Arguably the jewel in the crown of the Irish festival scene, Knockanstockan, is almost upon us again and it is going from strength to strength . With over 150 acts to watch, we kind caring folk at GoldenPlec want you to the avoid too much brain strain by having such a huge choice of acts to watch. So we have diligently compiled this list of acts that you simply have to see.
Alongside all this great stuff, make sure you drop in at some point to the Jimmie Lee Juke Joint between 12-4 on Saturday and Sunday as we’ll be running acoustic sessions and should be selling tea and toast to help raise money for Pieta House.
Croupier
Friday – Sun Stage – 9PM
Like a whirlwind trying to catch itself, the force of nature that is Croupier will throw down the gauntlet for all who follow them on the Sun Stage on Friday. The new Visor EP is due for release in August so expect to hear their new songs played with gusto.
Overhead, The Albatross
Friday – Dimestore Tent – 11PM
Having decamped to The Czech Republic to write their début album, we’re fortunate to have such a stellar band like Overhead, The Albatross making their long awaited debut at Knockanstockan. With a series of fine EP’s and a renowned reputation for live shows, they are arguably the standout act to catch on Friday.
The Radioactive Grandma
Saturday – Dimestore Tent – 1PM
Depending on your point of view this band has got the best/worst band name imaginable. What can’t be in dispute are the terrific hook laden songs they have and the super tight live shows they put on. With an early afternoon show in the Dimestore Tent stage, watch these lads as they will get you revved up for the whole day.
Liza Flume
Saturday – Faerie Field – 2:30PM
Singer song writers are ten a penny, but few have got the songs to really stand out from the crowd. Step forward then, Liza Flume. With a charm on stage and a catchiness and quirkiness to the songs, it’s the ideal combination to ensure she isn’t just another run of the mill contender. Also Liza will be taking part in GoldenPlec Tea and Toast session in the Juke Joint so there is no excuses to miss her at Knockanstockan.
Sounds of System Breakdown
Saturday – Dimestore Tent – 10PM
After releasing one of the year’s best albums in ‘Nomad’ and a brilliant video to Neon Contrails, it’s time for you to get acquainted with Ireland’s answer to Hot Chip. Armed with an envious collection of killer songs and a savage reputation for their live show, the stage is set for them to steal the thunder of everyone else.
Conor Linnie
Saturday – Shack Of Diamonds – 11:30PM
Conor so impressed GoldenPlec earlier in the year on the our Coast to Coast venture that as soon as it was announced he was to be at Knockanstockan, anticipation levels soared. Saturday night has so many great acts playing, but you’ll be hard pressed to enjoy one more than this. Another Juke Joint Jammer.
The Hot Sprockets
Saturday – Sun Stage – 1AM
The soul brothers have been enjoying a stellar year so far with lots of festival appearances and playlisted on mainstream radio. With a new album about to be unleashed and a superb back catalogue of hits, these princes of Knockanstockan will be one of the highlights of the festival.
Cat Dowling
Sunday – Faerie Field– 8PM
The former Alphastates singer has created one of the year’s best Irish albums, ‘The Believer’, full of rich dark pop songs . Her live shows aren’t lacking either. Dowling is an engaging presence on stage and her ascent on the Irish music scene continues to gather at pace.
Girl Band
Sunday – Dimestore Tent – 9PM
To really up the excitement levels on Sunday, go no further than Girl Band. The ‘France 98’ EP released earlier this year was well received by fans and critics alike, but live they are a visceral and raucous proposition.
New Valley Wolves
Sunday – Jimmie Lee’s Juke Joint – 9:00PM
One of the joys of Knockanstockan is discovering that little known band getting a platform to display their talents to a wider audience. Make it your business to catch the wild carnivorous set from Dublin duo New Valley Wolves. Their blues fuelled rock will generate a buzz that will reverberate around the festival.