Photo: Press/WENN
So, the dust has settled on Reading & Leeds Festival as thousands of music fans adjust back to reality with the ringing of four days of noise rolling around their ears. But festival season isn't over, and now it's time for something completely different...
End Of The Road has become renowned as an idyllic haven of culture in all of its forms. Kicking off tomorrow at Larmer Tree Gardens in North Dorset, EOTR could easily be the perfect antidote for Reading & Leeds. It's a million miles from the mud and the mayhem of R&L, and looks set to be the perfect way to cap off the summer.
Here are eight reasons why End Of The Road is going to be really, really good...
1. Sigur Ros
Not only are they undoubtedly one of the finest live acts on the planet, but to witness their ethereal multi-sensory stage spectacular makes for an out-of-body experience. Eminem at Reading, they are not - they are the very antithesis, but still awesome. Their headline set ought to be one of the highlights of the summer.
2. David Byrne & St Vincent
Either artist on their own would have been reason enough to travel down to Dorset - but combined, they are something utterly phenomenal. Reviewing their recent Love This Giant show at The Roundhouse in London, we said: "This is not a Talking Heads tribute show and the spotlight is not firmly upon Byrne. Dividing the setlist between his own tracks, Talking Heads classics, cuts from Annie Clarke's astounding records and a fair representation of their stunning joint record, Love This Giant, tonight's show is all about collaboration and a multi-layered experience. Expertly choreographed movements stand before dazzling silhouettes as St Vincent jerks to her firecracker guitar work and Byrne dances like a man possessed. That's what Love This Giant is all about: A richness of sound, a totality of experience and a fulfilment of imagination. In short: a complete joy."
3. Frightened Rabbit edge closer to the top
Scottish alt-folk gents and Gigwise favourites F'Rabbits have been playing the long game and edging their way up festival line-ups for years now. Their latest album, the brilliant Pedestrian Verse, saw them sign to a major label and finally start playing in the big leagues. At EOTR they've landed a perfect sunset slot on the main stage - the perfect chance for them to eye up becoming headliners in future.
4. New bands
You've got the headliners alongside the big-hitters like Belle & Sebastian, Eels, Dinosaur Jr The Walkmen and Warpaint (who have promised new material dontcha know?), EOTR also provides the perfect platform fresh talent and the stars of tomorrow. Among this years new crop, our favourites are Bo Ningen, Wolf Alice, Public Service Broadcasting, Dutch Uncles, Money and the mighty PINS.
5. Comedy
Fancy a laugh without having to resort to getting drunk enough to laugh at some dads pissing in a bin or setting themselves on fire? Well, luckily, that sort of thing doesn't occur at End Of The Road (unless it's part of a piece of performance art). Instead, you can entertain yourself with the likes of Robin Ince, Tony Law and the festival-loving Mark Watson.
6. Poetry
The idea of poetry at Download festival or Reading & Leeds would undoubtedly be met with a barrage of missiles and piss-filled cups, but at EOTR, it's actively encouraged with it's own area (a wonderful stage set out like your nan's living room) and some of the biggest and most interesting names in the written word.
7. The beautiful setting
The sun settling over the rolling countryside of the green and thoroughly pleasant North Dorset rural paradise is only matched by EOTR's attention to every corner of detail - fairy lights, lounges, little enchanted hideaways, open invitation pianos, you name it. It's a million miles from the barren field between an industrial estate and a train station where many festivals find themselves.
8. Everything else
Beyond the music, the comedy, the poetry and the beauty, there's a lot more to End Of The Road than meets the eye. There's also a bundle of cinematic pleasures in the film tent, a world of education through workshops as well as music quizzes, yoga, circus skills and a whole lot more. Impressive eh? Why not broaden your horizons are wonder away from the main arenas?
Sounds pretty good, right? So whether you're lucky enough to be heading to the End Of The Road or not, here's a brief playlist and audio snapshot of what highlights to expect this weekend:
