The Howl team is returning to Pikehall this year for a fantastic weekend of live music. Y Not is always a highlight in the festival calendar, and this year the bands are stronger than ever. Grab your tent, a few cans of warm lager and check out our top-ten must-watch bands:
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SOFT PLAY:
Everyone’s favourite two-man boy band are on a meteoric rise since their reformation. Back as SOFT PLAY, the duo have a number three record under their belts (their highest ever chart position) with new album Heavy Jelly, and this festival season they have been inspiring mosh pits up and down the country.
Yard Act:
The post-punk-poster-boys are back in Derbyshire to knock the socks off anyone who dares to watch. Their new record, Where’s My Utopia has seen them showcase significant sonic growth whilst maintaining that tongue in cheek wit and charm they do so well. Their Glastonbury set was a ginormous triumph, and 24 hours before a gigantic homecoming, their Y Not set will see the band hit Pikehall on fine form.
Black Honey:
Brighton alt rockers Black Honey are back. They’ve been on a meteoric rise since their debut, and smashing festival sets in the sun has been meat and potatoes for BH for years. They’re a perfect band for bucket hats, sunglasses and cans: strap-in for some sunshine euphoria with their muscular rock tunes.
The Mysterines:
The Mysterines have had a sensational eighteen months: a gargantuan UK tour opening for Arctic Monkeys, a phenomenal sophomore record and some big shows of their own has seen them catapulted up the festival lineups. They have grown in this time too, and with grungier, Pixies-style tunes packing out their back catalogue, their set is sure to pack out the tent they find themselves in.
NewDad:
Irish bands have been taking the scene by storm for some time now, and the newest act from the Emerald Isle to break through is NewDad. Their unique mix of dreampop and shoegaze is a winner, as well as an exceptional Cure cover that they’ve worked into their live set. An unmissable act with big things on the horizon.
HotWax:
Brightonian three-piece HotWax are finding themselves higher and higher on festival bills: their powerful alt-rock tunes are no-nonsense, loud and packed with earth-shaking riffs. They are sure to shake Y Not to it’s very foundations.
English Teacher:
The Leeds legends, English teacher are on sensational form right now: a monumental debut album, This Could Be Texas, has earned the group massive critical acclaim, a Mercury nod and a huge cult following. Their lovesick tunes set to angular art-rock and melancholic instrumentals have them poised as one of the best British bands. Unmissable.
Bob Vylan:
Punk, grime and an unshakable ‘we don’t give a fuck’ attitude makes BV one of the most exciting live prospects in the country right now. They’ve released a series of urgent, vital, political records over the last few years, and their live shows have become significant in their reputation for madness. They’re far and away the most exciting live outfit on the scene right now, and are a must-see at Y Not.
The Bug Club:
TBC are a hugely prolific band, creating record after record of 60s-inspired swinging rock n roll: their creativity and work ethic transmit directly to the live show, and the band have been on the up and up. Be sure to catch these, for a magic set packed full of tunes.
Venus Grrrls:
Venus Grrrls are a brand new band on the cusp of breaking through: their hard riffs and driving punk are a winning combo, making them one of the most thrilling new prospects in the fields this weekend. Catching them this early will definitely earn you some ‘cool points’ when Venus Grrrls are massive.
