Liverpool Sound City 2014 is nearly upon us and with it the chance for emerging Merseyside artists to make a name for themselves, Getintothis’ Josh Gorman and Peter Guy turn the spotlight on those most likely to.
Liverpool Sound City 2014 whirls into action this week – and with it comes a genuine chance for Merseyside artists to shine.
In recent years the likes of Esco Williams, Dan Croll, Stealing Sheep and Outfit have stamped their mark as serious contenders in a wider context than outside their Merseyside music landscape.
Such is the strength of Liverpool talent, that over the last few years, the spine of the very festival has been made up of first-rate homegrown artists; in 2012 Forest Swords, Tea Street Band and Ninetails made our top 10 bands of the entire festival alongside the likes of Willis Earl Beal, Bear in Heaven and White Denim.
Meanwhile in 2013, only quite remarkable sets from Thee Oh Sees and Savages bettered inaugural GIT Award winners Loved Ones‘ set in the Anglican Cathedral as the likes of Jetta and Ady Suleiman also made it into our top 10 sets of the festival.
We’ve avoided notable bigger hitters like those mentioned above plus GIT Award nominees All We Are, Circa Waves, Ex-Easter Island Head and VEYU because that’d be too easy. Instead we’ve shaped a list of the upcoming new blood, really worth your time.
So while you’re gallivanting off to watch some of the stellar new talent from around the globe, don’t forget the burgeoning artists on your doorstep – it’s this lot that are the lifeblood of future Liverpool.
Bird are set to rule the roost at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral on Saturday
Strange Collective at Screenadelica The Black-E on Thursday May 1, 6-6.30pm
One of the great things about Sound City is its diversity. Strange Collective are a four piece garage weirdo freakbeat band with almost no online presence.
Having supported the likes of The Warlocks and King Khan already in their short time as a band, they’re sure for bigger things in the near future.
Yarbo at Moon Museum, Thursday May 1, 6.15-6.45pm and Friday May 2 at Bold Street Coffee 7.15-7.45pm
Opening the Moon Museum stage situated in Parr Street’s car park will be the soothing acoustic tones of Yarbo. The Yarbo pseudonym represents the songwriting of Daniel Pye. His penchant for melancholy draws comparisons to Bon Iver or Conor Oberst. Live sets sees Pye utilise a six-strong band showcasing tracks from his new EP Where We Can Sleep Forever.
Cavalry at The Cavern on Thursday May 1, 9.30-10pm
With slow burning, intricate melodies Cavalry bring their brand of alt-folk reminiscent of The National to The Cavern. They’ve already supported British Sea Power among other big names. Anticipation is building around this five piece and this performance is one not to be missed.
Etches at The Cavern on Thursday May 1, 10.30-11pm and Saturday May 3 at The Brink 1-1.30am
A five piece from different corners of the UK now settled in Liverpool. Part electronic, part post-rock, part something undefinable, Etches are a band carving out their own individual space in guitar music. They’ve already received praised from the likes of Q Magazine, BBC Introducing and XFM. Catch them in a small venue while you can.
Hooton Tennis Club at Kazimier Gardens, Friday May 2, 7.15-7.45pm
Still a new prospect having formed in May last year, Hooton Tennis Club sure for a big latter half of 2014 with a support of Childhood already under their belt. Signed to Edge Hill’s new The Label Recordings, Yuck and Dinosaur Jr comparisons would be apt. This is music for long, hazy summer days and ideally suited to the Kaz’s Garden setting.
Tenements at Tavern On The Green, Saturday May 3, 12.35-12.55pm
Mixing elements of pop, psychedelia and garage, Tenements open up The Writer’s Club hosted Tavern On The Green on Saturday. Still a band in their infancy with only a handful of gigs to their name, make sure you catch them before everyone else.
Bird at Liverpool Cathedral on Saturday May 3, 7-7.30pm
Bird have been making a splash on Merseyside for quite a while now. Ethereal and brooding, they’ve drawn comparisons to Warpaint. With an album slated for release on May 26 and a recent support tour for the legendary Rodriguez, it looks as if the rest of the UK is about to catch up.
Death At Sea at Studio 2 and The Factory on Saturday May 3, 7-7.30pm and 9-9.30pm respectively.
This is somewhat of a homecoming show for Death At Sea. After garnering praise across the industry for their fuzzy debut single Drag/Selfless 18 months ago, they have been away recording their debut album with Chris Wolfenholme of Muse fame. It’s now finished and set for release later this year. Expect big guitars and even bigger choruses from this band on the verge of breaking through.
Moats at The Shipping Forecast on Saturday May 3, 8-8.30pm
Moats have been causing quite a stir in the UK music press this year. Not too dissimilar to contemporaries Death At Sea, they have a penchant for DIY gigs, grunge and shoegaze. They’re making guitar music cool again and that’s something we can all be pleased about.
Beach Skulls at Kazimier Gardens on Saturday May 3, 9.15-9.45pm
Two piece bands seem to be all the rage at the moment and Liverpool has its very own in Beach Skulls. They’re a band that doesn’t take themselves too seriously and that perfectly suits their slacker/surf rock aesthetic. Always a treat live bringing energy and excitement in equal measure.
Further reading on Getintothis
Liverpool Sound City 2014: Top 10 international bands to watch.
Liverpool Sound City 2014: Top 10 UK bands to watch.
Liverpool Sound City 2014: Getintothis‘ guide to the venues.
Liverpool Sound City 2013: Top 10 bands and review round up of the festival
Liverpool Sound City 2014: Getintothis presents Jon Hopkins and stellar Merseyside show at Nation.
Liverpool Sound City 2014: Fringe events and John Peel World Cup revealed.
Liverpool Sound City 2014 add The Kooks to festival bill.
Liverpool Sound City 2014: Jon Hopkins, Albert Hammond Jnr, Drenge and more for May festival.
Liverpool Sound City 2014 announce headliners Kodaline plus Gruff Rhys and Fuck Buttons for May festival
Liverpool Sound City 2014: John Cale and Thurston Moore head up Conference speakers
Liverpool Sound City 2014 reveal football, music and style themes
