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Most talked about artists at The Great Escape 2013

SarahW — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:08:24 +0000

Can you believe TGE13 was almost an entire month ago? Now that we’re all fully recovered we’ve been reflecting on a fantastic festival and picking our favourite memories. Here’s a selection of some of the most talked about artists on this year’s bill.

1. The 1975

Photo: Momoko Hill

The decadent surroundings of the Paganini Ballroom played host to a frenzy of wild-hungry fans, mesmerized by The 1975’s anthemic, sing-a-long set that sat somewhere between a riot and a glorious, late-night karaoke session.

2. Marika Hackman

Photo: Tori Clarkson

Flanked by a stained glass window and a church altar, Marika Hackman’s angelic voice and elegant demeanor filled the Unitarian Church and reinforced just why she is one of the hottest folk starlets of the moment.

3. Allah-Las

Stepping out of Allah-Las’ created a surreal fluctuation in the cerebral hemisphere as the body and mind quickly adjusted back to 2013. The LA four-piece helped reiterate why psychedelia holds such a firm grip on the current music scene, bringing the 60’s to The Great Escape in all of its hypnotic, swinging wonder.

https://soundcloud.com/theflymagazine/allah-las-catamaran

4. The Strypes

Photo: Julie Edwards

Signed by the Rocket Man himself, Elton isn’t the only fan of the young lads from Ireland, in fact Dave Grohl, Noel Gallagher and Jeff Beck have all been busy nattering about the boys of late. Dressed in sharp Mod suits, the talented teens authentically recreated the sounds of some of the most defining rhythm and blues bands of a generation, filling an audience with nostalgia for a time that many weren’t even there for.

5. Wolf Alice

Photo: Charlotte Patmore

Dancing on the cliff-edge of delicate beauty and raw power, Wolf Alice’s set highlighted just why they are one of the most exciting bands of the moment. If Ellie Roswell’s piercing voice, her innocent but dangerous gait and reserved beauty didn’t win you over at Coalition, then it’s safe to say you probably need to get yourself checked out.

6. King Krule

Photo: Charlotte Patmore

Archy Marshall aka King Krule showed Coalition why he’s being described as one of the most talented and refreshing young acts to come out of the UK in a while. King Krule’s deeply distinctive baritone voice rung out over immersive layers of electric guitar for a thought-provoking set that left everybody in a kind of beautiful shellshock.

7. The Orwells

Photo: Erin O’Connor

If you managed to make it down to see The Orwells at The Haunt, you’d see just why Warner have recently signed them to a worldwide deal. Frontman Mario Cuomo, backed by powerful garage-pop sounds, climbed around the stage in a manic frenzy to deliver a set that showed us what The Strokes could’ve been if they learnt to have a bit more fun.

8. Night Engine

Photo: Rob Orchard

Frontman Phil McDonnell has admitted a strong Bowie influence helped take mold and form Night Engine’s energetic and charismatic musical repertoire, and, after an exciting and powerful appearance in Brighton, it’s easy to see why the London four-piece were one of the most talked about bands in the run up to the festival.

9. Palma Violets

Photo: Lauren Richardson

A year on from their Great Escape debut show, Palma Violets returned with a secret 2am gig that saw The Haunt descend into mayhem as heaps of sweaty, adoring fans indulged in a delicious, late-night coronation that saw the Palma Violets rightfully crowned as returning heroes.

10. Jacco Gardner

Photo: Charlotte Patmore

At the forefront of psychedelia’s renaissance stands Holland’s Jacco Gardner. The 24-year old maverick artist’s baroque-pop sounds resonated that little bit deeper at The Great Escape as audience members were treated to hypnotic accompanying visuals consisting of old film footage projections that mesmerised the eyes whilst the ears were firmly taken hold of.

11. Mac DeMarco

Photo: Charlotte Patmore

Canada’s psych-pop dreamer Mac DeMarco made his Great Escape debut in style, filling the Corn Exchange with his beautifully lazy, guitar driven sounds. This was Mac’s last and only festival appearance in Europe before returning back to Canada to record new material.

12. Temples

Photo: Andy Sturmey

Bringing all the swagger and wistfulness of the 60’s to The Haunt, Temples took to the stage at midnight, their sounds perching playfully between the hazy drifts of a primed Pink Floyd and the raw energy of an alcohol-fuelled Kasabian. Needless to say, the haircuts and tailored garments didn’t disappoint.

13. Childhood

Photo: Charlotte Patmore

One of the most buzzed about acts of the last year, Childhood are about as cool as the other side of your pillow on a warm night. Led by Ben Romans –Hopcroft and his almighty barnet, Childhood’s reinvented Britpop sound showed just why they are standing boisterously at the top of all indie playlists as bastions of new British guitar music.

14. Brooke Candy

Photo: Lisa Wormsley

Fans were treated to a no holds barred performance from the controversial US rapper as she turned Audio into a wonderfully raucous folly where her bleached blonde hair and wonderfully supercilious gait weren’t the only things on display during her time on stage. In fact, little was left to the imagination as the rapturous crowd devoured her obscene lyrics and undeniable stage presence.

15. Parquet Courts

Photo: Erin O’Connor

Featuring ex-VICE/Motherboard staff, Parquet Courts have been on the radars of many avid new-music sharks around the world since their inception not long ago, and considering the current buzz around the post-punk foursome, it’s no wonder The Haunt was packed to the rafters.

16. Chloe Howl

Photo: Tori Clarkson

The last few weeks have seen Chloe Howl moving closer and closer into that familiar, luminescent glow, known to some as the ‘limelight’. With an array of lively, vivacious tracks, all perfectly and honestly executed by the 18 year-old vixen, Chloe Howl’s time at The Great Escape really proved that she can not only record great tracks, but deliver them too.

17. White Fence

Ty Segall collaborator White Fence hit the Dome Studio Bar with buckets of indulgent, reverb heavy noise. Anyone with a penchant for lo-fi, garage sounds should have White Fence’s latest offering, ‘Cyclops Reap’ on repeat right about now.

18. Mikal Cronin

Bringing the sounds of West Coast Americana to Brighton, Mikal Cronin’s set comprised all the energy and raw-power of the most recent LP, MCII. Cronin’s overwhelming stage presence and full band backing gave his music an added energy that made his performance one of the strongest of the festival.

http://mikalcronin.bandcamp.com/

19. The Wytches

Photo: Dan Stewart

Brighton boys The Wytches didn’t have far to travel as they took The Haunt by storm with their Nirvana-esque, psych-tinged sound that, combined with singer Kristian Bell’s cracked and haunting vocals, had the whole crowd under their eerie spell.

20. Deap Vally

Photo: Erin O’Connor

Blues-rock duo Deap Vally’s sound is so heavy, it’s easy to forget there’s only two of them on stage. They carry all the swagger Thelma and Louise would’ve carried if they’d ditched the handgun and opted for an Ak47, and their set at The Warren proved this wholeheartedly; their raw-energy driven set fusing together the sounds of The White Stripes with a healthy dollop of Death From Above.

Video Release: Whales In Cubicles

SarahW — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 17:04:50 +0000

Hot out the blocks of their TGE13 performance, the brilliant Whales in Cubicles have just release a brand spanking new video which we think you should check out.

The single 'Disappear‘ is anthemic and we can already hear it bouncing off the walls around stadium sized venues. It’s set for release on 17th June and is available for pre-order HERE.

If you’re kicking yourself that you missed them at TGE, quit your panicking, you can see them live this Thursday at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen.

Leave us a comment over on Facebook and let us know what you think!

Dates Announced for The Great Escape 2014

SarahW — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:46:14 +0000

The last venue door has been closed, the streets of Brighton cleared of music lovers, the amps switched off: The Great Escape is officially over for 2013. In its eighth year the festival sold out for the first time ever, saw 350+ of the most exciting new artists from 30+ countries performing to over 16,000 music fans across May 16th-18th and had so many tongues wagging that #TGE13 was trending in the UK on Twitter.

And then, there was the music: From that secret Palma Violets gig, to the utterly mesmerising performances by Polish pop royalty BRODKA, to Deap Vally bringing down houses all over town, to the now legendary sets from the new paradigms of rap Iggy Azalea & Brooke Candy, to Billy Bragg leading a sing-a-long of ‘A New England’ in the back of a tiny pub, TGE13 was filled with those ‘were you there?’ moments it is famed for. But, if you missed those stand-out performances, or if you’re just thirsty for more you’re in luck! TGE will be returning from May 8th-10th 2014 – save the date now.

Kat Morris, festival director commented “A huge thank you to everyone who made TGE 2013 so brilliant, to all the incredible artists that played, to every person that attended, our wonderful partners and our amazing production team. We are so excited to announce the dates for 2014 right off the back of this year’s festival and hope to see you there. ”

The Great Escape 2013 Merchandise on sale now

SarahW — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:37:16 +0000

Suffering from the post-TGE blues? Don’t worry, you can hold onto those precious festival moments with our official TGE13 merchandise which is available from our online store. We have a selection of T shirts and tote bags on sale if you didn’t manage to grab them from our merch stall at the hub during the festival.

Click HERE to see our merchandise.
Like us on Facebook HERE and follow us on Twitter HERE.

Top 10 Snaps from Day Three

SarahW — Sun, 19 May 2013 11:27:58 +0000

Well, what an amazing three days we’ve had, thank you Brighton and thanks to all you guys for making this an absolutely spectacular Great Escape! We’ve had a blast and hope you have too. Here’s some of our best bits from day three of TGE13:

Deap Vally at The Haunt by Erin O'Connor

Iyes at The Mesmerist by Rob Orchard

Halls at Prince Albert by Rob Orchard

Crowds for The Midnight Beast by Roisin Warner

Jacko Hopper at The Metro Hub by Tori Clarkson

Farao at The Metro Hub by Rob Orchard

Velvet Two Stripes in Brighton by Roisin Warner

Washington Irving at The Metro Hub by Tori Clarkson

Jake Issac at The Metro Hub by Tori Clarkson

The 1975 at The Old Ship by Momoko Hill

Top 10 Snaps from Day Two

SarahW — Sat, 18 May 2013 11:04:32 +0000

Some unforgettable performances from day two, including the legendary Billy Bragg headlining the Dome. Here’s some of our favourite photos from Friday:

Billy Bragg headlines the Dome Concert Hall by Andy Sturmey

Billy Lockett at The Fish Bowl by Dan Stewart

Childhood at Blind Tiger by Charlotte Patmore

Deap Vally at Komedia Studio Bar by Chartlotte Patmore

Fear of Men at 10 Below by Rob Orchard

IYES at Blind Tiger by Rob Orchard

Jake Issac at Digital by Charlotte Patmore

Lauren Aquilina at Blind Tiger by Charlotte Patmore

Night Engine at Above Audio by Rob Orchard

Swim Deep by Mike Burnell

Don’t Panic! We’re From Poland line up

SarahW — Sat, 18 May 2013 10:22:43 +0000

Known perhaps best for globally enjoyed premium vodkas and the ageless dulcet tones of Chopin, Poland heralds some more contemporary jewels in its crown of shared national treasures. As our lead international partner this year, The Great Escape is proud to have Poland and the Institute Adama Mickiewicza as our lead international partner, bringing the best in new Polish music across to Brighton.

Infamous for her knack of telling it like it is and making no qualms about her strengths, challenges and personal tastes as an artist, Pictorial Candi brings to the stage a rustic integrity through occasional guitar playing which she may inform you leaves much to be desired yet with material that will assuredly satiate the longings of any musical taste yearning for the reminiscence of styles implemented by artists such as R. Stevie Moore, Skip James and Son House.

Second in the line-up comes the name that rose to fame from the lashings of success brought about by the conquering of 2004’s Polish Pop Idol, which saw Brodka eventually culminating in 2010 with her eventual double-platinum album Granda which was critically acclaimed in Poland as well as abroad for its boastings of the eclectic weavings of Electro, Rock and Roots music within the tapestry of the Pop genre. This year the festival is excited to welcome a star whom has been described as delivering a musical vitality that sets many Alt-Rock contemporaries in her shade.

Beginning their collaborations under the name Hojskole, the three members of the act now titled Très.b have proudly accrued critique which has assured fans and audiences of their latest album to be worthy of ‘must have’ sticker status and which is believed to be of the finest releases in recent alternative record annuls. Their work, having been described most potently as being coherent and a great pleasure to the listener, assures the audiences of this year’s festival a proud and well-received offering.

Last, and yet certainly not least, KAMP! Are a band whom have gained domestic popularity in Poland and what they have described as a ‘niche global fan base’. With their new-wave retro-chic disco styles fashioned by smooth synth-pop, the audience will enjoy music that is richly atmospheric and brings to mind the dustings of hot summer beaches and the last breaths of the daylight at dusk whilst not excluding the hauntingly evoked and nostalgic memories of the disco clubs of a bygone era.

Head along to The Dome Studio from 12:30 to catch this great line up.

Looking ahead to Friday evening!

SarahW — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:28:25 +0000

Unfortunately Plaster and Chris Cohen are no longer able to play their respective sets tonight. Please note that Jake Issac soothing voice has replaced Plaster at the Prince Albert 10pm. While Charlie Straight’s melodic indie pop replace Chris Cohen at 9.15pm at Coalition.

Looking ahead to Friday we welcome back Drowned In Sound who will be hosting their stage at St Mary’s Church tonight featuring Brighton’s very own Martin Rossiter, former frontman of Britpop band Gene, followed by the unique reveries of WALL at 20:45. Mercury-nominated Ed Harcourt rounds off the evening here at 21:45.

We also welcome BeastCast & Dirty Bingo Records to our core programme taking place at 10 Below, which features local band FEAR OF MEN with their classic indie pop, get down to hear their layers of ‘fuzzy beauty’ fill the room, think of a sound somewhere between, The Pains of Being Pure At Heart and Echobelly. Shinies, Findlay and Crushed Beak join the bill.

To finish off a brilliant line up are the equally brilliant DROP OUT VENUS with their self described ‘junk jazz’ sound, they are absolutely captivating whilst performing and certainly not to be missed.

We are also welcome Inspired Artists to The Latest Music Bar featuring Irish rockers, THE PLEA begin the night with their anthemic, instantly addictive tunes that you could imagine echoing over the crowds at Glastonbury as well as in the Brighton bars at this years Great Escape. Polish band, THE FUSE take the stage next with their Funk/Soul/Chillout tunes and then are followed by FRANCLASSIC who are closing the night with their ”Hip-Pop” beatboxing, creating a audio/visual spectacle to entertain everyone.

We will see you down the front!

Top 10 Snaps from Day One

SarahW — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:40:54 +0000

A corker of a day yesterday marked the start of The Great Escape 2013 and we still have two more to go! Here’s some of our favourite shots from Day One:

Jeremy Loops at The Warren by Andy Sturmey

Tom Odell at The Warren by Andy Sturmey

A Tribe Called Red by Lisa Wormsley

Dinosaur Pile Up by Skye Portman

Echo and the Empress by Tori Clarkson

Melodys Echo Chamber by Rob Orchard

Peter Kernel by Tori Clarkson

Scrufizzer by Lisa Wormsley

Mac DeMarco by Rob Orchard

Title Fight by Dan Stewart

Stunning show from Everything Everything

SarahW — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:47:06 +0000

The wonderful Everything Everything put on a spectacular show last night at The Dome and we’re all set for the legendary Billy Bragg to do the same tonight. You can still buy advance tickets forBilly Bragg tonight, which are available HERE.

If you’re here with us and enjoying The Great Escape already you can top up your festival wristband for just £7 by popping along to the Festival Hub or The Dome Box Office.