YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST | BANDSTAND 2019
Are you that person who bangs on about that time you saw **insert**band**here, before they were famous, at that wonderful, independent, boutique festival in Herefordshire? Welcome to the Bandstand. Your bragging points are waiting. We’ve got an impressive backlog of passers through; Idles, Kagoule Boy Azooga, Soeur, and The Computers have all graced the Bandstand, and I’m sure we’ll be saying exactly the same about some of the artists from this years stellar lineup.
Nozstock’s place-to-be for raw, unsigned and experimental sounds, this year is no exception. With genres spanning from glam-rock to bluegrass, there is something for everyone on this Dingle-top stage – so hold on to your slippers, you’re in for one hell of a ride…
Heading up the line-up is Sam Brookes, who’s soaring alt-folk melodies will transport you to another world. His impressive vocal range and evocative lyrics as seen in Numb, have seen him gain serious critical recognition, leading to collaborations with the likes of Lucy Rose, Newton Faulkner and Basement Jaxx to name a few. Be prepared to be truly blown away by his raw and beautiful sound and effortlessly charming performance.
Ever wonder what would happen if the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the South had an angsty love child? Well, it would probably sound something like Frauds. This energetic duo combines thick jagged riffs and beats blended with a tandemic mixture of humour and anger in equal measure.
Lions, tigers and bears, oh my! No wait, it’s Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard! Formed in 2016, this four-piece from Cardiff started as all great bands have – as a bedroom project. Since then, they have quickly evolved into a fresh glam-rock sound, receiving Radio 1 support and booking some big festival shows this summer – so watch this space!
Somewhere over the Rainbow Maniac, guitar riffs fly. With influencers including The Rolling Stones, The Libertines and Arctic Monkeys, this South Wales foursome radiates confidence and shimmers with style. Make sure you don’t miss out on their energetic live performance.
Taking us back to Kansas is Medicine Creek, who have been plying their whisky-soaked brand of bluegrass and Americana since forming in Bristol in 2010. Their adrenalin-fuelled live act and gospel-flavoured harmonies have seen them gain a cult following, being invited to festivals such as Glastonbury and Shambala. These guys bring warm vocals, an infection sense of fun and a good old-fashioned thigh-slapping knees-up.
Pierre Donahue’s beautifully ethereal vocals, country-esque guitar and steady rhythms are faintly reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac or Arcade Fire. It’s this folk / Americana sound that has led him to perform at the legendary Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. So kick back and listen as this master song-writer transports you to Tennessee.
Like something out of the Haunted Forest, Wych Elm birth a macabre string of stories with their ear shredding fragile guitar parts and rattling drums. Check out the beautifully chilling vibrations on their highly anticipated debut EP, rat blanket, released just days ago on the 22nd March via brand new Bristol label Post Mortem Records.
We also have some post-punk outfits gracing the bandstand this year with Do Nothing, an art-rock band from Nottingham with creative lyricism and playful genre-spanning sounds, and Cruelty, who’s tracks provides an intriguing journey into intensity and discomfort.
And last but by no means least, we have Josie Blake, with her richly woven guitar melodies and a voice that has been likened to Anna Calvi and Patti Smith. This girl is heading for greatness faster than you can click your ruby heels.
