Knockanstockan has always been a beacon, shining a light on emerging Irish talent. The year long break that the KS crew took means that they've had time to regroup and plan arguably their strongest ever line-up.
With such a large array of talent on offer - some of which you may not be familiar with - it's hard to decide just who to see so we've assembled a list of acts to check out over the weekend.
Shitthätt
When: Sunday @ 20:00 in The Dimestore Tent
What to expect:
The sight of a band playing like they truly mean it. The Mayo lads buck the trend of music emanating from out west with an explosive hard rock sound that simply does not compromise. Expect megaphones and eardrums to burst.
What it will sound like:
Tribal Dance
When: Friday @ 21:00 in The Rasher Store
What to expect:
Tighter than the screw top lid of that cheapo bottle of wine you bought last week, Tribal Dance’s math rock bounces around like popcorn popping, fast and frenetic, creating a wild atmosphere where the crowd get picked up and carried along by the their unrelenting rhythms.
What it will sound like:
The Murder Capital
When: Saturday @ 18:00 in The Dimestore Tent
What to expect:
The hottest new band to emerge from Dublin? Quite possibly so. Word of mouth from set as part of the BIMM showcase in The Button Factory has began to spread like the Ebola virus. Their brash sleek post punk hurdles along with bursts of volatile guitars and vocals brimming with attitude. Far more than simply the next facsimile that labels look for once a Shame or Idles hit the big time, The Murder Capital already have made stellar songs such as More is Less that set them apart.
What it will sound like:
Slouch
When: Friday @ 22:30 in The Wishbone Stage
What to expect:
No matter what time you arrive at Slouch’s set you’ll be greeted before each song by a fervent mission statement that will leave you in no doubt as to just exactly who they are. Not that you should be arriving late for one of the must see bands of the weekend. Slouch’s bustling guitar and drums are rowdy and ready-made for generating mosh pits.
What it will sound like:
Vulpynes
When: Sunday @ 19:00 in The Rasher Store
What to expect:
Vulpynes hard rock ticks all the boxes for buzzsaw riffs and crashing drums (think L7, Death from Above 1979, Royal Blood), but crucially it’s backed up with assertive attitude. Their upward trajectory shows no sign of slowing down with a slew of festivals and gigs across the UK.
What it will sound like:
Bantum
When: Saturday @ 23:00 in The Dimestore Tent
What To Expect:
After a stellar 2017 Bantum, AKA Ruairi Lynch, shows no sign of remaining stagnant. Arguably Ireland's premier producer/DJ Bantum had been putting out some incredible groove laden songs. His live shows have been known to include incredible banging remixes of his singles along with some spectacular light displays. No pressure then for his Knockanstockan show.
What it will sound like:
Vernon Jane
When: Saturday @ 01:00 in The Faerie Field
What to expect:
Combining musical intricacy and visceral vocals, Vernon Jane’s jazz punk really packs a punch. Menacing songs such as Fuck Me will leave your head spinning. In no small part thanks to singer Emily O’Connor's forthright, feminist lyrics that deal with all the things good girls shouldn't talk about. Deserving headliners for sure.
What it will sound like:
Pillow Queens
When: Saturday @ 16:00 in The Dimestore Tent
What to expect:
The hyperbole coming from people that say guitar music is dead, obviously haven’t been listening to Pillow Queens. Their 'State Of The State' EP is one of best releases by an Irish band in 2018. Pillow Queens are a perfect reflection of the new found confidence in Irish music the Dublin quartet don't pander to expectations singer in their own accents and taking on their own issues head on. Not to be missed
What it will sound like:
Thumper
When: Sunday @ 21:00 in The Dimestore Tent
What to expect:
Fast on the way to being one of Ireland's best live bands, Thumper are primed to make the jump to the big league. It’ll be wild, chaotic and unpredictable live show and that element of surprise and abandonment ensures that when Thumper leave the stage that they have given it their all.
What it will sound like:
Third Smoke
When: Saturday @ 19:30 in The Faerie Field
What to expect:
The Dundalk lads bring huge soaring harmonies and angular anthemic indie pop songs and yet remain unafraid to take risks in their songwriting. Similarly on the live stage they don’t play it safe. They tend to pull out all the stops, particularly at festivals. Knockanstockan you’re in for a treat.
What it will sound like:
*SHAMELESS PLUG*
GoldenPlec Talks: Plec Talks
*SHAMELESS PLUG*
When: Saturday, 15:30 - Unfiltered Stage
What to expect:
We'll be holding a 2-hour chat and discussion with a host of acts (The Eskies, The Hot Sprockets & Cathy Davey) - chatting about their music, Knockanstockan, the state of Irish music and to be honest, the conversation will go wherever the cans of Tuborg may tell us to go!
If you're looking to start your day off with something different and laid-back, then please potter on over as we'd love to see all of your faces!
