Riffed

With Reading and Leeds just around the corner and us being beyond excited, we thought we'd highlight who the 10 unmissable acts to see at this years festivals are. Starting with... 

10. Palma Violets 

Palma Violets ahave been pretty quiet lately but, they're back to headline the Festival Republic stage at Reading and Leeds this year and be expectant of big things. Chilli Jesson and the band have a reputation of going absolutely off their heads and don't be surprised if they do the same next weekend. 

9. Temples 

Temples have had a jam packed summer of festivals but, don't expect this to lead to them putting in a lack luster effort at Bramham Park and Richfield Avenue. After seeing the Kettering bred band at the Fruit in Hull back in February, we can't wait to see them at Leeds next weekend, they're a band of whom's live sound is identitcal to that of the studio recording, a real rarity in todays industry. 

8. Catfish and the Bottlemen 

Catfish and the Bottlemen are another band we've been lucky enough to see at the Fruit in Hull, and another band that we can't wait to see at Leeds next weekend. Although we said that sounding identical to recordings live is a rarity when talking about Temples, the Bottlemen are another one of those bands. Fronted by Van McCann, they're a band who give it all and portray real passion for what they're doing. 

7. Metronomy 

If you're looking for a bit of groove and a band to let your hair down to, Metronomy are a must. The Devonshire based band are not afraid to stand out from the crowd, after being brave enough to wear all white suits to Glastonbury earlier this summer, though their dress sense isn't the only thing that stands out. Metronomy have a unqiue and a brilliant sound, a sound of which is not to be missed at Reading and Leeds this year. 

6. The Horrors 

Faris Badwan and The Horrors are set to showcase Reading and Leeds their brilliant new album, 'Luminous', next weekend, as well as some classics from the past. The post-punk indie five-piece from Essex are a band who's popularity is forever rising and are continously maturing into a brilliant and spotless live act. 

5. Arctic Monkeys 

Despite being the main headliners for this years festivals, the Monkeys have only made number 5 in our unmissable acts list. But, credit to them, they're the only headliners to actually make the list. Though being number 5, Arctic Monkeys are still ever so unmissable, after headlining a handful of festivals around the globe thie summer, including T in The Park, expect Alex Turner and the band to want to round their summer of in style with a 'Brianstorming' set. 

4. Bombay Bicycle Club 

Like The Horrors, Bombay are a band who's maturity as a band has been forever progressing with each gig and fesitval they perform at and expect that to be no different at Reading and Leeds. After releasing their fourth studio album, 'So Long, See You Tomorrow', earlier this year, Bombay Bicycle Club now have a catalog of brilliant tracks to perform within what could be one heck of a set. 

3. The Courteeners 

With their fourth studio album, 'Concrete Love', set to be released on Monday 18th August, prior to Reading and Leeds, expect Liam Fray and the band to be raring to perform at Bramham Park and Richfield Avenue next weekend. With the both as brilliant, 'Summer' and 'How Good It Was', expected to be on the setlist, as well classics from 'Anna', 'Falcon' and 'St. Jude', be prepared for a mind-blowing set from the Mancs. 

2. Cage The Elephant

Matt Shultz and Cage The Elephant are set for a return to the UK for Reading and Leeds next weekend and don't be surprised if the NME / BBC Radio 1 Stage is wrecked post performance. With possibly the most wild frontman in existence, the Kentucky bred band will send the crowd into a frenzy in a matter of seconds. If you're looking for a mosh or two, Cage The Elephants certainly your best bet. 

1. Royal Blood 

It's probably no surprise to most readers that Royal Blood are our number one to see at Reading and Leeds as we've made it clear in the past we're pretty huge fans. After seeing them for free back in October of last year, we're still amazed by The Rise of Royal Blood, although it wasn't really a surprise to be honest. Mike Kerr and Ben Thacther make the sound of 100 men, yet it sounds so brilliant. If you fancy a headbang or two, head to the NME / Radio 1 Stage. 

Who's excited now?

There's also plenty more brilliant acts across the weekend at both Reading and Leeds: 

Written by Charlie Ireland. 

RIFFED x