• BAD SOUNDS •
Bad Sounds are a five-piece coming from Bath and Bristol fronted brother-duo Callum and Ewan whom have a knack in making you feel like you’re not the only one in the room, as well as Callum bringing “lots of teeth” to turn any frown upside-down. You like Red Hot Chilli Peppers? You’ll love the funk vibes of Bad Sounds. You like Gorillaz? You’re spoiled with groovy kicks and bass-heavy, head-bobbing beats. You like Michael Jackson? Don’t expect moon-walking choreographic galore, but the band definitely has an abundance of popish jerkiness to shake-off the dance floor pressure.
The band’s gained some major stage presence by conquering Glastonbury Festival in 2016 and Eurosonic Festival this year, whilst also making a live performance appearance last year on the Box Fresh channel of the Box Plus TV Network which is the UK’s most-watched music video network. They also performed live on Vevo dscvr last year which showcases the freshest and hottest upcoming artists to look out for. Bad Sounds is a needs must to see for any festival goer looking to spice-up their Spotify playlist.
Words by Ben McLennan
• KYLE CRAFT •
With a voice resembling the nasally rasp of Bob Dylan and his influences including Bowie and The Stones, Kyle Craft is a songwriter taking a unique direction with his music. Born in Louisiana and now based in Portland, USA, Craft’s appearance at Dot to Dot this year marks his first string of live dates in the UK.
After signing to iconic label Sub Pop, known for their links with Nirvana and as the home of Beach House and Fleet Foxes, Kyle Craft’s debut ‘Dolls of Highland’ was released in 2016. The album explores a wide range of genres settling between a mix of almost classic Americana and acoustic punk. Craft’s vocal is harsh and dominates nearly every song. His lyrics illustrate the power of religion and mythology in the South of the USA and how it provided the perfect grounds for the creation of glam rock.
Last year, after wrapping up the recording of his second originals album, Craft decided to record a cover of a Jenny Lewis song for fun. This quickly spiralled into a full-fledged project with him recording an array of songs by his favourite female singers and releasing them as a collective under the title ‘Girl Crazy’.
In February this year, Craft returned releasing his third album: ‘Full Circle Nightmare’. This record fixates on the topic of women and their ability to ruin men through their powers of seduction. Very much sixties folk-rock in style and recorded live in the studio it has the full energy of a concert performance. Live, Craft is backed by a balance of keys, electric guitar and heavy drums which allow his rapid-fire vocals to stand out and prove even more impressive than on the record.
Take a listen to his latest single below.
Words by Ellie Nolan
• OUR GIRL •
Based in Brighton, Our Girl bring an array of dreamy, shoegaze inspired indie rock with influences from huge names such including Warpaint, Arcade Fire and Broken Social Scene. The trio consisting of Lauren Wilson, Josh Tyler and Soph Nathan, who is also a member of The Big Moon, are making a big name for themselves on the indie rock scene. Their debut EP “Normally” was released in 2016 and has been described as gritty and stadium-rock ready.
With songs inspired by the bands personal relationships and real life events, songwriter Soph spoke out saying how it’s easier to write songs based on something that makes her sad. However, their up-beat music boasts heavy guitars and feathery vocals creating an overall dreamy-rock sound.
Our Girl have been gaining more and more popularity over the years since their debut EP release and have gone on to support the likes of Pale Waves and The Magic Gang and will be making their way to Dot to Dot festival this May.
Check out their new single ‘I Really Like It’ from the upcoming debut album ‘Stranger Today’ which is released in August.
Words by Becky Leaver
