Riffed

Johnny Lloyd this week made a return to the scence when he released two songs from his upcoming EP 'Pilgrims'. The former Tribes frontman uploaded 'Dead Beat' and the EP title track 'Pilgrims' and was met with a fantasticly positive response to his new material. 'Dead Beat' is a slow but powerful song, it grasps you within and doesn't let you leave. You sense a feeling of despair throughout, and meaningfulness portrayed via the strong and powerful voice of Johnny Lloyd. 'Pilgrims' is also as fantastic, maybe even better. The EP title track offers an excellent vibe throughout, a real groove, you find yourself lost within the sound. "I've never loved somebody like you" you subconsciously end up singing at the top of your voice throughout, a very catchy and very groovy tune. You sense hints of Tribes throughout, and how much we miss them. This and 'Dead Beat' as surprising as you'll find it, make you forget about it for 10 minutes or so, yes they're that good. Johnny should soon be releasing the 'Pilgrims EP' and is currently on tour and we shall expect more dates in the near future as he has returned back to the scene in style. We can't wait to hear more. If you would like to listen to 'Dead Beat' and 'Pilgrims' by Johnny Llyod, follow the link : https://soundcloud.com/johnnylloydmusic?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=twitter If you would like to view Johnny's Facebook page and 'like' it, for information on tour dates and releases, follow the link : http://www.facebook.com/johnnylloydmusic RIFFED HQ x

The Reading and Leeds 2014 lineup has been annnounced, almost completley and it is one that is certainly raising a few eyebrows. 

Queens of The Stone Age, Paramore, Arctic Monkeys and Blink-182 headline. We begin with Queens of The Stone Age, who are bound to be heard from miles beyond each Reading and Leeds festivals site with their powerful sounds, to some an engineered racket, but for others, a pain in the ears. Paramore were also announced as headliners and will headline with Queens of The Stone Age in a joint headline act this year, although some aren't too best pleased. Paramore with their American punk rock presence is not one that many R and L goers are a fan of, but festivals are for everyone and the punk lovers across the UK will be loving this. Next to be announced as headliners were Sheffield quadret Arctic Monkeys, although this isn't the first time they've headlined, The Monkeys being announced pleased pretty much the whole nation, sparking huge ticket sales for this years festivals. Prepare for a brilliant evening whether you are at Reading or Leeds when the Arctics headline. The Final headliners for this year are Blink-182, another punk rock band but one more people are a fan of, making their long awaited return to British festivals. Blinks announcment resulted in split opinions, some pleased, some not so much. 

The headliners have not only splitted opinions on this years campers, the rest of the line-up has to. Acts like Peace, Bombay Bicycle Club, Gerard Way, The Courteeners, The Kooks and Royal Blood to name but a few have got plenty of people jumping out of their seats. But, acts like Macklemore and Disclosure have got them sat back down again. Many people believe Reading and Leeds is a festival for rock and alternative music, therefore aren't willing to take Macklemore and Disclosure's announcments with a pinch of salt.

Finally, we move on to the up and coming artists who will be showcasing their talents on the festival republic stage. Keep your eyes pealed for young Nottingham artist Saint Raymond, as well as Indie band Wolf Alice, Drowners, Catfish and The Bottlemen, Darlia and Circa Waves and many others. Headling the festival republic stage are mad rockers Palma Violets, joined by Band of Skulls and Augustines, who will all be attempting to boost their fanbase and get themselves in the limelight amongst others. 

Whether the line-up pleases you or not Reading and Leeds 2014 is sure to be a cracker, if you're going or just watching at home, we hope you enjoy. RIFFED HQ x