Vantastival 2013 – 10 Plec Picks

Vantastival is fast approaching this weekend and we sat down and listed out the bands we’re really excited about catching this weekend. We have two guys heading down to Vantastival for the weekend and they bashed heads together to come up with 10 acts they would recommend catching down at Vantastival this year.

Of course there is a ton of great bands to catch over the weekend, full details can be found on our Vantastival 2013 page along with stage times and ticket prices incase we’ve managed to convince you to drop everything and head along this weekend. So here’s our ten picks in no particular order.

You may also note that we don’t have 10 acts (we have 11) just because we couldn’t bear to leave one out. Who is that act? You’ll never know…

Who are you looking forward to seeing?

Barley Mob

Barley Mob were as close as you can come to festival sluts this time last year. They had promoters and bookers having them play venues and festivals all over the country (and outside Ireland) and hardly had a moment to breath. The reason; simply because they are one of the most impressive, joy-enducing and competent live bands on the Irish scene. We checked them out at last year’s Vantastival and were blown away, see here.

Time: Saturday – 6.45pm – Main Stage

My Tribe Your Tribe

A virtual unknown to the music scene, MTYT have only been an entity for just over 6 months and this appearance at Vantastival will be George Mercer’s, the mastermind behind production and vocals, first live appearance on the Irish scene. This exciting up and coming band will be showcasing their new EP  (download it for free here) and more.

Time: Saturday – 6.40pm – Musicmaker Stage

The Statics

For those of you arriving to Vantastival on Friday, a great way to kick the festival and indeed the summer off is by catching The Statics. Their infectious and feel good brand of harmony laden indie rock is bound to be a hit with those who witness them.https://soundcloud.com/the-statics-official/sets/holiday-9

Time: Friday – 7pm – Done Deal Stage

Race The Flux

Festival goers will be awoken with a blast on Saturday morning as Galway outfit Race The Flux take to the stage. Their epic mix of crunching guitars and electronic effects reminds of Muse at their early career best. They have deservedly carved out a reputation of one of the most exciting emerging live acts in Ireland.

Time: Saturday – 1.50pm – Done Deal Stage

Carried by Waves

After releasing ‘Softly Held Together’, Carried by Waves have been on constant repeat in GP towers and the opportunity to witness such inventive, intriguing and exciting music on a live stage will be one thing we just can’t miss.

Time: Sunday – 8.05pm – Musicmaker

We Town Criers

This is a big year for Roscommon band We Town Criers as they are about to release their debut album ‘Swing Beast’. A prime Saturday evening slot on the Done Deal stage is the perfect opportunity to experience their intense thrilling live show. They will not disappoint.

Time: Saturday – 10.15pm – Done Deal Stage

Third Smoke

Having seen these guys last year at this festival (see here), it’s been a big year where the lads have gone away and released some fun videos and played some hotly tipped live shows. A band with a stunning vocal harmony and tight live show make these guys one’s to watch. So if you want to catch an act before they make strides in the Irish music scene; this is your chance.

Time: Friday – 9.10pm – Musicmaker

The Radioactive Grandma

For those who have never beheld the acoustic rock trio from Cavan, their setup would deceive you into thinking it will be a gentle Sunday. Prepare to have arms, legs and other body parts moving involuntarily. Just witness the superb display they put on for GoldenPlec as part of Coast to Coast

Time: Sunday – 3pm – Done Deal Stage

Raglans

Big things await Raglans in 2013 with an exciting summer schedule planned for the lads. There is arguably no other band in Ireland that possess such an instantly accessible and memorable live show than these guys. Having wowed the crowds at our Coast to Coast finale gig, we can guarantee these guys will make you jump outta’ those wellies and start screaming the choruses to all the songs.

Time: Sunday – 8.50pm – Main Stage  

The Dead Heavys

With a big psychedelic grove that easily translates into the festival stage, The Dead Heavys are one you have to catch at Vantastival. The Waterford band are on their way up and this could be one of “I was there moments” of the festival on Sunday afternoon.

Time: Sunday – 4pm – Done Deal

And So I Watch You From Afar

Okay, so we can’t complete a ones to watch while trying to ignore the elephant in the room which is ASIWYFA. This festival juggernaut are sure to shake the festival crowd to their core with their trademark incendiary live shows. Not. To. Be. Missed. If there is room for an 11th, here’s what we would recommend.

Time: Saturday – 12.15am – Main Stage