This weekend Fest Evol returns as 33 artists including some of the best up and coming bands descend on Liverpool’s Invisible Wind Factory. With such a strong lineup it’s near impossible to narrow things down to just five must-see artists, but apparently, it’s the done thing. So here we go – five artists who you really must try and see on 30th April. Get your tickets HERE
BLACK HONEY
We were big fans of Black Honey back in the day when they were known as Kill Moon, and the potential was there for all to see. But some people didn’t quite seem to see it. It’s amazing what a change of name and a regroup can do! Since morphing into Black Honey people suddenly got on board with this ‘mystery band’ (they kept their identity concealed initially) and since then we’ve seen them live on numerous occasions. From paying their dues to a handful of people at The Castle in Manchester a few years ago to generating a massive word of mouth buzz to eventually wowing festival goers on the big stage. They’ve been selling out shows up and down the country whilst musically they just seem to grow with every release. This is an ideal opportunity to catch them before they take things to the next level. The buzz is real.
DREAM WIFE
The first time we caught Dream Wife live they were supporting the aforementioned Black Honey in Manchester, and they were jaw-droppingly great! Their boundless energy and obvious delight in what they do was infectious and led to a memorable performance. After their set, you knew from the audience reaction that here was a band who had made a huge impression and were obviously going to go places. It’s in no way an overstatement to say they are now one of the best new emerging live bands in the UK. They’ve already previously slain Liverpool twice, have been named as one of the bands of SXSW and were personally invited to support The Kills in the USA recently.
PINK KINK
Pink Kink, a Liverpool-based collective hail from Germany, America, Spain, Norway and perhaps most impressively Sunderland. They’ve been a breath of fresh air on the local scene and their eclectic sound is difficult to pigeonhole so why bother? Why not just enjoy their creativity. Another band who are spectacular as a live unit and who have been picking up rave reviews beyond their Liverpool base. Still no music available online as yet … but soon we are told.
THE ORIELLES
There was a time when The Orielles age was discussed as much as their songwriting and when they first burst upon the scene they certainly demonstrated a talent way beyond their years. They’ve now been signed by Heavenly Recordings and recently released an astonishing eight-minute pop-gaze-psych-jam in the shape of ‘Sugar Tastes Like Salt.’ They were a highlight at last year’s Fest Evol, and this year look set to raise the bar even higher.
Amber Arcades
‘So which one’s Amber?’ This was a genuine question put to us at Amber Arcades superb Liverpool Music Week performance last year. The answer is, of course, one of ’em. It’s actually the name under which Dutch musician Annelotte de Graaf performs and releases her music. As a live unit, Amber Arcades sound is surprisingly expansive transforming the nuanced bittersweet, yearnings of many of the songs on their debut album ‘Fading Lines’ into a bigger and bolder sonic statement. A huge talent.
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