Dot To Dot Festival 2018 is coming back to Manchester, Bristol & Nottingham from 25 – 27 May 2018 for its 13th year. Expect a huge line-up of artists and new talents from the UK and around the world, including Pale Waves from our very own Manchester. For those who don’t know, unlike weekend music festivals such as Reading and Leeds, there is no artist rotation at Dot To Dot – all artists perform at one city then travel the following day to perform at the next city. The metropolitan festival will take place in Manchester on 25th May, specific times for acts are yet to be released but after record-breaking sales last year here’s just a few reasons why you shouldn’t miss this exciting night in Manchester…
The Horrors
Dot To Dot will be headlined by The Horrors, who have released 5 UK Top 40 albums and have a unique, individual style. Faris Badwan, Joshua Third, Tom Furse, Rhys Webb and Joseph Spurgeon formed the band in 2005 with a distinctive visual style, sporting goth hairstyles, heavy eyeliner, pointy boots and Victorian era outfits. Their accompanying horror punk sound has evolved since then, along with their style, as 2009 saw the release of their art-rock album Primary Colours and the relinquish of their gothic punk style. The Horrors have since delved into a more psychedelic sound with their latest album V, released in September 2017, featuring a more danceable sound that will certainly be enjoyable at Dot To Dot. This established British band is not one to be missed, as their diverse range transcends all expectations.
Pale Waves
Manchester’s very own Pale Waves are set to be one of the main acts performing at the Dot To Dot festival this year, after the release of their debut EP All the Things I Never Said in February 2018. Pale Waves formed in 2014 but have recently gained popularity after being signed to Dirty Hit Records and touring with fellow Manchester band, The 1975. Since then, Pale Waves were announced as 5th place winners of the BBC Sound of shortlist in January 2018 and received an NME Under the Radar award in February 2018. This rising band features an indie pop sound, identifiably Mancunian and individual, but heavily influenced by popular 80s music and artists such as Prince and Madonna, with melodic tones and rhythmic patterns. Their integration of indie, synth pop, and rock genres makes them appealing to wider audiences, but their Manchester-based authenticity makes them a band not to be missed this year.
Bad Sounds
Bad Sounds are an indie-pop five-piece band from Bath with a distinct 70s and 80s-inspired visual style and feel to their music. The band’s easy-going and original tracks such as “Banger” and “Wages” have laid the groundwork for their own unique sound and helped establish them in the music industry. Other tracks such as “Avalanche” display their inspiration from 70s and 80s music videos, making them perfect for more mature audiences and a modern following. In an interview with MTV UK, band member Callum stated that ‘all of our lyrics are taken from conversations we’ve had with friends or each other, we’re sort of documenting our lives with lyrics rather than trying to “say something” meaningful’. This explanation of their musical style exemplifies their easy-going and relaxed attitude that resonates within their songs and the feelings of their audience when they’re playing live. Bad Sounds will provide you with good vibes and a carefree atmosphere at Dot To Dot in Manchester this year.
Turnover
From further afield, Turnover is an American indie-rock band formed in Virginia Beach, although later albums have delved into a dream-pop genre. Beginning in 2009 and now comprising of Austin and Casey Getz, Danny Dempsey, and Nick Rayfield, Turnover’s style was originally emo and punk-influenced in their album Magnolia, then transitioned to an indie-rock sound in Peripheral Vision, and is now associated with dream-pop in their latest album Good Nature. Particularly their latest album offers a dream-like and easy-going feeling and conjures comforting images of beaches and sunsets. Turnover’s relaxing sound could be compared to that of Manchester band Cassia, suggesting that Dot To Dot is offering an exciting, fun, and somewhat serene night in Manchester, with the bliss and universality of music from around the world making its way around the country.
Although specific details are yet to be released, Dot To Dot festival in Manchester is not to be missed, with a diverse range of musical styles on offer to audiences. For more information and tickets, visit the Dot To Dot festival website here.
Words by Abby Hilton.
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