Ten Unmissable Acts at Bearded Theory 2024
The multi-award winning Bearded Theory festival returns in 2024 for its 15th year. The Derbyshire festival has punk running through its veins, and this year’s lineup expresses the festival’s punk ethos to a tee.
There is a huge selection of superb bands gracing Catton Hall & Park this year, and Howl have taken the liberty of hand selecting ten of the best across Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday:
Amyl & The Sniffers:
The big name at the top of the poster: Amyl are not a band to miss this year. The Aussie mullet punks have matured somewhat since their ferocious debut, and 2021’s Comfort To Me managed to retain the group’s raw, punk ethos whilst distilling a powerful, muscular rock sound. Their UK shows are few and far between, so crack some tinnies, brush your mullet and get down to Amyl & The Sniffers. Howl pick: ‘Hertz’
Soft Play (Thursday):
Soft Play are back with a bang: following a hiatus and a name change, Soft Play are emerging from the punk rock wilderness with some earth shattering tunes. ‘Punks Dead’, ‘Mirror Muscles’ and ‘Act Violently’ are the tastes we have had so far of upcoming fourth LP Heavy Jelly, and it is shaping up to be something fierce. The kent duo are simply unmissable for anyone with a Thursday ticket. Howl pick: ‘Punks Dead’
Bob Vylan:
Bob Vylan are the band we need right now: unabashed grime-punk infused with a whole host of worldly influences, the pair are fiercely politicized and don’t take shit from anyone. This is played out exceptionally throughout their four records, with Bob and Bobby unleashing some of the greatest, no-holds-barred punk shows you’ve ever seen. Howl pick: ‘Hunger Games’
Dry Cleaning:
Post-punk-poetry is a perfect addition to any festival bill, and there is no one doing it better than Dry Cleaning. Gorgeous, heartfelt and often hilarious poems are set to angular, catchy indie punk to superb effect. The group have been building to something interesting following 2022’s Stumpwork, so expect a host of hits and potentially some new gear: whatever the case, you’ll catch Howl front and centre for this one. Howl Pick: ‘Her Hippo’
English Teacher:
There is little introduction required for the Leeds legends, English Teacher. They have been bubbling under the precipice of stardom for some years before 2024: a stellar EP and some superbly angular and emotive singles placed them perfectly to take this year by stom. This Could BeTexas has been nothing short of a smash hit, and their live prowess is underrated for such a talented group. Do not miss. Howl pick: ‘Sideboob’
Big Special:
Another group on the up and up, BS are hitting the heights following their debut LP POSTINDUSTRIAL HOMETOWN BLUES and their mix of soulful punk and cacoughenous, rambunctious percussion makes for a mammoth live show sure to get the pit moving with aplomb. Howl pick: ‘SHITHOUSE’
Lambrini Girls:
Lambrini Girls are a group who represent the 2024 punk ethos to a tee. They convey these gargantuan punk bangers, rallying and soaring with political, queer, and feminist rage set to chunky, in your face bass riffs and howling guitar. They are everything a punk band should be in 2024, and one to watch for the future. Howl pick: ‘God’s Country’
Divorce:
Simply beautiful indie, country and soul make up Nottingham heroes Divorce. Their dualling lead vocals and sublime instrumentation are just part of the sheer beauty of this band, no doubt you’ll find the Howl crew crying in the pit for this one. Howl pick: ‘Gears’
Sprints (Thursday):
The Irish punk / alternative scene is positively exploding right now, and riding the crest of the wave is garage punk outfit Sprints. Another band who have charted the Nice Swan to big rooms course, their collection of early singles and an EP paved the way for a flammable and unshakably good debut. Letter To Self was unleashed in January, and Sprints have been on a non-stop tour of sweaty rooms since. Their live show is one to catch without a doubt. Howl pick: ‘Adore Adore Adore’
Baxter Dury:
The enigma that is Baxter Dury is commanding a huge slot at this years Bearded theory. His brand of sexy, moody, lo-fi lounge tunes are a perfect headline fit for waning sunshine and evening activity. His latest studio effort, I Thought I Was Better Than You is some of his best work to date, and Dury is stepping into his rightful position at the very top of festival bills. Howl pick: ‘Aylesbury Boy’