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Festival Preview: Y-Not 2015 - Top Ten Ones To Watch

 

Though it may not have the same bank balance as the country's bigger festivals, for its size Y-Not can still pack a pretty big punch in terms of line-up. Previous acts over the years have been the likes of Jake Bugg, Maximo Park, Feeder and Miles Kane have all graced the various stages on offer, but with this year marking the festival's tenth anniversary, organisers have pulled out all the stops to bring Y-Not regulars something really special. And though we can't highlight every band on offer, below are a few Muso's Guide will be making sure we see.

 

Snoop Dogg: Someone who needs no introduction, Snoop will be headlining the main on stage on Friday, and with a career that spans three decades, you can guarantee he'll drop some absolute classics in to his set list. From gangster rap to his bizarre sojourn in to reggae as Snoop Lion, even the occasional foray in to pop, there's not much Snoop hasn't touched on over that time. Thankfully it's been a good few years since his visa ban, so we can rest safe knowing that those of us at the main stage come the Friday evening, will definitely be in for something special.

 

Honeyblood: Another of Friday's Main Stage band's, Honeyblood are a Scottish duo, whose fuzz-soaked indie-pop is sure to brighten up anyone's afternoon. With their debut self-titled LP released last summer to much critical acclaim, their sun-bleached fuzz-pop is the perfect antithesis to the Peak District's often grey weather. And if, above all expectations, the sun does make an appearance, it'll go down even better.

 

Less Than Jake: Anyone who has seen Less Than Jake before can attest to how good they are live. Upbeat and somewhat anarchic, the Gainsville ska-punks will headline the Quarry stage on Friday. A definite difference to Snoop over on the Big Gin, but for those who prefer their music to include a less bass and a lot more brass, Less Than Jake would be the ideal ending to the first day.

 

Alright The Captain: Fans of crazy time signatures and noisy post-rock could do far worse than spending an hour with Derby's Alright the Captain. From the abrasively discordant to puzzlingly harmonious, for just a trio the band make a noise that's as uncompromising as it technically proficient. Leave any preconceptions as to how songs should be structured behind and go and kick off Saturday by losing yourself at The Giant Squid stage.

 

Allusondrugs: Arguably one of last year's break-out bands, Leeds grungers Allusondrugs have been tearing the UK a new one since the summer of 2012. Tipped by the likes of Kerrang! and NME amongst others, you can almost be certain it won't be long before the band are gracing the main stage at the likes of Reading & Leeds or Download. Catch them on Saturday afternoon on the Giant Squid stage to see for yourself what the buzz is about.

 

Summer Camp: Influenced by both '60s girl groups and '80s synthpop, husband and wife duo Summer Camp will be bringing their own brand of indie pop to The Quarry Stage on Saturday afternoon, offering festival goers a break from the weight of The acts on the Giant Squid stage. With the band's somewhat downtrodden lyricism juxtaposed by their sunny exterior, it's sure to be a set you don't have to feel guilty dancing to.

 

Ocean Colour Scene: '90s legends in their own right, Ocean Colour Scene take to the main stage on Saturday before headliners Basement Jaxx. Much like last year's Shed Seven, OCS offer those old enough to remember them a chance to relive the '90s in a much purer sense than hearing 'Common People' played for the fiftieth time at your local indie club. Also, having given us the soundtrack to TFI Friday as well, it's easy to imagine the band enjoying a pending surge in popularity.

 

Johnny Marr: Perhaps one of the most prolific artists on the line-up this year, former-Smiths man gone solo (by way of Modest Mouse and The Cribs, amongst others) Johnny Marr is Sunday's penultimate main stage act (Primal Scream will close out the festival). Easily one of the country's most loved indie musicians, his set promises to blend tracks from his days in The Smiths with his more recent solo material, making for a memorable final evening.

 

Augustines: Before Johnny Marr however, Augustines are on the main stage, making for a clear choice of where we'll spending our last few hours. Known for their intense live shows and fraught lyricism, the Brooklyn-based trio will set the bar fairly high even for the headliners. Having lost the 'We Are' prefix from their name last year's self-titled Augustines, and segued in to the realms of stadium rock, there's no doubt that, even for a three-piece, they'll make a huge impression.

 

Rolo Tomassi: More noisy math-rock on Sunday courtesy of Sheffield's Rolo Tomassi. Taking their name from the fantastic LA Confidential, the band were making big waves on the underground before breaking through in the mid-00s. Now on their fourth album (as well as more than a handful of splits and EPs, Rolo Tomassi are proof that being a little bit different works. You can catch them on The Giant Squid stage on Sunday afternoon.

 

King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys: A count-down of some of the best acts of the weekend wouldn't be complete without the bonus inclusion of Y-Not staples, King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys. Having become a regular feature of the Y-Not line-up it wouldn't feel like the festival without getting to hear some swing. Taking to the main stage on Sunday afternoon, they're sure to inject a little silliness in to the weekend's timetable.

 

Festival Preview: Y-Not Festival 2015

Though now perched precariously atop a hill in Pikehall Derbyshire, Y-Not started life as a modest gathering of sixth formers in a quarry. Now playing host to thousands of punters annually, as well as the hundreds of bands which have graced its stages, Y-Not (along with sister site 2000 trees) has arguably gone on to become one of the best medium-sized festivals on the calendar.

It's been ten years this year since the fateful weekend in a quarry, and in order to celebrate, this year's line-up seeks to outdo anything the organisers have done thus far. With bands such as Augustines, Honeyblood and Jaws all joining the likes of Snoop Dogg, Basement Jaxx and Primal Scream who are headlining, it's clear that the festival isn't just indie-centric as many of their medium-sized contemporaries are; the Giant Squid stage in particular playing host to a burgeoning number of metal and post-hardcore acts like Pulled Apart By Horses, whilst the Allotment (previously hosting the likes of last year's Sunday headliner Frank Turner) offers those bands who are just starting out the chance to shine.

Like most festivals however, the music might be the main focus, but it isn't the be all and end all. The huge vistas on offer of the surrounding Peak District make for an imposing scene from which to enjoy the plethora of artisan food and drinks on offer, whilst the tongue in cheek tropicana of the Mussel Beach cocktail bar provides a welcome break from the gallons of beer inevitably being swilled.

Though ten years may have passed since the festival's very first iteration, it still manages to retain a definite feeling of intimacy, especially when compared to its larger, and less fiercely independent counterparts; a rare quality in an age where just about every festival stage is sponsored by one beverage or another. Thankfully this feeling of independence is something which bleeds through from the festival's ethos and in to its crowds, allowing for a wholly diverse, and utterly irresistible weekend away from the posturing and Instagramming that plagues other events. A perfect way to spend the last weekend of July.

This year's Y-Not Festival falls on the 31st July to the 2nd of August. Tickets for which can be bought here.

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