Reading Festival 2005

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Friday 26th August
On the main stage:

Punk legends the DROPKICK MURPHYS are already looking forward to a return to the Main Stage at the festival and a chance to play again for their loyal army of banner-waving UK fans. It's fair to say that the Murphys are one of the hardest working bands around: They had a typically frenzied UK tour in March culminating in a riotous show at London's Brixton Academy, featuring their usual celebratory stage-invasion finale. They have their regular stint on the Vans Warped Tour coming up. And they have two new releases out this year: Singles Collection 2 and a brand new studio album in June. Sold out shows and festival appearances around the world continue to back up the widely regarded opinion that the Bostonians are one of the finest live bands around.

On the Radio One/NME stage:

Currently recording their third album, Reading boys COOPER TEMPLE CLAUSE return to the live arena after a significant absence.  When 2002’s debut album, “See This Through And Leave” broke through to the top of the UK charts it was a victory for a band that had followed the old tradition of touring hard and building up a huge, and incredibly dedicated, fanbase. Rave reviews from NME amongst others and a string of hit singles including what is sure to be a singalong moment at this year’s shows in “Who Needs Enemies” cemented their position as one of the most important new bands in the UK. With NO OTHER SHOWS CONFIRMED at time of writing, these performances will be a first chance for everyone to hear the new songs and are sure to be a triumphant return for the local lads.

Having recently toured the UK with fellow festival attendees Funeral for a Friend MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE come to the festivals with the distinct feeling that they are about to go massive. Long term support from Kerrang has now been complemented by coverage from NME and the band’s ever growing fanbase seems to suggest that this set could be one of those moments at this year’s festivals akin to the Foo Fighters in 1995 and Nirvana in 1991. With 2003’s debut album “I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love” finding new fans at every turn, be sure not to miss these sets which may well be the start of something very special.

FIGHTSTAR have proved their critics wrong with great EP sales of“They Liked You Better When You Were Dead”, a sold out debut UK tour earlier this year and another well on its way to repeating that success next month.
Now with their decision to record the debut album with acclaimed producer Colin Richardson (Machine Head, Napalm Death)their stock is set to soar. But it's Fightstar’s debut festival appearances this summer that will seal their reputation as a stunning live act and cement their longevity as a great British rock band.

Currently celebrating their debut in the singles chart with Oh Yeah, THE SUBWAYS come to the festivals with Zane Lowe, NME, The Fly and just about everyone else tipping them to be one of the sensations of the year. Currently recording their debut album with Ian Broudie in Liverpool, the three piece who are still all in their teens first gained attention when Michael Eavis invited them on to the Glastonbury bill last year and they haven’t looked back since. Melding a pop take on rock to great effect, live they are a whirlwind of energy and excitement. Catch this set before they move up to the bigger stages next year.

This year see DEATH FROM ABOVE 1979 make their debut UK festival performance. Even though there are only two of them and armed only with a bass guitar and drums, the immense metallic noise made by Sebastien Grainger and Jesse F Keeler described by themselves as 'like an elephant in your living room' will more than fill the NME/Radio 1 stage. Their debut album You're A Woman, I'm A Machine has been a surprise hit early this year with NME calling it ‘a titanic assault of monstrous proportions’ and Kerrang rightly stating that 'they sound like no one else around at the moment'. They backed this up with possibly the heaviest and fastest single to hit the Top 40 in the form of Blood On Our Hands and some amazing, riotous live shows. Their festival appearance is not to be missed but earplugs are definitely a necessity. 

With a Top 25 single to their name in the shape of The Last Resort and an indie club classic in the shape of their debut single, Riot Radio, Liverpool’s THE DEAD 60’s have been tipped by all those in the know as a band to watch very carefully through 2005. With single, Loaded Gun out on 6th June and their debut album, The Dead 60’s, due on 20th June, these shows are sure to be packed at both sites as the four piece deliver on all that critical promise. Crafting a defiantly British soundtrack to urban living, the band are all about super heavy reggae grooves, booming dub echoes and wired-up punk energy and one of the finest live bands in the UK.

One of the US’s best kept secrets until recently, BLOOD BROTHERS deal with V2 sees the Seattle based five-piece grab the scruff of rock’s neck and propel it into the 21st century on their latest album Crimes. With 2000’s debut This Adultery Is Ripe and 2001’s follow up March On Electric Children the band injected a much needed awareness of the moribund, apathetic nature of US youth culture as Limp Bizkit and their ilk ruled the roost. Ross Robinson, ironically the producer of Limp Bizkit and Slipknot signed the band to his US label Artist Direct and the two combined to produce for 2003’s Burn Piano Island. A band that have been touring since they formed in 1997, Blood Brothers are now poised to slay the UK. These shows are the perfect spring board.

On the Carling stage:

Friday 26 August 2005

LADYTRON released their debut album 604 in 2001. It was an influential record that instantly gained recognition for it’s analogue futurism and classic pop songs. The band have spent the last 18 months on successful tours of USA and China before returning to their Liverpool based studio in late 2004 to work on their third album, Witching Hour, out on August 29 with a single, Sugar, preceding it on June 13th.

CHARLOTTE HATHERLEY has established herself as one of the most recognised female guitarists in the contemporary music scene. Famously spotted in Nightnurse by Tim Wheeler of Ash prior to taking her A levels, Charlotte quickly became an integral part of Ash and now has added another chapter to her story with the release of her debut solo album Grey Will Fade.

The past decade has seen SAUL WILLIAMS emerge as one of the world's most recognised poets, a highly acclaimed musician as well as a rising actor. Following inclusions on the Lyricist Lounge compilation in the mid 90’s and a debut album co-produced by Rick Rubin, 2001’s Amethyst Rockstar, Williams recently released his second, eponymous album on the Wichita label in the UK to near universal acclaim.

All you need to know about THE NATIONAL is that they gave up good jobs for this. But perhaps you want more: They are five friends from Cincinnati, Ohio, who started making music in 1999. The National contains two pairs of brothers - Aaron Dessner (guitars, bass) and Bryce Dessner (guitar), Scott Devendorf (guitar; bass) and Bryan Devendorf (drums). To date the band have released three albums The National, Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers and Alligator.

Swedish rockers MANDO DIAO have debut album out called Bring Em In. This is their own modest take on their live show: "No one puts as much heart and soul into the performance and lose control as we do. The Hives are five mannequins in comparison".

THE PADDINGTONS are four lads from Hull who are signed to Alan Mcgee’s Poptones label. Their debut album is called First Comes First, a collection of songs that  differentiates them from the three chord punkola of some of their peers.

From Los Angeles but now relocated to New York, WE ARE SCIENTISTS have been on a recent tour with Editors and have three self-released EPs so far to their name.

Los Angeles’ THE BLOOD ARM are signed to the indie City Rockers label and name Franz Ferdinand among their fans. They were nominated for Best New Artist at the LA Weekly Music Awards in 2004 and they've recently enjoyed support dates with Maximo Park.

CHERUBS have have released two singles – Hey Bunny and double A side follow up Club Hoola Hoop’s Walls / This Awful Morning – and a debut album called Uncovered By Heartbeat on 2 May. The four-part Norwegian and one-part Kentish quintet had a debut UK show supporting The Libertines and have toured with The Rakes, The Others and The Departure.

San Francisco’s TWO GALLANTS may take their name from a James Joyce novel but their music comes straight from the book of rock 'n' roll. They have two members: Adam and Tyson on guitar and drums respectively and are described by Rolling Stone magazine as a marriage of Dylan, Leonard Cohen and punk.

New Yorkers THE ROGERS SISTERS are a trio who bring with them retro-sounding rock music. They are sisters Jennifer (vocals / guitar) and Laura Rogers (backing vocals / drums) plus honorary Roger, Miyuki Furtado (vocals / bass). They have a new mini-LP called Three Fingers (Too Pure), which draws on new wave, no wave, punk, post-punk and garage rock.

Oxford-based four-piece FELL CITY GIRL supported The Zutons, Haven, Jetplane Landing, Crackout, and Eastern Lane in 2004 before releasing an EP through Bleeding Music. The band kicked 2005 off by supporting Longview at The Scala in London.

On the dance stage:

Sampling favoured records from their sizeable record collections, this year's dance stage headliners LEMON JELLY (aka Messrs. Fred Deakin and Nick Franglen) recently released their third album, '64-'95. Critics and fans alike loved it. Not long after, they took it on the road for a sold out UK tour which culminated in a dazzling show at London's Brixton Academy. Again, critics and fans loved it. This summer, they're touring numerous festivals around Europe and will finish off the run with these shows. Trust us, they won't disappoint. 

Saturday 27th August
On the main stage:

Hailed as the voice of urban Britain, ROOTS MANUVA comes to the festivals in rude health. His debut album, Brand New Second Hand is rightly regarded as a milestone in British hip-hop. The second album, the Mercury Music Prize-nominated Run Come Save Me broke the gold barrier and spawned Witness, the single voted as the Best Ever UK Hip Hop tune by readers of Hip Hop Connection. Now, with new album, Awfully Deep, ROOTS MANUVA is set to surpass all these achievements and finds himself noted as an artist whose influence is incalculable and who opened the doors for the Streets, Dizzee Rascal et al. His first time on the festival’s Main Stage is a landmark moment and is certain to be one of the sets of the weekend.

The TRANSPLANTS will be playing their debut UK festival appearances and debut UK performances at the Reading Festival.
Singer, Rob Ashton, introduces the band: “A few years ago, when Tim, Travis and myself were finishing up the first Transplants album, we weren’t sure what was going to happen. Since then, we have had the pleasure of supporting the Foo Fighters on a US tour, headlining our own select east coast shows, appearing as guests on Snoop Dogg's Doggyfizzle Televizzle and The Jimmy Kimmel Show just to name a few. That might not seem like much, but when everyone in the band has different projects/problems outside of the band, it gets a little difficult. But here we are, a few years later, with a new Transplants album - Haunted Cities. With guest appearances by the Boo-Yaa Tribe, Rakaa from Dilated Peoples, B-Real and Sen Dog from Cypress Hill, people ain’t gonna know what hit 'em.”

Montreal natives SIMPLE PLAN have shared a stage with everyone from Avril Lavigne to Aerosmith, made appearances on the Vans Warped Tour for three years running (two as headliners), and been nominated for four MTV Video Music Awards - not bad for five kids who used to tour in their parents' station wagon. In February this year, Simple Plan played four sold-out dates in the UK, including a triumphant show at London's Astoria, and are off on a huge co-headlining Stateside trek with Good Charlotte in May, and come back to our shores to support Green Day at Milton Keynes Bowl in June.  New single Welcome To My Life, already a million-selling smash in the US, is released in the UK on June 13, and looks set to cement Simple Plan's position at the top of the pop-rock tree.

The dysfunctional history of DINOSAUR JR is, almost 20 years after the band formed, legendary. Creating some of the most influential music in the scene, they went on to change the face of alternative rock music forever – influencing the likes of the Flaming Lips and Nirvana to European bands such as Teenage Fanclub and My Bloody Valentine. DINOSAUR JR. laid the groundwork for a seismic shift in the underground rock scene. The albums, ‘Dinosaur’, ‘You’re Living All Over Me’ and ‘Bug’, with their sonic wall of melodic bass, furious drums and stunning guitar wizardry, coupled with an almost laissez faire vocal delivery, became the sonic blueprint for what would become known as “alternative rock” over the next decade. Now reunited in the original line-up of Masics, Barlow and drummer Murph, these shows are special moments at this year’s festivals and fully deserve the term ‘must see’.

FALL OUT BOY formed in Chicago out of the ashes of different hardcore bands. Being from the Midwest instead of somewhere like Los Angeles or New York, the odds were against them from the start, which only made them try harder. They attracted the attention of numerous companies, but eventually signed with fledgling label Fueled by Ramen for their debut, “Take This to Your Grave”, which sold over 200,000 copies in the US. For their big break into the mainstream, they joined forces with Island Records, the first fruits of which are new album, “From Under The Cork Tree”.

On the Radio One/NME stage:

HOT HOT HEAT first burst onto the UK scene with the pop perfection that was (and is) “Bandages” in 2003. Taken from the album “Make Up The Breakdown”, their second but the first to really impact on UK audiences, the four Canadians saw themselves heralded by NME, Kerrang and Radio One as one of the best new bands to emerge that year. “Oh No Not Now” and “Talk To Me, Dance With Me” followed “Bandages” into the charts as the album ended the year high on every critics poll. With new album “Elevator” due for release this month, single “Goodnight, Goodnight” to follow in May and a UK tour on the horizon the band look sure to pick up where they left off and these shows are sure to be a highlight of the weekend.

With second album, No Wow, earning plaudits across the board THE KILLS come to the festivals in fine form. From debut “Keep On Your Mean Side” in 2003, the duo of Hotel (boy) and VV (girl) have gloried in stripping rock ‘n’ roll to it’s barest essentials to create a sound that is direct and immediate. Live, the pair share a chemistry rarely seen in modern rock performing with an untethered rage that owes as much to classic ‘50’s rock ‘n’ roll as the art ethic of the 60’s (Velvet Underground especially) that informs the pair’s idea of what their band is. A stunning live band and, further, a band that are developing from record to record, THE KILLS should be top of the list for anyone planning to see the best of what this year’s festivals have to offer.

THE OTHERS won the inaugural NME John Peel Award For Musical Innovation for their guerilla gigs on the tube, on the legendary Abbey Road zebra-crossing, in Radio 1's lobby, and up a tree. With these gigs and the mini riots and dedicated fans that come with them, and a frontman who gives out his mobile number to anyone at their shows, THE OTHERS have, in a short time, forced their way to the front of the UK music scene in a way not seen since Malcolm McLaren met a young John Lydon. Anthems like ³This Is For The Poor² and ³Lackey² on Alan McGee¹s Poptones label backed up the hype with entries in the singles chart. No band in recent memory has divided opinion as much as THE OTHERS. Love them or hate them, you can't ignore them. No doubt these shows will see maximum attendance from uber-fans the 853 Kamikaze Stage Diving Division and, as ever, there should be no doubt that both performances will be one of the talking points of the weekend, as they were last year.

With a sheer rock attack honed through two years of touring, including a slot on 2004’s Warped Tour, JULIETTE AND THE LICKS are gearing up for the imminent release of their debut album, You’re Speaking My Language on May 16th . Having debuted in the UK at an NME Awards tour show in London, the band returned in April for further shows to preview tracks from that first, self produced album. With Juliette a commanding presence live, “I’m not gonna stand there and look pretty – I’m gonna make you feel something” is how she sums up her performance, and a band schooled through the traditional route of endless touring, these shows are a must see whether you are a newcomer or an old hand.

Dubbed by NME as “The band most likely to save rock music forever” NINE BLACK ALPS have gone from most talked about unsigned band of 2004 to one of the most talked about new acts of 2005. February’s Shot Down single handed the band their debut in the Top 25 whilst forthcoming single Not Everyone in May and debut album Everything Is on June 6th are certain to move the band further up the charts. Highly feted in the UK for a jaw dropping set at this year’s South By South West and with supports to Kaiser Chiefs alongside a headline tour AND a slot on the NME’s May tour, NINE BLACK ALPS are prime candidates to be one of the band’s that emerges from the weekend as the next big thing.

Wakefield’s THE CRIBS have been a name on the lips of all those in the know for the best part of a year now. The three brothers can count some important fans amongst their number, including The Ordinary Boys and Kaiser Chiefs, both of whom the pop fuzz trio have shared a stage with in 2005. With debut chart single, Hey Scenesters bringing them to overground attention and the imminent release of their second album for Wichita, The New Fellas, super cool indie home of Bloc Party and Bright Eyes amongst others, it seems THE CRIBS time is upon us. Live, a glorious collision of pop suss and grunge noise, the near local lads may be ensured a rapturous reception at the Leeds site, but don’t bet against similar scenes at the Reading site too.

Their debut EP, Transition at the close of 2004 saw THE LONGCUT hailed by indie Godheads Alan McGee and Anthony Wilson and, with new EP, A Quiet Life due on May 30th it seems likely that the plaudits will continue to roll. Formed in 2002 in Manchester, the three Northern lads, in true Manchester tradition (see the original Factory and the warehouse raves that spawned Happy Mondays and Stone Roses) played parties across the city building both a loyal following and a huge word of mouth buzz. With a singer who also doubles as a drummer, augmenting the drum machine rhythms that propel their songs and a recent show stopping performance at MTV’s Spanking New Music show in their adopted home town, THE LONGCUT’s star is very much in the ascendancy.

With debut single, Bullets, EDITORS surprised even themselves. Within three days, the limited edition release was sold out and copies started changing hands on Ebay for £30. With second single, Munich, the band cracked the Top 25 and saw NME declare “Editors will be hu-a-ge”. Two sold out tours and a headline slot on MTV’s Spanking New Music show only add to the distinct feeling that this may be the band of 2005. With a debut album ready for a July release, an exponentially growing fanbase and praise from Radio One, NME, Radio 6, Xfm, The Fly and Q under their belts, this is the only way to start the day. As the NME sensibly advise, “Practice your squawk for one of those “I saw them first” conversations”.

On the Carling stage:

THE GO! TEAM are the half boy/half girl poppy six-piece who race downhill through a blur of samples. Led by main man Ian Parton, they have released a  debut album called Thunder Lightning Strike.

The Danish RAVEONETTES made their mark on the emerging new garage rock scene in 2002 with a flair for pure '50s retro-cool. With two albums out already, the duo's new album Pretty In Black moves away from their strict ‘three chords, one key’ rules to develop a sound that is more expansive. They have a current single out called Ode To LA.

Alt rockers SLEATER KINNEY have just released their seventh album, The Woods. Recent single Entertain saw the band on national radio and in the charts.

Swedish band THE CAESERS have enjoyed success with their Jerk It Out single. The psychedelic garage band, who formed in 1995, have already three albums in their catalogue prior to current release Paper Tigers.

YETI is fronted by John Hassall, the former bass player for The Libertines. They released their debut single, Never Lose Your Sense Of Wonder/ Working For The Industry in March, and forthcoming single, Keep Pushing On is out in July. They have supported Razorlight on tour and played with Oasis at the Astoria. They draw comparisons to the La’s and The Beatles.

DOGS are described as 'lyrically dazzling, like Morrissey in a Weller headlock'. Their debut single, London Bridge /End Of An Era was followed up by She’s Got A Reason. Their debut album Turn Against The Land is due for a summer release.

Yorkshire's ARCTIC MONKEYS are freshly signed to Domino (home to Franz Ferdinand and The Kills) and have debut EP out called Five Minutes With The Arctic Monkeys, featuring their twisted tales of life in the North of England.

MYSTERY JETS have early single releases out and are now signed to 679 Recordings. They are described as a wonderful mix of The Coral, Can and Dexy’s Midnight Runners.

747’s are a multi-national band whose ska-punk influenced pop led to a recent deal with Island Records. They are currently in the studio working on tracks for their debut album.

Electronic experiementalists CLOR have seen current single Love and Pain receive constant airplay on Radio 6 and are championed by Zane Lowe and Lamacq. Their debut album is scheduled to arrive this summer.

Australian band NEON had a a single deal with Graham Coxon’s Transcopic label in 2003, which led to the chance to record a debut album in LA with Red Kross mainman Steve McDonald. A deal with V2 Records followed shortly afterwards and an eponymous debut album.

If one band emerged from this year’s South By South West as the band to see it was Nashville’s BE YOUR OWN PET. The four teenagers released a two track debut single (“Damn, Damn Leash”) earlier in the year which saw praise and plays from Xfm and Radio’s One and Six whilst NME, Mojo and countless others have singled them out as potential superstars. With a second single, “Fire Department” out on Rough Trade on June 20th, BE YOUR OWN PET head for their debut UK festival performances as one of the hottest new names in music.

Brewed in Belgium, PUGGY set out with a heavy baggage load of nationalities. Cultural barriers, far from being a hindrance, have proved one of their greatest strengths and the mix of experiences has informed and improved the trios acoustic based rock sound. A new name for the start of the day, PUGGY are playing their debut festival shows.

Sunday 28th August
On the main stage:

FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND have risen from underground cult heroes to gold-selling field leaders in the space of one album cycle. Combining the full scale force of hardcore punk and metal with a poignant melodies, the band's ferocious live show and commitment to touring has led to their winning Best Newcomer at the Kerrang Awards, three consecutive Top 20 singles, support slots with festival headliners Iron Maiden in Europe and Linkin Park in America, being the first UK band to get a release on the uber-cool US indie Ferret, progressing from an opening slot in the Concrete Jungle tent at 2003's festivals to headlining the prestigious second stage last year, headlining the NME tour in 2004 and selling out a headline show at Alexandra Palace. The band are poised to release their second album, Hours on June 13th.

When ALKALINE TRIO first toured the UK in 2001 they found a fanbase waiting to greet them. Since forming in 1997, the band had toured the US incessantly whilst releasing, through cult indie Asian Man, two albums, 1998’s “Goddamit” and 2000’s “Maybe I’ll Catch Fire”. The debut UK tour co-incided with their move to bigger indie Vagrant (home to Rocket From The Crypt amongst others) and 2003’s “Good Mourning” saw the band break though further in their native USA with appearances on the Letterman show and Late Night With Conan O’Brien, whilst the UK fanbase continued to increase at rapid speed. With new album, Crimson” set for release at the end of the month, this looks set to be ALKALINE TRIO’s year and these shows are certain to see yet more converts to that ever growing fanbase.

If you have never seen TURBONEGRO live then this year’s festivals are the ideal opportunity for an introduction. The Norwegian rockers have steadily built an incredible worldwide fanbase since they formed in 1989. The Turbojugend is more than a fan club, it is a society of like minds with individual chapters having their own social events and celebrations. With their blend of the dramatics of glam rock, the spirit of punk and the dynamics of heavy metal it has to be said that TURBONEGRO are unlike any other band on earth. Get down the front for this and who knows, you may be forming your own Turbojugend chapter by the end of the weekend?

It’s always hard to wake up on the last day at Reading, get out of your bed early and head over to the main stage for the first act of the day, but if ever there was a band worth making that effort for, it is Bullet for my Valentine. After a hectic year that has seen them support Anthrax, 36 Crazyfists, Atreyu AND have their own Kerrang sponsored headline UK tour, 2005 is shaping up to be the year the band explode. With a debut album ready for release, a UK tour with fellow Welsh metallers Funeral for a Friend, who’s betting against the guys being a lot higher up the bill next time?

On the Radio One/NME stage:

James Murphy AKA LCD SOUNDSYSTEM follows the release of his massively acclaimed eponymous Top 20 debut album with some trademark explosive live full band festival action fresh from appearances at SXSW, Miami and two huge UK and US headline tours. LCD release a new single Disco Infiltrator on May 30th on EMI/DFA and he has recently remixed the likes of Nine Inch Nails, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and Soulwax with his DFA production partner Tim Goldsworthy. Murphy will bring a sprinkle of New York sass to the festivals with the unique LCD sound that’s been labeled “brainier than Eno and funkier than Franz Ferdinand”.

"BRITISH SEA POWER are the most Cumbrian band of them all. They have produced but two albums, but both have been praised to the high heavens, while David Bowie, Wayne Coyne, Julian Cope and Bill Oddie are all said to have the band's name tatooed somewhere of other. Time Out declared BRITISH SEA POWER their Live Band Of The Year in 2004 and now new LP Open Season is galvanising even the least attentive observer. Watch out for future possible radio-wave smash Please Stand Up and EEC plans to make BSP keyboard man Eamon an autonomous nation state. Fuck or a fight? Yes please."

One of the most interesting new artists of recent times, WILLY MASON has seen Zane Lowe at Radio One hammer his track “Oxygen” since the DJ stumbled across him performing in March of 2004. Having been introduced to Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes) through a friend who heard him on a small radio station in his native Martha’s Vineyard, the singer / songwriter’s mix of blues, folk and gospel traditions saw him sign to Virgin and release debut “Where The Humans Eat in October of 2004. The album finished the year at the top end of countless “Best Of” polls meaning these performances are sure to be a highlight for many.

With their debut album, “Cuts Across the Land” scheduled for a May 23rd release, THE DUKE SPIRIT come to the festivals in fine fettle. From 2003’s self released debut mini-album “Roll, Spirit, Roll”, the London 5 piece have been regarded as one of the most interesting UK bands of recent times. A recent date for NME at London’s Koko was a total sell out, demonstrating that the anticipation for the album was shared by both critics and public alike and all the signs are that the full length debut will nestle nicely in both the charts and the end of year polls.

MAXIMO PARK may take the drudgery of life in Britain as their starting point but over their debut album “A Certain Trigger” they weave that stimulus into some of the most exciting and direct pop music being made in 2005. Current single (and first chart hit) “Apply Some Pressure” almost took up residence on Radio 6, such was the station’s love of the track and that merely hints at the promise better demonstrated by the album. With their first appearances at the festival’s this most British of guitar bands, signed to Warp, that most electric of labels, like Pulp before them (who recorded some of their greatest moments for the label’s Gift imprint) are a sure bet for end of year heroes.

Formed in Kiliney, Dublin, HAL are both physically and musically removed from the immediacy of the UK music scene. This distance allowed them to craft, over two years, a set of beautiful pop tunes shot through with the grace and composure of their myriad influences from Neil Young, through Brian Wilson to Van Morrison (but by no means exhaustive). With a six month residency in place at Dublin’s Sugar Club, UK indie Rough Trade beat the others to their signature and the result was Hal, their recently released debut album, a collection of pop gems shot through with the falsetto wonder that is singer Dave Allen’s voice. The perfect band for the afternoon, allow HAL to bring a little wonder to your weekend.

It says something about the occasional short sightedness of the UK music industry that SONS AND DAUGHTERS debut mini-album, Love The Cup, was originally available only as a US import until Spring of 2004. Despite the four piece being based in, and from Glasgow, it took US indie Ba Da Bing to open the world’s eyes to their intense yet minimalist songs of fractious disharmony that brought to mind The Velvet Underground, Johnny Cash (who became the title of one of their songs) and Nina Simone amongst others. Thankfully, Domino Records, home to fan’s Franz Ferdinand stepped in following a superb set at 2004’s South By South West and Love The Cup became available domestically. Now, with their full length debut for Domino, The Repulsion Box, ready for release, the band accurately described as a "Buckfast drenched Nancy & Sinatra” are ready to make sure that myopia is never a problem again.

“Ein. Zwei. Drei. Vier”. If you know your bands to watch you will know that this is the bit in THE RAKES excellent second single, Strasbourg where their incredible fanbase really prove their loyalty and volume. That followed the 90 second blur of debut single, 22 Grand Job and that, in turn, was followed by debut chart single, “Retreat”. Now signed to V2 after that string of singles with Moshi Moshi, THE RAKES are certain to be on the end of year lists and have found favour with NME, Zane Lowe and Radio 6 amongst others. With their debut album now ready to release and a livewire singer and performer in frontman Alan Donahoe trust us, this is a band that you should be at the top of your SEE THIS lists over the weekend.

London's ART BRUT make their first appearance at the festivals. Since the release of their scene-defining debut single Formed A Band last year, Art Brut and their illustrious leader Eddie Argos have set about garnering one of the most feverishly devoted fanbases in the country. Their live shows are usually packed with their own franchise bands, Art Brut 7, Art Brut 69 etc who have formed a band in their honour. 'Formed A Band' made it into many end of year best single lists on both sides of the Atlantic, their follow-up singles Modern Art and Emily Kane have managed to confound expectation and delight in equal measure.  Their debut album Bang Bang Rock And Roll looks set to thrust them into the mainstream and to make Eddie Argos the star he was clearly born to be. Their early show is a great opportunity to see what the fuss has been about.

On the Carling stage:

From debut single Picture On My Wall in 1979 through a host of 80s classics such as The Cutter and The Back Of Love, ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN were the most important band of the decade for many. Reforming in 1997 to release Evergreen, the band followed this in 1999 with What Are You Going To Do With Your Life and in 2001 with Flowers.

ADAM GREEN transcends boundaries and delights audiences across the age and genre spectrums. From his first recordings with Moldy Peaches through three solo albums, his latest LP is this year’s Gemstones.

THE DRESDEN DOLLS have songs reminiscent of Kurt Weill infused with the rock 'n' roll energy of Patti Smith, Nick Cave and The Violent Femmes. This Boston-based duo’s home lies somewhere between a Weimar-era cabaret and CBGB’s. 

ENGINEERS are a group who ardently believe in the restless, symphonic power of music. The last 12 months have seen them supporting The Music, The High Llamas and The Hope of The States. They have a debut  eponymous album out.

AMUSEMENT PARKS ON FIRE have been whipping up a quiet storm since the release of their self-titled debut album in July last year. They were Itunes 'single of the week' for the track Vernosa. They are currently writing their second album.

Derby five-piece KOMAKINO have supported Bloc Party, Razorlight and Hope Of The States and received praise from Steve Lamacq. They are releasing their debut single Say Something Else through Drowned In Sound in July.

TOWERS OF LONDON announced themselves to the world in spectacular fashion at last year’s In The City festival during a violent and bloody show at Tmesis which lead to their signing to TVT Records. Their first UK tour saw them banned from half the venues they played before their debut single On A Noose crashed into the charts at 32.

THE RIFLES have debut single out called Peace And Quiet and Zane Lowe and Steve Lamacq are tipping the London four-piece for great things. They have a second single coming out called When I’m Alone.

BATTLE have debut single Isabelle / Feel The Same out now. The NME have noted the band as ‘one to watch’.

EVERY MOVE A PICTURE were one of the major buzz bands of South By South West this year. Their debut single Signs Of Life/Chemical Burns has support from Zane Lowe and Steve Lamacq amongst others. They have single Something In Construction due out on 6 June.

THE YOUNG OFFENDERS INSTITUTE from Manchester was founded by singer/rapper JP. This is a band that has formed to try and escape the boredom of normal life or from ending up in jail. They combine the drug-crazed bedlam of the Happy Mondays with the feel-good anthems of Definitely Maybe-era Oasis and have more street knowledge than Mike Skinner.

BOY KILL BOY have debut single Suzie currently in the shops. Their music has been described as having 'insidious melodies'.

“I would have waited in front of that stage for an era if I knew what was going to hit me. It was dishevelled and grimy and spooky and beautiful” said Drowned In Sound of a recent FORWARD RUSSIA gig.

On the dance stage:

MYLO’s ‘Destroy Rock & Roll’ debut album is now one of British music’s undisputed success stories, having sold well over 150,000 copies through his self created Breastfed label.  Having completed his own worldwide tour, including the recent Homelands festival, Mylo and his band now bring their synapse frying live show to Reading and Leeds where they will headline the Dance Stage.  Expect a set that includes the hit single’s ‘Drop The Pressure’, ‘Destroy Rock & Roll’ and the most recent release, ‘In my Arms’.

Tom Dinsdale and Simon Franks, better know as AUDIO BULLYS, will be causing sonic havoc within the confines of the Dance Stage.  Their music - branded by some as “up-yours house”, “geezer house” or “oi house” - encompasses a firing mix of rough, tough, dirty, and streetwise house beats and breaks.  Expect the duo’s set to include much material for their acclaimed 2003 debut album, ‘Ego War’.