Muddy wellies on, hair dripping with rain and a (blantanly overpriced) pint in hand. Its that time of year again, folks- and guess who couldn't be happier?! With legends like The Stone Roses, The Who and Red Hot Chili Peppers featuring on lineups its an exciting time to be a festival goer/a breathing human being.
However, its not just the big names in bold that deserve attention. I can guarantee that 60% of the best bands you'll see this summer are ones you've (unfortunately) probably not even given enough love to yet.
With Catfish and The Bottlemen gracing Reading's Introducing stage only 3 years ago, nows the time to whack on those fake Raybans and discover your new favourite.
THE CROOKES
where can you find them? Tramlines, Testifest & Kendal Calling
Sheffield favourites THE CROOKES are shooting across the country this summer, just for us. Their poetic lyrics dance around their upbeat guitars and melodic vocals and they'll have you dancing too. After seeing them play venues that can't hold them, I cannot wait to see the lads play their latest album 'The Lucky Ones' out in the open this summer.
TOP PICKS: The World is Waiting, I Wanna Waste My Time on You, Afterglow...
LIBERTY SHIP
where can you find them? Live in Barnsley, Tramlines, Kendal Calling & Blackthorn
With their immensely well-received debut single, 'Learning to Fly', turning heads and a number of sold out shows under their belt, these lads are really kicking up a fuss. Why? The Sheffield four have the ability to captivate almost any audience with their energetic sets, funky basslines and exemplary chemistry. Holding harmonies that rival The Stone Roses and lyrics Dylan would be proud of, its time to fill up your hipflask and get yourself out of your tent to see them this summer.
TOP PICKS: Don't Wish, Learning to Fly, What Point...
APRIL
where can you find them? Godiva Festival & more TBC
One of my favourite discoveries this year has been APRIL.
These lads from Nuneaton cannot be ignored. They're creating music that memories will be made to and I'm not sure you'll have a much fonder memory this summer than belting out their tune, Ten Miles High, with your best mates in the (hopefully) beaming sun.
The JACQUES
where can you find them? Kendal CallingIncredibly charming and talented, these Bristol boys have got my whole-hearted attention. They're giving us energy that channels Sonic Youth and addictive riffs that you want to sing even louder than the endearing lyrics. Moody, yet refreshing, be sure to check THE JACQUES out.
TOP PICKS: Eleanor Ring Me, Pretty DJ, The Artful Dodger...
THE BIG MOON
where can you find them? Truck Festival, Bushstock, Latitude, Kendal Calling & more
They've supported favourites PEACE and YAK, they're cool as fuck, their latest single Cupid oozes magic and I think its about they get the attention they deserve. Not only have they mastered the perfect crescendo (which coaxes even the most solemn toe tappers into having a proper boogie)the chemistry these four ladies have is absolutely unreal. You get the impression that they definitely know something that we don't and I'm excited to find out what that is this summer. Check em out!
TOP PICKS: Cupid, The Road, Sucker...
MARIKA HACKMAN
where can you find her? Tramlines & more TBC
Unbelievably dreamy and undeniably angelic, Dirty Hit's Marika Hackman has recently released her debut album, We Sleep At Last, which speaks for itself. I'm personally dying to hear the album (that feels like you're being tucked up in bed whilst Oscar Wilde tells you a bedtime story) live; absolutely perfect for the hazy summer. Get yourself down to see Marika and feel what its like to let yourself be drowned in honey.
TOP PICKS: Animal Fear, Itchy Teeth, Drown...
MILBURN
where can you find them? Y Not, Kendal Calling & more TBC
'But Eleanor everyone knows about Milburn', YES, just hear me out...
These well established legends took their 8 year break and have resurrected just in time to be the best act you'll see this summer. With tunes that have inspired the likes of Arctic Monkeys (despite the bollocks NME is spouting in an attempt to crawl even further up Alex Turner's backside, yeah, I didn't know it was possible either) and lyrics I've seen grown men scream, you cannot go wrong with Milburn. Honestly.
Why are they on this list? Because its more or less sacrilege to miss them, so I'm reminding you that its just not an option for those of you who didn't realise.
TOP PICKS: Roll Out the Barrel, 17, Storm in a Teacup
SUNDARA KARMA
where can you find them? Secret Garden Party, Tramlines, Y Not & more.
If you could capture 'that summer feeling' and sell it, it would go by the name Sundara Karma. (Particularly Indigo Puff, which encaptures that 'walking-home-from-a-party-at-5am-watching-the-sun-come-up-with-your-friends' feeling that you can never quiet put your finger on.)
Without even realising it you probably know atleast 3 of their tunes! Their riffs are bright and electric, Sundara Karma will have crowds dancing under the sky and you should defiantly be in the middle of that crowd.
TOP PICKS: Flame, Indigo Puff, Loveblood
