Camden Rocks Festival takes place this weekend and, so far, has shaped up to be the perfect accompaniment to festival season. Taking place in Camden Town, London, over 20 venues will open their doors for 200 plus acts to play sets throughout the day. Some are even playing more than one, with Funeral For A Friend for example playing three different sets.
Camden Town has long been seen as the music hub of London, with its market stalls and artistic murals, it is known nationwide as the place to be. Having been home to many major musical names over the years, Camden Rocks Festival takes place to pay homage to the musical world in the musical Mecca of this country’s capital. With many established acts playing, as well as many up and coming bands, this years Camden Rocks Festival looks to be one of the many highlights of the festival season.
Here are some of the many heavy hitters worth checking out on Saturday 30th May. Don’t forget, there are a ridiculous amount of bands elsewhere, so start planning early.
Words by Adam Rosario [AR] and Mike Scott [MS].
Lock & Key
Electric Ballroom @ 13:00
Rich Lardner (ex-Odessa) fronts his new band and opens us the Ballroom. Decent slice of midlands hardcore to start the day off. They aren’t producing anything new, but they are fucking good at what they do. [MS]
Polar
Electric Ballroom @ 15:00
After meandering round for a bit, avoiding £5 pints by drinking Tennants Super out of a brown bag, we expect to find ourselves back in the Ballroom for Guildford’s heaviest, Polar. (Well, maybe second heaviest if you include Palm Reader) Always a pleasure. Expect a big slice of their awesome debut ‘Shadowed by Vultures’. [MS]
Oxygen Thief
Dingwalls @ 16:00
Bristol’s Oxygen thief, aks Barry Dolan, is a bit of an institution – and his unique brand of acoustic led stuff is finally turning some heads. Well worth a watch. [MS]
Funeral For A Friend
Black Heart @ 16:00 / Barfly @ 19:15 / Dingwalls @ 22:30
Post-hardcore heroes Funeral For A Friend have grown a reputation for being one of best live acts in the country. The band are returning to Camden and will very likely be a highlight of the day. With massive choruses and fan favourites like ‘Juneau’, Funeral are very well prepared. [AR]
Glamour Of The Kill
Underworld @ 16:00
Yorkshire metallers who are always game for a party. Currently on tour supporting Heaven’s Basement, they end their tour at Camden Rocks. They’ll be a highlight for sure, especially with their rabid fanbase. [AR]
Lawnmower Deth
Underworld @ 17:15
Why the fuck would anyone not watch Lawnmower Deth? Comedy Thrash is the finest genre. [MS]
Astroid Boys
The Stillery @ 18:00
Grime and rock are two genres which don’t go together very often, but Astroid Boys combine them to a whole new level. Having played many sold out shows, they’re well versed at getting a crowd going and will prove a rowdy bunch for security to handle. [AR]
Vanilla Pod
Jazz Cafe @ 18:30
I used to be on the same label as these dudes. Saw them with Consumed a few weeks back – and fuck me, they still have it. Relieve some youth with the ‘Pod. (Which I’ll do once I find out where the Jazz Cafe is.) [MS]
The One Hundred
The Stillery @ 19:00
Having just come off tour with Papa Roach, The One Hundred have captured a lot of new fans. Their electronic rocky rap hybrid sees them bringing an energetic live show to the stage. They’ll be one band to keep an eye on, and one to see at the festival. [AR]
Mensw@r
The Cuban @ 20:00
Yes, Menswe@r. The Britpop legends – and by legends, I mean dirty little secret I actually liked. Go on Spotify and put ‘Daydreamer’ on. Seriously. Absolute banger. [MS]
Hawk Eyes
The Stillery @ 20:00
DIY rock is always the best kind and Hawk Eyes have that in abundance. With a wealth of experience and some serious momentum behind them, they’ll definitely get the crowd going and will most certainly be worth a watch. [AR]
Feed The Rhino
Barfly @ 20:15
Hardcore doesn’t come much more hardcore than when it comes from Feed The Rhino. They’re also appearing on the Main Stage of Reading & Leeds this year, and Camden Rocks gives them a chance to show why they deserve to be there. [AR]
Modestep
Dingwalls @ 21:00
Electronic rockers, Modestep will have released their second album by the time Camden Rocks rolls around. The band have gained a huge live reputation and will bring the party and summer vibes to Camden Town especially when they drop ‘Sunlight’ and ‘To The Stars’. [AR]
Bullet For My Valentine
Electric Ballroom @ 21.15
Billed as headliners of the whole festival, the Welsh rockers finally return. Armed with a new album, they are sure to end the day in fantastic fashion. Playing one of the smallest shows they’ve played in the UK in years, they’ll be fantastic. [AR]
Skindred
Underworld @ 21:15
Ragga-metal is on the agenda, as festival favourites Skindred are set to be a highlight like any other time they play. Having already played headline shows this summer, Skindred will be well oiled and ready to bring the Newport Helicopter to Camden. [AR]
Turbowolf
Barfly @ 21:30
Bristol born Turbowolf will bring the riffs to Camden. Having toured extensively, Turbowolf are a great bet for sleeper set of the festival. Armed with massive riffs and big choruses, those new to the band are likely to find their new favourite. [AR]
Sonic Boom Six
Brewdog @ 21:30
Doubtless it’ll be like squeezing sardines into a tin in Brewdog, but I shall attempt to get over there and see Manchester’s finest. By the time I’ve bought a couple of drinks, I assume my wallet will be empty and I’ll be heading off down the Northern line towards Morden, via Bank… [MS]
For full details and tickets, head to the official Camden Rocks website.