Having released their eponymous fourth studio album earlier this year, Blood Red Shoes are preparing to unleash their wave of punk infused rock on that masses at this year’s Reading and Leeds Festival. Their early afternoon main stage slot is bound to drown the respective fields in their grittier sound, honed on the most recent record.
As the weekend approaches, Steven Ansell gave us a run-down of the bands he thinks can’t be missed at both festivals. Together with Laura-Mary Carter, Blood Red Shoes are also exclusively showcasing a live rehearsal tape of ‘Everything All At Once’, taken from their most recent record.
Steven’s Tips for Reading and Leeds:
The Wytches
Brighton is spitting out quite a lot of great new bands recently and these are the best of the lot. They’re dark, intense, emotive and really good live. Kinda like if ‘In Utero’ had been a surf record. Get up early tho coz they’re on 1st on the NME tent.
Drenge
Someone recently said this year’s reading and Leeds is the year of the rock duo… it may be true. These guys have started playing new songs in their festival set and they may be some of their best yet.
DZ Deathrays
Yes another 2 piece, although they do have an extra guitarist for some songs live. DZ are longtime touring buddies of ours and have made an insanely catchy, groove-laden scuzzball new album ideal for drinking tequila and dancing to.
Pulled Apart By Horses
There’s no way you haven’t heard of them but what you don’t know yet is they’ve upped their game like motherfuckers from hell. [I] saw them recently at a festival and they’ve now turned into a machine – they’re simultaneously chaotic on-stage but super tight and their new material is a twist on their sound which gives it a whole new dynamic. Proud to be on the main stage with them.
The Hives
THE HIVES ARE ONE OF THE GREATEST LIVE ACTS ON EARTH. It is impossible to leave after watching The Hives and not feel like you rule the world, and if you don’t feel like that then you need a fuckin doctor.
Brody Dalle
Has always been a big influence on my band mate Laura-Mary, who grew up listening to The Distillers. Apparently Brody does some of their classics in her set plus I’m really keen to hear how her new album works live, because it has a lot of programmed beats and electronic twists.
Slaves
Yet another 2 piece, Slaves are new to the scene and have yet to record an album but you’ll love them. They’re like a cross between early Beastie Boys and the punk band Crass and have an on-stage presence to rival The Hives… nearly.
Jake Bugg
Just kidding, I’m not gonna watch Jake Bugg, he’s not really that interesting is he?
Blood Red Shoes take the main stage at Reading Festival on Friday 22nd August, and Leeds on Saturday 23rd August.