End of the Road 2024… we were only going to recommend ten bands… but we got carried away… see you down the front…
SOMOH
Don’t expect any windmilling guitar solos here… this is wistful stuff from behind the bedroom door of Sophia Mohan. She’s the winner of the Play EOTR 2024 competition, so it’s not surprising that she will find herself filed under ‘introspective pop’ – and of course that means she will fit in absolutely perfectly at a festival that resonates with similar subtle tones.
HotWax
HotWax are the first of three acts on this year’s bill who we’ve been championing for a few years now (read on for the other two, Gurriers and Baxter Dury). They are still in their teens, but have taken the festival circuit by the scruff of the neck this year and performed some much-needed CPR on a live scene that was in need of resuscitation. With an American tour supporting Royal Blood already under their belts as well as numerous headline shows of their own across the UK, HotWax were lauded by John Robb of Louder Than War as the next band to wear the Nirvana crown – fail to check them out at your peril.
Gurriers
One of the reason we love festivals is finding bands like Gurriers while walking from one stage to another and having a tune catch your ear that is so compelling you can’t help but be late for whoever you’d been planning to see next. In our case we got hooked by Guriers by their anthemic tune ‘Approachable’ at 2000Trees last year, and since then we’ve not been able to get enough of them.
Baxter Dury
OK – hopefully this isn’t news to you. But Baxter Dury is a musical legend in his own right and owes nothing except his genes to his infamous dad. For our money he was one of the earliest progenitors of that horribly-titled but eminently consumable genre that a lazy NME hack coined as ‘Crank Wave’… all those bands we love to unpick the lyrics of, such as Squid, Dry Cleaning, and Yard Act. He’s louche and he’s lovely and you need to experience him live at least once in your life, or die the poorer for it.
The Shits
If your ears need a rest from having a rest have them opened up by The Shits, a Leeds band who might find themselves more at home at ArcTanGent, but who are a welcome addition to End of the Road. Expect doom-laden, repetitive, heavy drone tunes that will eitgher have you enthralled or running for the furthest stage…
Lip Critic
Here’s one that we picked up simply by browsing the line-up mini-biogs and finding one that sounded intriguing. On first listen this isn’t the kind of thing we’d generally have playing on the office stereo…but from reviews and the general vibe we’re pretty dure this will be an electric live show not to be missed from an American act who fuse hip-hop and punk ethics into a fiery fizzbomb of sonic anxiety.
Upchuck
Do not go to see Upchuck if you intend to stand stroking your chin while nursing a skinny latte. Do go to see them if your preferred tipple is a snakebite and black and you’re more at home upside down in a moshpit than being at the barbers having a hot-towel moustache makeover… They are Atlanta’s latest punk explosion and your parents’ worst nightmare.
The Tubs
Another band we’ve hooked out just because something in their write-up on the EoTR website caught our imagination. A quick delve into their back-catalogue came up with what looked to us to be an immediate and deep seam of music worth mining for. Songs that jangle along in a catchy way but that are underpinned by lyrics which are in equal measure a depressing sign of the times and an amusing counterpoint to that same sense of depression…
Lambrini Girls
Get ready for a riot! Lambrini Girls are a Brighton-based anarchic punk trio known for their explosive live shows. Don’t expect polished pop; these girls are all about raw energy, social commentary, and a good dose of chaos. Expect the band in the crowd, witty lyrics, and maybe even a spilled Lambrini (the sugary drink, not the band!).
Big Special
Forget sunshine and good vibes – Big Special is all about raw emotion and gritty realism. They aren’t afraid to get dark, tackling themes of loneliness, frustration, and the darker sides of life. Don’t expect polished pop; their music is more like a punch to the gut, delivered with a healthy dose of humor and punk attitude. Prepare for singalongs (even if they’re a bit melancholy), mosh pits (if the mood strikes), and a show that will stay with you long after the final chord.
Curtis Harding
Soulful and smooth, Curtis Harding is all about creating a timeless sound. Drawing influences from classic soul, R&B, and even a touch of gospel, Harding’s music is perfect for swaying under the summer sky. Get set to be transported to a smoky jazz bar with a voice that’ll leave you wanting more.
Powerplant
Are you ready for a sonic explosion?! Powerplant are a high-octane noise-rock band known for their intense live shows and relentless energy. Expecxt a wall of sound that will assault your senses in the best way possible. Not for the faint of heart, but a guaranteed adrenaline rush.
Sanam
Hailing from Iran, Sanam brings a unique blend of psychedelic rock and traditional Persian music. Their sound is both mesmerizing and transportive, perfect for getting lost in the moment. There will be soaring melodies, intricate rhythms, and a touch of the exotic.
Mozart Estate
Don’t let the name fool you, Mozart Estate isn’t your grandma’s classical music. This experimental outfit takes classical sounds and throws them in a blender with electronica and contemporary influences. Are you up for a genre-bending experience that’s both challenging and strangely familiar?
House of All
Dreamy and atmospheric, House of All creates soundscapes that will wash over you. Their music is perfect for chilling out in the sunshine or getting lost in thought under the stars. Expect lush instrumentation, haunting melodies, and a touch of melancholy.
Gustaf
Playful and infectious, Gustaf are the masters of modern post-punk. Their music is full of energy and hooks that will get stuck in your head for days. With danceable grooves, witty lyrics, and a healthy dose of fun…Gustaf should be on your hit-list.
Militarie Gun
Straight outta Chicago, Militarie Gun are a rising star in the emo revival scene. Their music is full of raw emotion, catchy melodies, and a touch of youthful angst. If you’re looking for something that will hit you right where if feels good, Militarie Gun is your band.
Water from your eyes
Get ready for a sonic adventure with Water From Your Eyes. This Brooklyn-based duo has spent years honing their craft, and their latest album, Everyone’s Crushed, is a testament to their unique sound. Expect a whirlwind of distorted guitars, experimental electronics, and haunting vocals. It’s like a chaotic journey through a post-apocalyptic landscape, filled with both beauty and despair. If you’re ready to be challenged and amazed, Water From Your Eyes is a must-see.
Sprints
If you’re looking for a band that’s going to get you moving and thinking, Dublin-based Sprints are your people. They’re like a whirlwind of energy, with catchy tunes and lyrics that hit you right in the gut. Think riot grrrl meets modern indie rock, and you’ve got Sprints.
Gruff Rhys
Ever wondered what it would be like to go on a psychedelic adventure with a Welsh folk singer? Gruff Rhys will take you on that journey. His music is a mix of experimental sounds, catchy melodies, and a touch of the surreal. It’s like stepping into another world, one filled with strange characters and unexpected twists.
Richard Dawson
Prepare to be transported to a dark and twisted world with Richard Dawson. His music is a mix of folk, noise, and experimental rock, and it’s not for the faint of heart. Haunting melodies, unconventional arrangements, and lyrics that will make you think – twice.
Mdou Moctar
If you’re looking for something truly unique, Mdou Moctar is your band. He’s a Tuareg guitarist from Niger who blends traditional Tuareg music with modern rock and psychedelic influences. His music is a wild ride, full of energy, emotion, and a touch of the exotic.
The Lemon Twigs
EotR will get a blast from the past with The Lemon Twigs. This Brooklyn-based duo channels the sounds of 70s rock and glam, creating music that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Think Beach Boys and Bowie meets T. Rex…with a touch of modern indie rock.
CMAT
CMAT is the Irish singer-songwriter who’s taking the world by storm. Her music is a mix of pop, country, and folk, and it’s full of catchy melodies and witty lyrics. She’s a rising star, and you won’t want to miss her set.
Ty Segall
If you’re looking for a band that’s gonna blow your mind with their sheer energy and talent, Ty Segall is your man. He’s a prolific musician who’s released countless albums across a variety of genres. Expect garage rock, psychedelic rock, punk rock, and everything in between.
Idles
We’ve left the best to last… you know where you will be…
