When ATARI TEENAGE RIOT announced their reformation to play dates in 2010, fans rejoiced at the return of one of the most exciting bands of the 90’s.  The Berlin band’s underground sound mixed electronica, rock and techno which combined with a striking image and high-voltage live show ensured they influenced countless artists in their wake.  

Psychedelic rockers THE BLACK ANGELS came together in 2004.  Hailing from Austin, they took their name from a Velvet Underground classic, ‘The Black Angel’s Death Song’.  The band recently teamed up with UNKLE for the single ‘Natural Selection’ and lent ‘With You In My Head’ to the latest film in the Twilight series ‘Eclipse’.  With the new album due for release in August, expect The Black Angels to deliver one of the performances of the weekend.

Dublin’s FIGHT LIKE APES bring their own brand of frenetic pop–punk eclecticism to this year’s festival whilst GIGGS, nominated on this year’s BBC Sound 2010 and newly signed to XL brings his well documented observations to the stage. “Indie rock with a side of calisthenics” can only mean DARWIN DEEZ, expect to be entertained!  Quintet CHAPEL CLUB, exponents of poetic pop noir vie lyrically with Dublin’s highly regarded export VILLAGERS and their “literate pop songcraft” as described in the Guardian.  New Yorkers ALBERTA CROSS bring forth their infectious riff-age whilst I BLAME COCO will entertain with heartfelt reggae–tinged songs.   

FREELANCE WHALES, probably heirs to the best band name at this year’s festival bring dreamlike pop while CHIEF’s music is made from smoky hooks and group singalongs.   YUCK, with superlatives tucked under their arm and  choruses of ‘the best new band’ ringing in their ears come on all wistful and love-lorn with their triumphal pop whilst THE CROOKES get things off to a great start with hints of winsome c86-ness.


Sunday 29th August at Reading Festival / Saturday 28th August at Leeds Festival
    
Since their inception at the onset of the 00’s, BRITISH SEA POWER have waved their own unique flag and bring  their well documented elaborate settings to the live arena, the end result is always a show to remember.  Renowned for their eccentricities,  the band are currently working on the follow up to their Top Ten album ‘Do You Like Rock Music’ which will no doubt be as eagerly received by fans and critics alike.

CARIBOU is Canadian Dan Snaith, formerly known as Manitoba. Fusing electronica, psychedelia and breakbeats, Caribou has amassed an ever growing legion of fans worldwide since his debut in 2001. With the disco / dance inspired ‘Swim’ released earlier this year and a reputation for his electric live performances, where he often uses simultaneous drummers and synchronised visuals, big things are expected from this set.

Yorkshire stars ONE NIGHT ONLY enchanted us with their catchy guitar pop when they released their debut album ‘Started A Fire’.  Frontman George Craig captured audience’s hearts and minds with his energetic and compelling live performances.  Album number two is due in August and Reading & Leeds Festival will be the perfect showcase for it.

Seattle based quintet MINUS THE BEAR make indie rock that incorporates elements of ambience and sonic experimentation. Joining them are Australia’s TAME IMPALA whose leftfield, organic sounds made Pitchfork describe their debut album as “frequently dazzling”. Super producer Mark Ronson has been working on THE LIKE’s second alt. rock album, ‘Release Me’, while FREE ENERGY showed up on countless tip sheets at the onset of 2010.

FOOLS GOLD aren’t some Stone Roses tribute act, but a Los Angeles based afro pop band who make an uplifting and inspirational sound. GENERAL FIASCO’s continual touring promoting debut album ‘Buildings’ have made them a formidable pop-rock band, while Liverpool’s SOUND OF GUNS mix anthemic power chords and riotous gang vocals.

Fresh from touring with Hole, FOXY SHAZAM are a maniacal mix of pianos, guitars, howling vocals and rock n roll theatrics and GOLDHAWKS palette is a mix of vintage Americana and quintessentially British fare, think Ryan Adams, Springsteen, The Cure and you’re somewhere in the right ball park.  Openers KASSIDY are a four piece from Scotland who bring four part harmonies and catchy melodies.


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