Indigo Moon
With a wealth of talent on offer, Getintothis’ Jake Marley takes a look at the pick of the bunch at 2016’s Smithdown Road Festival.
Liverpool Smithdown Road Festival is back all guns blazing from April 30 – May 2 2016, showcasing all that’s great about Merseyside’s underground music scene, with a sprinkling of big names on top.
The Sundowners top the bill. Fresh off tour with The Coral and with new tunes to showcase, the Wirral outfit are sure to be on top form. Also playing the main stage is Natalie McCool, who will be showcasing new tunes ahead of her UK Tour this autumn.
Smithdown Road Festival, however, is built around showcasing all that’s grooving amongst the Merseyside music puzzle, so there are artists involved from all corners, many of whom you may not have had the pleasure of coming across to date. For that very reason, here are ten artists you simply can’t miss at this year’s festival.
The Jackobins (Niall Lea)
1 – The Jackobins at Kellys Sunday May 1
Festival ready and anthemic. Just a couple of words commonly associated with The Jackobins these days. Now a six-piece, the Liverpool lads are primed to let rip with an even bigger sound to their hometown crowd just weeks before they kick start a very busy festival season.
LUNA
2 – LUNA at Caffee Oro Sunday May 1
Captivating through sheer vocal power, LUNA is a real gem. Stirring harmonies and stunning ambience, enchantment that simply can’t be missed. Hook, Line and Sinker, may have you just that for LUNA.
The Floormen
3 – The Floormen TBC
There’s something about The Floormen, experimental psych meets Ty Segall round every mind-bending jaunt. Terrific live and with Changing Time they have a drone-ridden shape-shifter amongst their ranks that is primed to rock any stage, big or small. Get your fix.
The Shipbuilders
4 – The Shipbuilders at Kellys Saturday April 30
The Coral-ish blues magic of The Shipbuilders is fast becoming a live favourite in Liverpool. Lyrics of Liverpool life and melodies that run deep, you feel like you’ve known them for years. One thing is for sure, you’ll go home with one of their hooks rooted in your brain. Thank us later, yeah.
Bathymetry
5 – Bathymetry at Kellys Saturday April 30
Bathymetry are fast becoming a safe bet around these parts. You don’t support Jesus and Mary Chain if you haven’t got something about you live. Their debut album is quite the listen too. Jangle-pop magic. Delicately charming and a must for your festival schedule.
False Advertising (Sebastian Siwko)
6 – False Advertising at Frank’s Saturday April 30
Neo-grunge is all over the menu on False Advertising‘s self-titled, self-produced debut LP. Scuzzy and fuzz brought to life, live. Twitching, off-kilter and utterly irresistible.
Ohmns
7 – Ohmns at Evil Eye Monday May 2
Ohmns are one of few bands on the Mersey circuit who could burst through three sets of amps a week and just laugh about it. They sure as he don’t lack the power within their mind-numbing and often relentless sweaty jaunts, a lot of fun live and Boil D Rice is boss.
Indigo Moon
8 – Indigo Moon at Kellys Saturday April 30
Capping things off with a Liverpool group who are on fire of late, Ash Colley led quintet of raucous rhythms and belter vocalage, Indigo Moon. Their recent EP is packed full of gems and jams, and their live performances are forever on point. Definitely not one to be missed.
