Photo: Linda Chasteau/ Chris Birkinshaw
This weekend will see over 180 bands from the UK to South Africa heading to the beach with their bucket and spade, plus maybe an amp or two, for the second year of The Great Escape in Brighton. Some of the finest new bands around the world will play in one or maybe even two of the twenty venues being taken over by the UK’s version of SXSW. Many will be hoping for better weather than last year (torrential rain and gales) but whatever happens we’re sure it’ll be a hectic three days and a joyous celebration of new music.
With so much to choose from and no doubt endless queues to try and dodge Gigwise now brings you ten shows you must get into if your life, and those of your friends, depends on it.
Late Of The Pier – Thursday @ Concorde 2
Having formed sometime in 2003 Nottingham’s Late Of The Pier have taken their time but are now getting the kind of recognition their progressive take on the new wave of dance culture. Gigwise has been a massive fan of the live shows we’ve witnessed in 2007, especially at last month’s Camden Crawl, which come complete with best playing of a set of wooden bed slats we’ve ever seen.
The Besnard Lakes – Thursday @ The King And Queen
Canada, they truly can’t do anything wrong when it comes to music can they?! Having released their second album, which featured guest appearances from members of Stars, The Dears and Godspeed You! Black Emperor, earlier this year The Besnard Lakes ride on a wave of dark reverb and subtle harmonies that increase in complexity with every listen.
Foals – Friday @ Concorde 2
Any live show from Foals is an event not to be missed. We’ve heaped so much praise on them already we’re becoming something of a stalker and we’ll be getting sweaty with them again at The Great Escape. Polyrhythmic guitars mix with buzzing baselines and relentless synth beats – expect it to be mayhem if recent shows are anything to go by.
Gallows – Friday @ The Zap
When Gigwise first reviewed Gallows last August in support of Send More Paramedics we admit we didn’t see the phenomenon that they would become in 2007. Following some stunning shows at SXSW they are now preparing to re-release their debut album ‘Orchestra Of Wolves’ which originally saw the light of day last year. Believe us this band will be huge and this show incendiary.
Jack Penate – Friday @ Red Roaster Café
Following in the footsteps of fellow Londoner Jamie T singer/songwriter Jack Penate looks set for big things in 2007. His ‘Second, Minute Or Hour’ EP from November 2006 was received with rapturous reviews while ‘Spit At Stars’, his debut single on XL, looks to have set him up for more mainstream success. In the relatively intimate settings of the Red Roaster expect one big party.
The Whip – Friday @ The Gloucester
Having added a now permanent band in the wings Manchster duo Bruce Carter and Danny Saville aka The Whip have gone from New Order-esque also rans to something of a hot prospect in the last year or so. Still relying heavily of the influence of Hooky and co but with an added darkness that also traces Numan and Kraftwerk Gigwise isn’t the only one touting them with the ‘next big thing’ moniker.
XX Teens – Saturday @ Concorde 2
Being forced to change their name due to the pedantic nature of a certain photocopier company hasn’t stooped XX Teens going from strength to strength. If The Fall had ever gone synthesizer lead during the 80s then the music of this London quartet is probably what it would have sounded like even down to the intelligible drawl of their sunglasses wearing front man.
Bonde Do Role - Saturday @ Komedia
OK so they might not exactly be from the favelas but Bonde Do Role still know how to crank out some fun Baile Funk laced with some of the cheesiest 80s samples around. The Gigwise front page stars are following in the footsteps of CSS in bringing Brazilian music to the world while having their own mini carnival at each show and boy are they fun, fun, fun all the way.
Maths Class – Saturday @ Kabuki
They may not be name you’ve heard much of but hometown heroes Math Class are definitely a band to keep an eye on. Already attracting a plethora of label interest they play ridiculously pacy electro-indie that switches on knife edges from danceable to heavy as fuck and back again. Look out for an In Demand feature on the four piece next week and check them out ASAP because they truly are hot shit.
Kate Nash – Saturday @ Pressure Point
Fuck Lily Allen - Kate Nash has better songs, plays the guitar and piano and wears nicer dresses (That probably aren’t from New Look). The Harrow born chanteuse is quintessentially English with her quirky tales of teenage life, gripes about bad boyfriends and loves songs that contain lines about birds shitting on your head. We’ve fallen in love with her and so should you.
And that’s your lot, if you don’t get in you can always go hang around down the pier and drink cheap cider to drown your sorrows.
Gigwise will be in Brighton for all three days bringing you reviews of all the best bands playing The Great Esacpe so look out for all our write ups next week on the site.
