B.A.R.E. In The Woods has grown from humble beginnings to quickly becoming one of the best festivals in the country for promoting Irish independent music and is also expanding to bring some select international talent too. We locked our writers into a room and told them to not come out until they could agree on which acts festival goers should watch. Given the impressive array of talent on display across three stages they almost didn't make it out but in the end they decided upon these ten acts you really ought to catch.
Roots Manuva
When: 23:00-00:30 @ the Main Stage
What to Expect: This will be your only chance to catch the innovative grime veteran on our shores this summer. He'll be sure to debut new material, corkers, "Like a Drum" and "Facety 2:11" as well as some of his fan favourites. Do not miss out.
Highlight: Witness (1 hope), with its cartoonish squelchy bassline and its charging celebratory wordplay, will send the crowd into an incendiary as the sun comes down over Laois come Sunday evening.
What It Will Sound Like:
Dah Jevu
When: 18:30-19:15 @ the Nathair Stage
What to Expect: Tipped as ones to watch for 2015, you'd be a fool to not take a visit to the Nathair Stage to witness this dynamic duo's blend of world-conscious alternative hip-hop. After speaking to the band in April shortly after their support slot for rap behemoth, Jay Electronica, don't be surprised to be treated to some new tracks.
Set Highlight: The eerie riff and sultry lines packed into Hawks Of Nemphys will leave you itching from the moment Dah Jevu launch into their set
What It Will Sound Like:
Slackers' Symphony
When: Nathair stage @ 17:30 PM
What To Expect: Slackers' Symphony are a smorgasbord of rock influences from various eras which tumble together in a thrilling propulsive fashion.
Set Highlight: The build up in anticipation from the intro to Episode in Denial before the song gallops off
What It Will Sound Like:
The Hip Neck Blues Collective
When: The Big Top @ 23:15 PM
What To Expect: The band’s name says it all, a highly excitable mash up of blues rock guitar & harmonica, hip hop rhythms and rapid fire rhymes. They don’t lack the chops in the song writing stakes either with some killer tunes to back them up.
Set Highlight: The musical endorphin hit of Bill Murray has the ability to cure all ills
What It Will Sound Like:
Sleep Thieves
When: Main stage @ 12:45 PM
What To Expect: Dark swathes of lush synth pop which strike the delicate balance between atmosphere and earworm hooks. On top of that in a live setting Sorcha Brennan is a hugely compelling front woman, a mix of grace and mystique.
Set Highlight: The foreboding You Want The Night
What It Will Sound Like:
The Radioactive Grandma
When: Main stage @ 17:00
What To Expect: We know them as purveyors of short sharp spiky acoustic indie rock tunes. However rumours abound that the Cavan band have changed their line up and gone into orbit with some retro space rock. It will be intriguing to hear how they balance their older tunes with their new sound.
Set Highlight: The Robot Song is a poignant highlight amongst their hyperactive set
What It Will Sound Like:
Sounds Of System Breakdown
When: The Big Top @ 00:30 AM
What To Expect: Like some indie dance snake charmers, Sounds Of System Breakdown have the ability to make the audience to bust a move whether they were consciously thinking of it or not.
Set Highlight:
In a set littered with bangers, Neon Contrails still reigns supreme
What It Will Sound Like:
Overhead, The Albatross
When: The Big Top @ 19:30
What to expect: Overhead, The Albatross will one day eventually release their debut album full of post-rock goodness but if you're still unfamiliar with the Dublin band, you should definitely catch them. The combination of beautiful piano and violin with layered guitars and a truly inspiring rhythm section is something that will send a shiver down your spine. Let them take you whole.
Set highlight: It has to be Telekinetic Forest Guard (but live and earth shatteringly amazing.) Watch out for Footprints In The Bloodsoaked Snow too, though!
What It Will Sound Like:
Little Xs For Eyes
When: Nathair Stage @ 16:30
What to expect: Expect beautiful harmonies, interesting instrumentation and a band that really come to life in a live setting. Three men and three women wielding a variety of instruments and delivering a stomping performance is something you'd be silly to miss.
Set highlight: The first single from their sophomore album should go down a treat... Listen to it and try argue otherwise
What It Will Sound Like:
Yes Cadets
When: Nathair stage @ 21:30 PM
What to expect:The perfect band to start your evening off with songs that were made for a festival. Expect dancey vibes that will carry you to dance your ass off for the entire night.
Set highlight: The dancey beauty and contagious hooks that Le Mans is laden with is sure to entice and entertain
What It Will Sound Like: