THE Great Escape has a reputation for hosting some of the best new acts emerging on the scene. This year’s festival hosted over 400 acts which presented the new wave of musical talent as well as some familiar artists like Jake Bugg and Craig David.
Glass spent three days dotting around 35 Brighton venues in order to find the best new music. Here’s our top 10 picks from the weekend.
Anna Meredith
Former BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra composer Anna Meredith, creates enormous music by combining Electronic and Classical sounds. Distorted cellos and bassy tubas put classical instruments into a modern light as they remain the main culprits for the relentless lively beat that drives through Meredith’s music.
PAUW
This Dutch foursome take Psychedelia to the next level with their heavy Eastern influence. Their single Shambala features washy vocals and lively guitars – a combination that would please fans from Tame Impala to The Beatles.
Yorkston Thorne Khan
Yorkston, Thorne and Khan are the surnames of James, Jon and Suhail who combine folk with classical Indian music. Khan who originates from New Delhi plays the sarangi in unison with Yorkston’s double bass and Thorne’s Spanish guitar. This unlikely combination of strings and traditional singing gives the music a magical edge.
Eera
Norway’s Eera is fronted by Anna Lena Bruland, who’s dark angelic voice creeps over ambient chords. Her self titled EP is the answer to melancholy. Eera is perfect for fans of Daughter.
Formation
South London twin brothers, Matt and Will Ritson are the brains behind the electro-funk-heavy music of Formation. Their energetic performances encourage nothing but dancing.
Blossoms
Having been deemed “ones to watch” for some time, Blossoms will be having a very busy year after being listed 4th on the BBC music sound of 2016. The five piece from Greater Manchester promise fulfilling guitar-pop that has even been approved by Manchester legends Johnny Marr and Ian Brown.
Hidden Charms
There’s something about Hidden Charms’ music that evokes a sense of cool. Their blues rock riffs make every moment of listening feel like the soundtrack of an epic movie. Flares, suede and shaggy hair are to be expected as everything about them is soaked in 60s chic.
Aisha Devi
Often it’s hard to make out what Aisha Devi is singing as it’s either in another language or plastered in effects. The music sounds like it’s come from space. Unusual noises and creepy vocals echo effortlessly over hypnotic beats before fluctuating into something much heavier. The music is unpredictable and exciting.
Methyl Ethyl
This Aussie trio made their first UK debut this month, playing a great set at The Great Escape. Sitting comfortably under the umbrella of psychedelia, Jake Webb’s slightly worried sounding singing voice adds to subtle unconventional quirks that make this band special.
Skinny Girl Diet
These three politically-driven Londoners bring the noise. Loud chaotic chords challenge most PA systems, and high pitched screams pierce over thrashy basslines. Their unpolished sound works as the soundtrack to a musical riot.
by Katrina Mirpuri
image by Dee McCourt, Borkowski Arts
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