By Jonathan Hatchman,music writer
The August Bank Holiday weekend is almost upon us, once more, thus proving inevitable that thousands of people will descend upon Richfield Avenue in Reading, and Bramham Park in Leeds for three days of live music played across two of the nation’s most popular music festivals. Featuring a lineup that hosts plenty of big names, including headliners Queens Of The Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys and Blink 182, as well as Paramore, Jake Bugg, Disclosure and more. Meanwhile, set alongside the arena filling acts that Reading & Leeds have to offer, a huge selection of exciting newer bands are also set to play, so be sure to witness these sets from these potential festival headliners of the future.
Bloody Knees
Cambridge’s Bloody Knees take all of the best elements of the early ’80s hardcore bands and gracefully catapult them into the 21st century. Channeling the likes of Minor Threat, Fugazi and The Misfits with their gritty compositions that seem best fit for a Tony Hawk video game soundtrack.
Drenge
One of the fiercest duos to have come out of the past few years, brothers Eoin and Rory Loveless released their impressive debut album last year. Featuring a concoction of huge guitar riffs and explosive drumbeats to craft an invigorating noisy rock soundscape that’s definitely going to be worth checking out.
Eagulls
One of the most promising punk acts to come out of the country over the past five years, Eagulls purvey a sound that falls somewhere between punk’s glory years and The Cure circa 1979. A must see.
The Fat White Family
One of the most raucous live bands to hit the circuit since the height of punk, The Fat White Family will play this year’s Reading & Leeds festivals and are sure to bring their general rowdy charisma along with them, so what better way to catch one of London’s most talked-about new bands that in a tent during the middle of the afternoon?
Hawk House
One of London’s premier rising Hip-Hop trios, Hawk House have been exciting the nation with their genre widening brand that’s drawn an abundance of comparisons to The Fugees.
Jungle
Perhaps one of this year’s buzziest new bands, the up until recently anonymous, Jungle are a true force to be reckoned with. Having released their brilliant eponymous debut last month, we’re already sure that it’s going to be this year’s most refreshing albums of the year.
Kwabs
London-based soul sensation Kwabs has been gaining plenty of attention, for all of the right reasons, since the release of his debut Pray For Love EP in January, and his gospel tinged vocal tremor is more than enough of a reason to catch his performance on the BBC Radio 1Xtra stage.
LXURY
Signed to Disclosure’s Method label, Lxury is the alter-ego of producer Andy Smith. Combining pop and anthemic house elements, the artist’s early afternoon slot will be a perfect chance to wake up and shake off any symptoms from the night before.
Misty Miller
Set to release her debut album later this year, Misty Miller will bring her ’70s influenced sound to the Lock Up Stage for an early afternoon slot that’s sure to go down an absolute treat.
Moko
Most remember Moko for her appearance on Chase & Status’ 2013 hit Count On Me, but with a couple of soulful EP releases to her name, this South London songstress is most definitely one to watch out for. Sounding as though she’s stepped right out of the mid 1990’s R&B scene (which is a good thing) Moko is the perfect contrast to the rock led day of Main Stage activities.
This year’s Reading & Leeds festivals take place between Friday August 22nd and Sunday August 24th.