With the 2024 instalment of Reading and Leeds about to kick off, James O’Sullivan picks the acts of the weekend.
Reading Festival 2023 (Luke Dyson)
Friday Reading/ Saturday Leeds
Big Special
The duo of Joe Hicklin and Callum Moloney, otherwise known as Birmingham-based punk band Big Special, have been doing pretty well for themselves since storming inexorably onto the scene with last year’s TREES EP. With a sold-out UK headline tour quickly following, including a date at The Lexington, the band’s unique blend of vitriolic-coded lyrical poetry, almost nihilistic frustration, and pulse-racing drum beats were quickly becoming a sonic spectacle that needed to be seen. As far as new bands go, pretty good.
And then came this year’s POSTINDUSTRIAL HOMETOWN BLUES, to pretty much universal critical acclaim, and the band have deservedly blown up. From a big ol’ headline tour back in May and an upcoming headline show at O2 Kentish Town next year, to support slots with the likes of Pixies and John Grant, Big Special have a whole host of excitement on their horizon. Getting to see them open up the intimate Festival Republic Stage — and in Reading’s case, the entire festival — is one hell of an exciting prospect indeed.
Bad Nerves
If you crave high-octane, raw energy at Reading Festival, Bad Nerves are the ones for you. The Essex-based quintet, known for their explosive blend of punk rock and powerful pop-driven anthems, have been turning heads since their self-titled debut album in 2020. With a reputation for chaotic live shows, including with both glam-rock standouts The Struts and UK icons The Darkness over the span of last year, the charisma washing off of any stage they patron is exquisitely addictive. Check out recent album Still Nervous and for God’s sake, catch them live. They describe themselves as the “bastard child of a Ramones/Strokes one night stand” — what more could you want?
Teddy Swims
Teddy Swims, the soulful sensation from Atlanta, is someone you can’t afford to miss. With a voice that effortlessly blends R&B, pop, and rock, Teddy is a talent like no other; his recent tours to celebrate debut album I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy pretty much universally sold out and were by all accounts nothing short of phenomenal.
Teddy Swims’ set at Reading is set to be a soulful journey through love, loss, and everything in between, and it’s one you won’t want to miss — and, if you’re quick, you can even grab tickets for his upcoming show at Hammersmith’s Eventim Apollo in November. Just look up ‘Teddy Swims, Lose Control, busker in Brisbane’ if you need any more convincing. But, if soulful music isn’t really your style, he also clashes with…
Spiritbox
Canadian metalcore juggernauts Spiritbox have quickly become one of the most talked-about bands in the heavy music scene. Fronted by the enigmatic Courtney LaPlante, the band blends brutal riffs with hauntingly melodic vocals, creating a sound that’s crushingly ethereal. Their 2021 debut album, Eternal Blue, was met with critical acclaim — though with tracks like Holy Roller, Constance, and the Sam Carter-featuring Yellowjacket, how could it not? — and rightfully earned them a devoted global fanbase; even their rise in the UK has been stratospheric, with an evening slot at Korn’s monumental Gunnersbury Park show last week. Catch them on the main stage at Reading (if you dare!), and then catch them on tour with Periphery and Stray From The Path in Europe in February… although one date on the poster is conspicuously free of any location..?
Blink-182 @ The O2 (Simon Reed)
Blink-182
Pop-punk legends Blink-182 need no introduction. They shouldn’t even really need to be included in this feature; it’s unlikely that anyone here hasn’t already heard of them — yet, as far as ones to watch go, Blink-182 are a bucket list band if ever there was one. They’re pioneers of the genre; it’s unimaginable what the pop-punk scene, or likely the music scene in general, would be like if 1999’s Enema Of The State hadn’t come into being. They’ve inspired simply an unthinkable number of bands with their catchy hooks, irreverent humour, and relatable lyrics, not least fellow Main Stage standouts Neck Deep, and they’re an act that everyone should get to see at some point in their lives. Why not make that point their headline set at Reading and Leeds? As the first chance for the UK to see Mark Hoppus, Travis Barker, and the recently returned Tom DeLonge since the release of their highly-anticipated tenth album, ONE MORE TIME…, it will be a monumental show. And, who knows, maybe we’ll get lucky and get a Blink-182 Eras show like fellow icons Fall Out Boy graced Donnington with back in June?
Saturday Reading/ Sunday Leeds
Dead Poet Society
Dead Poet Society are the band for those that crave their rock with a mix of unpredictability and raw emotion. Hailing from Boston, this alt-rock quartet fuses elements of bluesy rock with almost garage grunge to create an addictive, mesmerising soundscape all their own — particularly with vocalist Jack Underkofler’s frankly stunning voice. Their set is bound to feature a mix of tracks from both their debut album -!- (such as I Never Loved Myself Like I Loved You, .CoDA., or personal favourite American Blood) as well as this year’s FISSION — seriously, listen to FISSION, it’s incredible — and catching their set at Reading Festival is a chance to see a band on the brink of something truly special.
The Last Dinner Party
The Last Dinner Party are a band that seemed to hit stardom at a bewildering pace. With a theatrical flair and a sound that draws from art rock, glam, and baroque pop, this London-based band only released their first single Nothing Matters in April 2023; and, suddenly, they were supporting the likes of Florence + The Machine and Hozier, as well as selling out their own headline tours. Then came their UK-chart topping debut, Prelude To Ecstasy, which brought with it two well-deserved Brit Awards, and suddenly The Last Dinner Party were everywhere — and for good reason, with their ethereal live performances a constant reminder of the magic of live music. Their set at Reading will likely be one of the most talked-about performances of the weekend, offering a glimpse into the future of alternative music, and you’d be a fool not to be there.
The Last Dinner Party @ Glastonbury Festival 2024 (Kalpesh Patel)
The Scratch
Something different now, in the form of Dublin-based, acoustic-folk-metal outfit The Scratch. Known for their raucous energy and infectious humour, The Scratch have become a beloved fixture in both the Irish music scene and beyond. Recent album Mind Yourself, featuring the likes of Cheeky Bastard and Blaggard, flawlessly showcases their ability to combine intricate musicianship with a punk attitude and an endearing sense of frantic fun, all of which leaves their live shows feeling like a cross between a traditional Irish session and a rock concert.
With their Reading Festival debut, The Scratch are set to win over even more hearts with their unbeatable live presence; check out single Another Round and you’ll see exactly what we mean.
Yours Truly
Australian pop-punk outfit Yours Truly have been steadily rising through the ranks with their catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics. The band’s blending of both upbeat pop-punk and heart-breaking emotional depth has made them a favourite on the festival circuit, with performances at Slam Dunk and Download Festival earning them rave reviews, and Reading and Leeds are set to be no different. Fronted by the charismatic Mikaila Delgado, the band have just released their highly-anticipated second album TOXIC, and Reading and Leeds should provide the perfect opportunity for a new genre of fans to fall in love with them… and just in time for the band’s accompanying UK tour!
Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey, the queen of melancholy pop, is yet another star who needs no introduction. Known for her dreamy alt-pop sound, cinematic soundscapes, and nostalgic lyricism, Lana has carved out a unique space in the music industry since her breakthrough with Born To Die. Last year’s Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd was lauded for its introspective lyrics and lush production and generally acknowledged as one of the best albums of 2023. Getting to hear the likes of Summertime Sadness, Young and Beautiful, or last year’s A&W live will be something special indeed. With numerous awards under her belt, including multiple Grammy nominations, and the accolade of being named by Rolling Stone UK as “the Greatest American Songwriter of the 21st Century”, her Reading set will be a journey through more than a decade of genre-defining hits and new material that continues to push the boundaries of pop music. She’s a comfortable stand out.
Sunday Reading/ Friday Leeds
Corella
Manchester-based indie pop band Corella have been quietly making a name for themselves over the past year or so. The band’s feel-good sound, characterised by jangly guitars and catchy choruses, has drawn comparisons to acts like Two Door Cinema Club, and for good reason; their tracks’ polished production and Summer-ready vibes reflect the same feel good wholesomeness as the Bangor-based band.
With a string of successful festival appearances and a new EP in the works, Corella are set to bring their sun-soaked anthems to Reading Festival for what is sure to be a highlight for fans of indie pop — new favourite band, anyone?
Crawlers
Crawlers are Harry Breen, Liv May, Amy Woodall, and inimitable vocalist Holly Minto; and, hailing from Liverpool, they are one of the most exciting new bands in the alternative rock scene. Blending grunge, punk, and pop to create a raw, emotional, and frankly cathartic experience that resonates with fans of all genres, it’s simply impossible not to enjoy them. Support slots with Royal Blood, Mother Mother, Yungblud, and My Chemical Romance, their own headline shows, and a recently released debut album in the form of The Mess We Seem To Make mark a band on the rise. Their main stage slot is comfortably a must-see for anyone looking to catch the next big thing in alternative rock.
Crawlers @ Rough Trade East (Paul Lyme)
Kingfishr
It’s been a hell of a few years for Kingfishr. When the trio of Edmond Keogh, Eoghan McGrath, and Eoin Fitzgibbon decided to form a band, having met while studying Engineering at university, they couldn’t have imagined everything that’s happened. How could they? Yet, in the year and a half since releasing their first single, their list of accolades is ridiculous. They’ve performed with the likes of George Ezra, Dermot Kennedy, and Bruce Springsteen; they’ve sold out headline show upon headline show upon headline show, with two nights at 3Olympia even resulting in a live album.
It’s not just their hearty, wholesome folk-rock sound, although Keogh’s phenomenally powerful vocals and the fantastic, captivating, and soulful melodies and harmonies created by McGrath and Fitzgibbon are a huge part of it. Instead, it’s just how humble the trio are. They’ve even posted a phone number to their social media for fans to hit them up over the weekend for a drink. A class act, and the perfect opportunity to see them before their headline tour in the coming months.
Pendulum
Having toured the UK earlier this year, including a night at the O2 Arena, legendary Australian act Pendulum are set to bring their explosive energy back to Reading Festival. Known for blending rocky electronic music with their iconic drum ‘n’ bass sound, they’ve been a dominant force in the festival circuit for years; just look at how packed their surprise set at Reading got back in 2022. Not to mention, their live shows are nothing short of spectacular; intense light displays and thundering beats mingle with the fantastic vocals of Rob Swire to make them a must-see act at festivals worldwide. Their Reading Festival set is guaranteed to be an electrifying experience that will leave audiences buzzing long after the final note, and the perfect Sunday-late-afternoon pick me up that every camper needs.
Catfish and the Bottlemen
Catfish and the Bottlemen
Catfish and the Bottlemen, the indie rock giants from Wales, are no strangers to the big stage — or even Reading and Leeds’ big stage, having headlined back in 2021 along with Liam Gallagher. With the string of chart-topping albums that are The Balcony, The Ride, and The Balance to their name, the band have comfortably solidified their place as one of the UK’s top rock acts and as one of the UK indie scene’s most beloved. Getting to see them at Reading and Leeds, particularly after their disconcerting absence over the past few years, is going to be historic. Catch them headlining the main stage, and then book tickets for their newly announced stadium shows next year — c’mon, we dare you.
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