Rickroll Delivers at Latitude Rick Astley’s Latitude 2024 set was less a concert and more a communal sing-along, a joyous celebration of a career that has defied all expectations. Once the poster boy for pop’s disposable culture, Astley has reinvented himself as a bona fide festival headliner, and his…
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Reverend and the Makers: A Festival Firebrand Reverend and the Makers have been setting stages alight throughout 2024, and their Latitude Festival performance was no exception. The Sheffield band, led by the charismatic Jon McClure, have cemented their status as one of the UK’s most electrifying live acts. Their sets are a whirlwind of anthemic…
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London City Ballet: A New Era of Classical Dance London City Ballet are injecting a fresh vitality into the classical dance scene. With a company of talented young dancers and a repertoire that blends the traditional with the contemporary, the company is rapidly gaining a reputation for its dynamic and accessible performances. Founded in [Year],…
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Jockstrap: A New Era of Experimental Pop Jockstrap, the enigmatic duo comprised of Taylor Skye and Georgia Ellery, have been taking the music world by storm. Their blend of electronic, pop, and experimental elements has captivated audiences and critics alike. Their live performances have been particularly lauded, with critics and fans alike raving about their…
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Keane: A Nostalgic Masterclass at Latitude 2024 Keane’s set at Latitude 2024 was a nostalgic masterpiece. The band, known for their emotive piano-driven anthems, delivered a performance that resonated deeply with both long-time fans and a new generation of listeners. The Suffolk skies provided a perfect backdrop as Keane launched into their set. From the…
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CMAT: A Latitude Luminary and Festival Force CMAT’s 2024 festival run has been nothing short of spectacular, and her Latitude performance was a particular highlight. The Irish singer-songwriter’s infectious energy and undeniable charisma transformed the Suffolk countryside into a dancefloor. Reviewers have raved about CMAT’s electrifying set, praising her vocal power, witty banter, and flamboyant…
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“Armed with spoken word songs that celebrate the beauty in the everyday, the Manchester poet is ticking off career milestones seemingly by the minute” – DIY (Class of 2024) “tales of love, hope and ambition told paired with lightly psychedelic guitar riffs and UK garage kick patterns” – NME (Radar Breakout) “His direct, spoken word…
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Latitude must be the only music festival we can think of where crowds gather to watch synchronised swimming… Photos: Sara-Louise Bowrey
The Vaccines: Early Days and Critical Reception When The Vaccines burst onto the music scene in the late 2000s, they were met with a wave of both critical acclaim and skepticism. Their debut single, “Wreckin’ Bar (Ra Ra Ra)“, was an instant hit, with its catchy melody and youthful energy capturing the zeitgeist of the…
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Thumper: From Dublin to the World Dublin psych-pop six-piece Thumper have had a meteoric rise. Just 20 months ago, they were rocking out to small crowds at home. Now, they’re headlining shows, packing out festivals, and even sharing the stage with Kasabian. It’s been a whirlwind. With two drummers and four guitarists, these guys make…
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Digging the Welly Vibe? Explore These Indie Gems If you’re hooked on the infectious energy of Welly’s brand of indie rock, you’re in luck! The UK indie scene is brimming with talented bands sure to tickle your sonic fancy. Here are a few acts that share a kinship with Welly’s sound: **Fontaines D.C.:** Hailing from…
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Waxahatchee: An Intimate Exploration of Self Katie Crutchfield, the artist behind Waxahatchee, has carved a distinctive space for herself within the contemporary indie landscape. Her music is a candid and often raw exploration of personal experience, delivered with a quiet intensity that belies its emotional depth. Crutchfield has described her songwriting process as a form…
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Future Islands: A Mesmeric Masterclass at Latitude Future Islands’ performance at Latitude was a masterclass in emotional intensity and raw, unbridled energy. Frontman Samuel T. Herring, a force of nature in his own right, commanded the stage with a magnetic charisma that drew the crowd in from the outset. The Baltimore band’s blend of synth-pop,…
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Scustin: The Bray Boys Bringing the Funk Scustin, the band that burst out of Bray like a pint of Guinness on a sunny day, are making waves that are as foamy and refreshing as a freshly poured glass of the black stuff. These lads are on a mission to bring the funk to the masses,…
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Pip Blom: A DIY Punk Spirit Pip Blom, the eponymous frontwoman of the Amsterdam-based band, describes their sound as an “updated take on rocker girl angst.” The band’s music is characterized by a raw energy, catchy melodies, and a DIY ethos that harkens back to the punk era. In an interview with Flaunt, Blom shared…
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Kasabian: A Sonic Onslaught at Latitude Kasabian’s headline set at Latitude was a spectacle of unbridled energy and anthemic rock. The Leicestershire band, with their signature blend of psychedelia and stadium-sized riffs, transformed the Obelisk Arena into a cauldron of euphoria. From the opening bars of ‘Empire’, the crowd was ignited, their collective voice a…
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Damian Lewis: A New Voice in Rock with “Mission Creep” Damian Lewis, a name more familiar to television audiences, has stepped outside the spotlight and into the recording studio. His debut album, “Mission Creep,” released in June 2023, marks a surprising foray into the world of rock music. While the actor himself remains tight-lipped about…
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Corinne Bailey Rae: A Latitude Love-In Corinne Bailey Rae’s set at Latitude 2024 was a masterclass in understated brilliance. The Suffolk skies might have been overcast, but the warmth of her voice and the intimate energy she fostered turned the Obelisk Arena into a sun-kissed sanctuary. From the off, it was clear that this was…
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Caity Baser: The Gen Z Pop Princess Caity Baser is the fresh face of pop music that’s taking the world by storm. With her infectious energy and unapologetic honesty, she’s quickly becoming a role model for a new generation of young women. Hailing from the UK, Caity’s music is a vibrant mix of catchy melodies…
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BC Camperlight: Lo-Fi Gems from the Bedroom to the Big Stage BC Camperlight is that rare breed of artist who effortlessly bridges the gap between intimate, bedroom-pop vulnerability and the soaring heights of stadium-ready anthems. With a sound that’s as cozy as a worn-in sweater, their music is a warm embrace on a cold day.…
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Alison Goldfrapp: The Chameleon of Pop Alison Goldfrapp is more than just an artist; she’s a sonic architect, a shapeshifter who’s continually redefined the boundaries of pop music. Her journey with Goldfrapp was a masterclass in genre-bending, from the ethereal dream pop of *Felt* to the sultry disco beats of *Supernature*. Goldfrapp’s voice, a haunting…
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Crikey – 2000Trees raises the bar every year! We’ve been coming for the last half-dozen episodes, and each time feels like the first time…but better. 2000trees Festival is an independent rock music extravaganza nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds. Known for its intimate atmosphere and dedication to showcasing both established and emerging talent, it’s…
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The Meffs: Indie-Pop with a Twist The Meffs are a breath of fresh air in the often predictable world of indie-pop. The band have crafted a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly original. Their music is a sunny, upbeat concoction of catchy melodies, jangly guitars, and infectious rhythms. Think of them as a more…
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Wargasm: A Sonic Onslaught Wargasm are not for the faint-hearted. This British duo have forged a brutal, uncompromising sound that blurs the lines between metal, industrial, and electronica. Their music is a sonic assault, a relentless barrage of noise and fury that demands attention. At the heart of their appeal is an undeniable raw energy.…
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The Mysterines: A Venomous Injection of Garage Punk The Mysterines are a shot of adrenaline straight to the jugular. Their sound is a raw, visceral cocktail of garage punk and post-punk, served ice-cold with a side of nihilistic swagger. Frontwoman Lia Metcalfe’s voice is a weapon, a whip-crack delivery that cuts through the noise like…
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The Xcerts: Pop-Punk Protagonists The Xcerts are a band who wear their hearts on their sleeves. Their music is a vibrant blend of pop-punk and anthemic rock, with a lyrical depth that belies their energetic exterior. Hailing from Aberdeen, the band have crafted a sound that is both undeniably Scottish and universally appealing. Their songs…
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Snake Eyes: Gritty Pop with a Punk Bite Snake Eyes are a refreshing jolt to the senses. This Brighton trio have managed to distill the raw energy of punk into a more accessible, melodic form, creating a sound that is both familiar and utterly compelling. Their music is a whirlwind of infectious choruses, driving rhythms,…
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Skinny Lister: A Jolly Roguish Ramble Skinny Lister are the soundtrack to a salty sea dog’s wildest dreams. Their music is a boisterous blend of folk, punk, and sea shanties, served with a generous side of raucous good time. With instruments ranging from the traditional fiddle and accordion to the electric guitar, they’ve crafted a…
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Peach: Bristol’s Bright New Hope Peach are a breath of fresh air in the often stale landscape of contemporary pop. Hailing from Bristol, a city with a rich musical heritage, the band have managed to capture the essence of the place without sounding derivative. Their sound is a beguiling blend of indie-pop and electronica, with…
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Press Club: Punk with Purpose Press Club are not your average punk band. Hailing from Melbourne, they’ve traded in the mindless bravado of their genre for something altogether more substantial. Their music is a raw, unfiltered expression of angst and alienation, but it’s also imbued with a surprising depth and intelligence. Frontwoman Natalie Foster’s voice…
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PIZZATRAMP Thrashing Through the Noise Pizzatramp are a whirlwind. Their music is a relentless, caffeinated blur of punk rock, thrash metal, and sheer unadulterated energy. Hailing from Wales, this trio have carved a niche as purveyors of a sound that is as exhilarating as it is exhausting. Their songs are short, sharp shocks to the…
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Panic Shack are a breath of fresh air in the punk scene. They’re all about raw energy, catchy melodies, and a DIY spirit that’s infectious. Think of them as a mix of early Bikini Kill and The Clash, with a modern twist. Their lyrics are sharp, witty, and full of attitude, and their music is…
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Michael Cera Palin are like those emo bands you loved in high school, but with a fresher sound. They’re all about those raw, angsty feelings. Think fast drums, driving guitars, and lyrics that hit you right in the gut. It’s like they took classic emo and gave it a modern makeover. If you’re into bands…
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Indoor Pets are an energetic indie pop-rock band who blend catchy melodies with witty, relatable lyrics. Their sound is characterized by upbeat guitar riffs, vibrant rhythms, and anthemic choruses that make you want to sing along. Drawing influences from the likes of early Arctic Monkeys and the jangly vibes of The Wombats, their music captures…
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Dune Rats are an Australian band that’s all about fun, good vibes, and a bit of chaos. Hailing from Brisbane, this trio has carved out a niche in the punk rock scene with their infectious energy and irreverent style. Imagine a perfect blend of punk rock attitude and surf rock breeziness – that’s Dune Rats…
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Death From Above 1979 is a Canadian rock duo whose sound is characterized by a unique blend of dance-punk, noise rock, and alternative rock. They are known for their high-energy music, which features distorted bass lines, aggressive drumming, and intense vocals. Here are some types of bands and genres they sound like: 1. **Dance-Punk Bands**:…
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HAWXX is a UK-based band known for their powerful and dynamic sound, which blends elements of alternative metal, hard rock, and progressive metal. Their music is characterized by heavy, riff-driven guitar work, energetic and tight rhythm sections, and powerful, often aggressive vocals. The band also incorporates complex musical arrangements and varying dynamics, making their sound…
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Creeper are like those mates who dress all in black and look kinda spooky, but are actually really nice. Their music is a weird mix of punk and goth, with catchy tunes that get stuck in your head. They’re all about drama and energy on stage, and their fans are super into it. Imagine a…
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Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls are a powerhouse combination of folk-punk energy and rock ‘n’ roll heart. With Turner’s passionate vocals and the band’s driving rhythms, they create a sound that’s both anthemic and intimate. Their music is a celebration of life, love, and community, often infused with social commentary and personal reflection. Known…
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