Where does the time go? It seems like just yesterday we were raving about a host of emerging acts (from ALMA and Bad Sounds, to KEIR and Dagny) all of whom have since gone on to become household names. Needless to say, when it comes to fresh new music, The Great Escape has it all.
The sheer volume of fresh new talent on offer has, once again, left us feeling like overwhelmed children in the midst of a candy shop. So, like the musical explorers we were always destined to be, we’ve sifted through the spiel to hand deliver the finest music the South coast of Britain has to offer.
Sea Girls
When: 7.15pm Thursday
Where: The Arch (Clash Stage)
Fuelled by riff heavy verses and more soaring melodies than we’ve had hot dinners, Sea Girls are here to dominate 2018. Earworm track “Eat Me Whole” set our speakers ablaze, the follow up to the equally enchanting “Lost“. Catching the ears of everyone and anyone – including the bigwigs at BBC Radio 1 (their researchers have finally pulled their fingers out), Sea Girls are an indie offering not to be missed.
Billy Lockett
When: 9.45pm Friday
Where: St. Mary’s Church (AKA a holy experience)
A delightful blend of heartfelt lyrics, raw chords and fervent pop hooks, Billy Lockett is likely to explode at any moment. A combustable cross between Bon Iver, OUTLYA and Amber Run, his instantly recognisable tone and all-round infectious vocal lines will have you repenting your sins quicker than you can shout ‘HIT’!
Goat Girl
When: 9.15pm Thursday
Where: The Arch (Clash Stage)
This gang of dulcet South Londoners are worth a few moments of your undivided attention. Blending jangling guitars with a delightfully vintage aesthetic, tracks like “The Man” and “Scum” can’t help but intrigue. Signed to Rough Trade Records, the quartet bring forth an intriguing blend of retro pop meets Americana meets South London cool. Now don’t tell us you’re not the teeniest bit intrigued?
Max Frost
When: 7.30pm Friday
Where: The Old Market
Instantly infectious and the only real way to start the day, Max Frost‘s “Good Morning” caught our attention for all the right reasons. Having signed a major-label deal at the tender age of 20, the singer and multi-instrumentalist (now 25) is set to release his long-awaited debut LP any day now. So, if you’re after pop tunes smattered with heavy beats and topped off with a twist of lime, be sure to hit up The Old Market.
Amaroun
When: 8.15pm Thursday
Where: The Walrus
Imagine Erykah Badu found herself trapped in a lift with Feist and you’ve pretty much got the sonic delight that is Amaroun. Think dulcet, quaint melodies meet artistic pop exploration – it may sound breezy and eccentric but you try summing her sound up any more concisely. Dreamy cut “Made A Fire” does the talking. Amaroun, AKA Jay Brown, is well and truly stepping up to the plate at this year’s festival so be sure not to miss out.
