Yorkshire is fast gaining a reputation for the diversity of its festivals. The monstrous Leeds festival may still be one of the largest in the country, but it’s the smaller ‘artsy’ ones that people are turning to for a fuller festival experience.
Following its cancellation in 2011, Beacons Festival returned last year with a unique array of music and art to please the crowds, all set in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. Vision Music takes a look at this year’s highlights.
BONOBO
His latest album was met with widespread critical acclaim earlier this year. Its slow building electronic sound seems made for festivals like Beacons.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9dJliHNJAU
DUTCH UNCLES
At the forefront of so-called British smart-pop, the band pays no attention to its Manchester heritage. Instead they focus on playful melodies and unconventional arrangements, creating a somewhat fragmented but satisfying sound. A must see for quirkiness alone.
DJANGO DJANGO
Following a Mercury Prize nomination and the headline spot on this year’s NME Tour, the Edinburgh art rockers are riding high on a wave of success. Sure to get crowds dancing to the infectious beat of ‘Default’, Django Django is set to be a highlight of the weekend.
WOLF ALICE
A London four-piece that is immediately lovable. Having started out as a folk band, their sound has moved towards punk making for ragged, unpredictable live performances.
MOON DUO
No festival line-up is complete without the inclusion of psychedelic rock. Luckily for Beacons, there’s Moon Duo. Where other artists have failed, this couple work together so naturally to produce a combination of heavy garage riffs and soaring synth that can only be fully appreciated live.
SPLASHH
Although hailed as grunge’s revival, Splashh is probably better compared to early ‘90s alt-rock – yet still hard to pin down. Their sound is filled with reverb and hazy vocals, producing a kind of happy nostalgia. Little over a year old, expect big things from this band.
Beacons is 16th – 18th August. Tickets available online: http://www.greetingsfrombeacons.com/