Ten To See At The Great Escape

This weekend will see over 180 bands from the UK to South Africa heading to the beach with their bucket and spade, plus maybe an amp or two, for the second year of The Great Escape in Brighton. Some of the finest new bands around the world will play in one or maybe even two of the twenty venues being taken over by the UK’s version of SXSW. Many will be hoping for better weather than last year (torrential rain and gales) but whatever happens we’re sure it’ll be a hectic three days and a joyous celebration of new music.

With so much to choose from and no doubt endless queues to try and dodge Festivalwise now brings you ten shows you must get into if your life, and those of your friends, depends on it.

Late Of The Pier – Thursday @ Concorde 2

Having formed sometime in 2003 Nottingham’s Late Of The Pier have taken their time but are now getting the kind of recognition their progressive take on the new wave of dance culture. Festivalwise has been a massive fan of the live shows we’ve witnessed in 2007, especially at last month’s Camden Crawl, which come complete with best playing of a set of wooden bed slats we’ve ever seen.

The Besnard Lakes – Thursday @ The King And Queen

Canada, they truly can’t do anything wrong when it comes to music can they?! Having released their second album, which featured guest appearances from members of Stars, The Dears and Godspeed You! Black Emperor, earlier this year The Besnard Lakes ride on a wave of dark reverb and subtle harmonies that increase in complexity with every listen.

Foals – Friday @ Concorde 2

Any live show from Foals is an event not to be missed. We’ve heaped so much praise on them already we’re becoming something of a stalker and we’ll be getting sweaty with them again at The Great Escape. Polyrhythmic guitars mix with buzzing baselines and relentless synth beats – expect it to be mayhem if recent shows are anything to go by.

Gallows – Friday @ The Zap

When Festivalwise first reviewed Gallows last August in support of Send More Paramedics we admit we didn’t see the phenomenon that they would become in 2007. Following some stunning shows at SXSW they are now preparing to re-release their debut album ‘Orchestra Of Wolves’ which originally saw the light of day last year. Believe us this band will be huge and this show incendiary.