Camden Crawl 2007 : preview feature

Stamina is the key to survival. The idiom isn’t just applied to the Camden Crawl. You’re going to need it as we slip into festival season.

What distinguishes 2007 from recent years is the surge in one and two day marathon festivals which draw more than a small amount of inspiration from the Camden Crawl.

This year’s event has expanded to two days, cramming over 80 bands into 15 venues.

It signals once more queues, alcohol slicked floors, sticky walls and more queues. Glancing at the line-up for this year, there is a very welcome emphasis on new music and less of a chronic dependency on guitar bands. The headliners don’t particularly reach out: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Charlatans, The Bluetones and, erm, Travis.

There is also a not-so-secret Babyshambles show, and with the recent Pete / Carl renunion in Hackney, there are whispers of a Libertines reunion at the event. Amy Winehouse will be strutting her stuff at the Dublin Castle too.

Let’s not detract from the real reason to head to N1. Those fortunate enough to have bagged tickets to both days can look forward to the most diverse Crawl bill to date. Here are 10 tips for this year’s Crawl:

Autokratz
Fuzzy, filthy electro in the mould of Justice is of course always very welcome. Even better then that Autokratz’s appearance on the Thursday will satiate those looking for a good dance.
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The Barker Band
Immensely free flowing bluegrass / folk from this West London octet. They appear both nights, be sure to catch at least one of their sets, this could be something special.
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Cajun Dance Party
A lot of column inches are being devoted to another young London five piece who look to be on a similar trajectory to The Kooks. They even have the high brow press on their side. The promise and potential are certainly there.
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Emmy The Great
Quite simply, Emmy The Great craft instantly likeable folk that’s made for the more intimate and dingier of Camden venues.
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Findlay Brown
A real treat in store for attendees of both nights, Findlay Brown plays the Barfly and the Enterprise. His brand of folk and country is woven with a very natural fabric that is sure to find a home in the live space of said venues.
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Foreign Beggars
One of the UK’s finest hip-hop acts, the Beggars live show is an experience not to be missed. They play the Dublin Castle on the Thursday.
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The Kissaway Trail
The Danish darlings of Bella Union appear both nights. Sparkling epic indie is lacking a bit of a guiding light at the moment, and it certainly appears theirs for the taking. Get to the venue (to be confirmed) early to be in with a chance of actually watching them.
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Hadouken!
There will be plenty of Hoxton Heroes and Indie Cindys on Camden High Street at the Crawl. Whether theyll be at KOKO on the Thursday and Black Cap on the Friday for Hadouken!s high octane sets is another matter. You definitely should.
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Roll Deep
Just like the Beggars, Roll Deep are leading the pack of UK hip hop that is much more prevalent at the Crawl this year. It’ll be worth the squirm into the Bullit Bar for their set on the Friday.
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