Beacons festival is just a week away now and excitement is mounting at Raccoon HQ. The packed programme on offer at this year’s festival includes a an extremely wide range of music to suit a variety of tastes, so of course finding a top five amongst all the talent on offer wasn’t easy, we’re pretty sure you could turn up at any tent at any given time and discover something great. That said, there are some things we simply can’t wait to get our ears on, so here goes.
Woman’s Hour
It seems like a million years ago that Woman’s Hour put out their first single, but this year their debut album came out to rapturous acclaim, drawing comparisons with established bands such as The xx and The Antlers. Their melodic brand of dream-pop is perfectly suited to an evening slot on the Last FM/Loud & Quiet Stage on Friday night, which also plays host to Joan As Policewoman and Daughter later on in the night. Whilst not guaranteed to kickstart a party as such (that’s what Action Bronson is there for), Woman’s Hour will undoubtedly provide one of the more pleasant sets of the weekend, and we’re absolutely fine with that.
Rejjie Snow
A 21 year old rapper from Dublin who is also signed to Elton John’s record label, Rejjie Snow is one of the brightest talents in the game and has already performed with the likes of Kendrick Lamar and MF Doom. Snow is relentless and toxic in his delivery, specifically in last year’s outstanding ‘Lost In Empathy’, which sounds like something concocted in the collective nightmares of Flying Lotus and Tyler, The Creator. Whilst those comparisons are easy to make, Rejjie Snow completely owns his identity and has a firm grasp on what works for him. It’s probably best to catch him on the main stage at 8:30 Saturday night.
Years & Years
With upcoming support slots for Sam Smith and Clean Bandit, it’s safe to assume that Years & Years are probably going to go places in the next six months. Having already received airtime on Radio 1, they’re already well on their way to stardom and it’s easy to see why. Blending a potent mix of soulful vocals and upbeat, surging rhythms on their single ‘Real’, they clearly have a good ear for what gets people moving and it’s pretty irresistible. They’re sure to get Saturday evening off to a flyer on the DIY/Argyll stage at 5:30.
65daysofstatic
I’ve been fanatic about this band for as long as I can remember now and have forced them onto more people than I care to admit, but that isn’t without good reason. Quite simply, they are the best live band this country has to offer and have the records to back it up, seeing as they seem to just keep improving with every release. Last year’s Wild Light saw 65 further broaden their musical palette, with added emphasis on patience and restraint in their work. With such an impressive back catalogue, their Sunday afternoon set at 4:30 on the Last FM/Loud & Quiet (which seems apt) should be mandatory for anyone with a working set of ears.
Darkside
A collaboration between Nicolas Jaar and Dave Harrington, Darkside released Psychic last year to rave reviews. Blending elements of blues and jazz with Jaar’s barely there electronica, the project has garnered a lot of recognition for the live show, which expands their recorded output in a sublime and accomplished manner. As far as closing acts go, this one is going to be pretty near perfect for a festival that prides itself on being a little different and ahead of the curve. The live rendition of ‘Paper Trails’ below should convince you to get to the main stage at 10:10 Sunday night.
Obviously, there are a lot more than five acts you can’t miss at the festival this year, including the likes of Daphni, Tall Ships, Charli XCX, Joy Orbison, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart and countless others. Somehow, tickets are still available so head here to snap one up, see you there!