It's been a while since I've made my presence known on this blog, but this year I am finally doing something which I have dreamt about since I was about 14. I'M GOING TO READING FESTIVAL! Let's just forget about the amount of crap and camping based equipment I'll have to drag onto a plane and revel in the excitement. However, it was somewhat disheartening when I logged onto twitter, to see people angrily ranting about many things wrong with the line up: Fetty Wap included to my shock and horror. However, Reading isn't the same festival as it was when it first burst on the scene in the 90's, and in my opinion, its for the better.
One of the main line up announcement which angered many's a twitter user was the foals/disclosure joint headline announcement. At first glance, a band like Foals may not seem big enough for the spot, but I can tell you that is incorrect (sorry, not sorry.) If you were a fan of Skins circa Generation One, you might have some memories of the song Hummer which made an appearance. Foals began as a math-rock band, riddled with jangled guitars and lyrics, somewhat reminiscent of a Silent Alarm Bloc Party style. In more recent years, they have evolved into a much more mature and accessible style, something which has been noticeable since the release of the album Total Life Forever, in particular with the soothing and lyrically beautiful hit spanish sahara. Fast forward to 2015: What Went Down, their 4th album has been released and went straight to number 3 in the charts. Being a fan of this band since 2012, watching the progression of a band like Foals has been a journey. With a Wembley Arena show recently under their belt, I am excited to see what they have to offer to the Main Stage.
Disclosure, again seeing a garage-dance band headline a festival which originally had Nirvana headlining back in the day is somewhat a surprise. Yes, this band are everywhere, and may be 'mainstream' for all you cool cats, but I will be dancing my butt off to their set. Plus, any possibility of a Disclosure x Foals track is exciting enough for my liking.
Another noticeable mention to this line up is the amount of throwback acts that seem to be added. Crystal Castles are making a rare live appearance after the departure of singer Alice Glass. Having been a fan of this band once again from the emo skins Generation One days, I'm interested to see what will be delivered. Two Door Cinema Club are also returning to the UK festival scene, two years after a last minute Latitude festival pull-out sadly due to illness. Hopefully new material will be released before their return.
Other people which seem somewhat interesting include Boy Better Know (Getting my roadman gear ready and brushing off my Man Don't Care rap skills is a must,) RATBOY, Jack U and BLOODY RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS!
Although the festival might seem like a slight Radio One arse-lick at a glance, I can assure you it has more delivery than what it seems at the surface. Plus remember: there's still another headline to be announced! Below is a list of recommended songs to listen before the 26th of August, and I hope to see some of you there.
Sign On- RATBOY
Under The Bridge- Red Hot Chili Peppers
Suffocation- Crystal Castles
Doe Deer- Crystal Castles
Laneboy- Twenty One Pilots
What's In Your Head?- Disclosure
Moving Mountains- Disclosure
I Can Talk- Two Door Cinema Club
Costume Party- Two Door Cinema Club
Itch- Nothing But Thieves.
