With Glastonbury commencing next week, two of The Edge’s writers have said who they are most looking forward to seeing. Henna and James will be there with tens of thousands of other festival goers and have both given us the three acts they can’t wait to see.
Kanye West
When the mighty Foo Fighters were announced as closing the first night of Glastonbury, news of Kanye West headlining the following day caused much controversy. With Kanye on the hip-hop rap scene and Dave Grohl and co. heading the rock front, the two acts were seen by Glastonbury-goers as polar opposites. But one of the best things about the festival is its diversity with its wide spectrum of genres. Regardless of the uproar and disappointment stirred within Glastonbury-goers, there is no denying that Kanye is one of the biggest artists in the music industry, with a status worthy of headlining the prestigious Pyramid Stage. Although a somewhat risky choice by the festival’s team, I have no doubts that the Pyramid Stage will be full to capacity on Saturday night.
Where and when: Pyramid Stage, Saturday 22:15
Catfish and the Bottlemen
Catfish and the Bottlemen are by far one of the main contemporary British rock bands of today, having taken the music scene by storm over the last two years with the release of their debut record The Balcony. Just one day after the album’s release, the band performed single ‘Kathleen’ on the prestigious Late Show with David Letterman, marking their first television appearance. With a clear confidence and domination on stage, lead singer and band lyricist Van McCann will do Glastonbury proud this year on the Other Stage backed by his extremely talented band members.
Where and when: Other Stage, 15:00
FKA twigs
FKA twigs is one of the more ‘alternative’ acts at Glastonbury and one of the festival’s limited number of female artists. Having released her aptly titled first album LP1, twigs was dubbed as magnetic, sensual and free with her mind and body – a concept which some artists have found difficult to put across effectively during recent years. With her quietly confident and mesmerising aura, those beautiful doe eyes and unique image, she will no doubt captivate her audience from the start. Having performed stunningly on The Late Show: Starring Jimmy Fallon with ‘Two Weeks’ and at the BRITs 2015 Nomination Launch with ‘Hide/Pendulum’, her talent as a vocalist, lyricist and dancer became increasingly evident, showcasing her as a performer and thus making her one of Glastonbury’s most exciting acts this year.
Where and when: West Holts, Friday 20:30
Words by Henna Patel
The Vaccines
Festival-goers will be among the first to see The Vaccines perform tracks off their new album English Graffitti, five months before commencing an arena tour in November. The crowd will be hoping wetsuits won’t be needed for their Friday evening slot in a day of indie-pop dominance on the Other Stage. The manic sounds of oldies like ‘Nørgaard’, ‘No Hope’ and ‘Wreckin’ Bar’ are sure to work the scrumpy-soaked crowd into a frenzy; a welcome platform for new tracks, ‘Handsome’ and ‘20/20’ to make their Glasto debut. If they stick to the singles, it’s bound to be a memorable set.
Where and when: Other Stage, Friday 18:00
The Maccabees
It’s been three years since The Maccabees released their Mercury Prize nominated third album Given to the Wild, but Orlando Weeks and his band are sure to draw a big crowd. They take to the Other Stage on Saturday night hot on the heels of their mammoth U.S tour. ‘Marks to Prove It’ will add to a set-list burgeoning with their distinctive melancholic pop sound. Here’s hoping they keep the festival crowd happy by playing their romantic pieces de resistance, ‘Toothpaste Kisses’ and ‘First Love’. Either way, it’s bound to be another step forward in continuing their meteoric rise to the top.
Where and when: Other Stage, Saturday 19:05
La Femme
The tent-covered William’s Green stage will play host to psychedelic-punk band La Femme. They’re one of the more bizarre acts on the bill, but a favourable crowd are bound to make heads bop and arms flail. Their music sounds like a blend of Temples mixed with a healthy dollop of the Avant Garde. The Biarritz band have had surprising success across Europe given the French lyrics of their songs and their Glasto slot constitutes a rare sighting of the band on this side of the channel. Expect sideburns and snyths galore from this foreign ensemble.
Where and when: William’s Green, Saturday 17:30
Words by James Chadwick
