On the weekend of a thousand festivals, it was Dot to Dot‘s killer line-up that excited us most. We do love it when a roster resembles the Amazing Radio playlist so closely. We sent down a contingency of Amazing Radio-heads to the Manchester leg of the three day festival (which also takes in Nottingham and Bristol) to report back. The highlight? By unanimous approval, Bastille.

Bastille

Bastille continue to impress as their live show becomes ever more compelling. Performed with such contagious excitement it is impossible not to fall in love with Dan Smith and his array of innovative pop tunes.

Clock Opera

On the back of one of 2012′s strongest albums, Ways To Forget, Clock Opera created an incredible atmosphere during their packed-out performance at Dot to Dot. Layering gorgeous textures and building to a huge climax, Belongings was the highlight of a euphoric and powerful set.

Dog is Dead

Masters of harmonies, Dog is Dead played an exciting set of their upbeat indie-pop tracks. At their most euphoric, they floored the audience with impeccable five-part harmonies. Impressive.

Peace

Peace lived up to the promise that hype bestowed upon them. The much buzzed Birmingham band powered through a set of new indie gems. There’s hope for guitar-music yet.

Ryan Keen

Ryan Keen stunned with his mellow voice and amazing guitar skills. He used the guitar body to make percussive sounds à la Newton Faulkner and he packed the venue from front to back to a fantastic reaction.

Pulled Apart By Horses

In complete contrast to Ryan Keen, Pulled Apart By Horses tore up the stage with their raucous take on post-hardcore. This is by no means the first time we’ve seen PABH live (in fact, we’ve had them in for a session) and it won’t be the last. Always exciting, always unpredictable, the Leeds boys showed again why they’re considered one of the best live bands in the country.

With Dot to Dot festival around the corner we’re taking a glance at our absolute must-see artists at this year’s event. Taking place across Nottingham, Bristol and Manchester this bank holiday weekend, the festival showcases the best new and emerging artists. Headlined by The Drums, the line-up looks remarkably like the Amazing Radio playlist. You can see the full line-up over at the official website but here’s what we’ll be checking out:

Pond

Pond‘s live shows have become a thing of blog legend. Their blend of classic rock and psychedelic jams enamored audiences at SXSW this year where they emerged as one of the highlights of festival. Featuring the rhythm section of Tame Impala you can expect to get locked into a groove and come out the other side in a weird psych-haze. Coming to the end of their UK tour, Dot to Dot is their last group of gigs before they head back down under. Do not miss them.

 

Friends

With their debut album out on Monday you have two tasks. Buy the album and then go see them in Manchester. Their tracks are laced with an R&B swagger courtesy of front-woman Samantha Urbani which is elevated further when performed live. Oh, and the delicious, funk-inspired bass-lines help too.

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Amazing Radio are psyched to announce that it will be the exclusive radio partner of Dot to Dot festival this year! Taking place across three cities, Bristol, Nottingham and Manchester, from 2nd-4th June, the festival is a masterclass in new music featuring Pulled Apart By Horses,  2:54, Pond, Summer Camp, Clock Opera, Bastille and more.

We’ll be chilling out in Manchester on the 4th June grabbing exclusive interviews and reporting back on all the activity. Tickets are still available from the official website if you’d like to join the party. Check out the full line-up below.

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