Reading & Leeds 2024: Six New Bands You Can't Miss
The August Bank Holiday is upon us, and that can only mean one thing: Reading & Leeds Festival. For three decades, the event has grown from its rock roots to encompass a diverse range of musical genres, and this year is no exception.
While the 2024 lineup boasts heavyweight headliners like Blink-182, Fred Again.., and Liam Gallagher, there's a wealth of talent further down the bill, right down to the midday slots on the BBC Introducing stage. After much deliberation, CLASH has compiled a list of six unmissable new acts who are sure to make this another epic weekend.
Thus Love
This Vermont band, who have made the UK their adopted home, cemented their status as a band to watch with their debut album 'Memorial' in 2022. Now a quartet, they've expanded their elegant, shimmering indie-rock sound on their new single, 'Birthday Song'. Their mid-afternoon set on the Festival Republic stage will be the perfect kick-off to their album campaign, propelling them to the next level in their trajectory. With influences ranging from glam rock to post-punk and dancefloor indie, Thus Love deliver a captivating blend of sounds. Euphoric melodies, soaring guitars, and potential anthems are guaranteed, so come 2025, you'll be able to tell everyone you saw them before they were huge.
Dead Pony
Glaswegian quartet Dead Pony evoke memories of Garbage, not just because they share the same nationality as the iconic Shirley Manson, but because of their fearless, grand scale and nonchalant disregard for opinions. Fusing rock with a multitude of other genres, their debut album, 'Ignore This', is a relentless and exhilarating assault on the senses, and their live show delivers the same visceral experience. When not snarling, Dead Pony envelop the listener in an adrenaline-fueled maelstrom of raw passion, guaranteed to clear any lingering festival fatigue during their early-afternoon slot. If you're seeking catchy hooks, look no further.
Ellur
"I think too much, I'm all out of fucks" - this opening line from Ellur's recent single 'God Help Me Now' (co-written with Benjamin Francis Leftwich, no less) is destined for future "Great Opening Lines" lists. This Halifax-based indie starlet will grace the BBC Introducing Stage in the late afternoon, showcasing her captivating musical style. With hints of Americana, a dash of dramatic poise, and gallons of intense narratives, Ellur's vivid storytelling seamlessly blends the talents of Sharon Van Etten and Sam Fender while firmly establishing her own unique identity. After a summer that included supporting Robbie Williams at Hyde Park, Ellur is poised to make a significant impact at Reading & Leeds.
Deijuvhs
Deijuvhs' creative sphere transcends genre boundaries, seamlessly blending mosh pits, raves, and metal gigs. This East-Londoner defies easy categorization, blending punk, rap, metal, dancehall, techno, and alt-rock with remarkable confidence. The result is a vibrant and captivating sound. Deijuvhs' diverse influences set him apart from his peers, and his imaginative approach knows no limits. Crisp tracks like 'Freakazoid' and 'Scumbag Anthem' exemplify his originality and undeniable edge. Reading could be the launchpad he needs to propel himself to where he deserves to be.
Venus Grrrls
Raw, real, and riotous, Venus Grrrls are a Leeds-based punk collective who are a force to be reckoned with. While rumours of their raucous live shows have already begun circulating, they also know how to captivate audiences. Their music, reminiscent of Bikini Kill, Sleater-Kinney, and Siouxsie and The Banshees, puts a fresh, modern spin on classic punk. With their striking stage presence and powerful image, they're unstoppable. Their Reading performance is set to be a memorable milestone, a moment to cherish. With a UK tour planned for early September, their Reading appearance offers a special opportunity to catch them.
Swim School
Sometimes, all you need is a single great song to transport you, and Edinburgh's indie dream-pop group Swim School delivers fulfilling melodic and distorted sonic highs. Their melodic talents are just one facet of their sound; the nuanced instrumental side is equally captivating. With striking effects and earworms like the alt-rock track 'Bored' and the jangly 'Seeing It Now', they offer instant sonic thrills. While initially compared to Wolf Alice, frontperson Alice Johnson's vocals are varied and versatile. They are also an irresistible live force, making them a joy to watch over the weekend. Don't miss them.
Reading & Leeds Festival runs from 23rd to 25th August.
Words: Susan Hansen + Richard Bowes
