Dot-to-Dot celebrates its 10th birthday this year, with a packed line-up taking over venues in three cities across the country. Originally based in Nottingham, it crept into Bristol in 2007 and added Manchester to its empire in 2010.
A barometer for what’s hot in the indie guitar scene, Dot-to-Dot has previously hosted the likes of British Sea Power, Mystery Jets, Metronomy, The Horrors, Kate Nash, Laura Marling, Friendly Fires and Blood Red Shoes.
This year’s line-up includes headliner Saint Raymond, Amber Run, Hudson Taylor, Swim Deep and The Wytches – and tickets are just £25.
Our five of the best at Dot-to-Dot…
1. PINS
PINS won over a whole new raft of fans when they supported Sleater Kinney on their recent tour. While influenced by riot grrrl, the four-piece look more to My Bloody Valentine and The Jesus And Mary Chain for their sound, and they already have some anthemic songs in the setlist – listen out for Girls Like Us.
2. Best Coast
US duo Bethany Cosentino and Bobb Bruno – aka Best Coast – released their fourth album, California Nights, this May. Lifting sounds from ’60s surf-pop and woozy lo-fi, they’ve refined their slacker rock with glorious, sunny results.
Laura Doggett looks set to be one of 2015’s big success stories; a bassy voice to rival Florence Welch combined with elaborate arrangements, she pulls at your heart strings while urging you to dance.
4. Rhodes
(David) Rhodes has toured with the likes of Rufus Wainwright, Nick Mulvey, Sam Smith and Laura Marling… which gives you an idea of the sort of music he specialises in. A self-taught guitarist, he’s not a light hearted soul, and his moody pop is absorbing.
5. Honeyblood
Scottish duo Honeyblood’s brilliant trashy, scuzzy DIY sound combines elements of C86 with the driving guitars of more contemporary bands like Vivian Girls. They don’t hold back on stage, so expect a sweaty, full-on show.
Dot-to-Dot 2015 takes place in Manchester, Bristol and Nottingham on 22-24 May 2015. For ticket sales and further information check dottodotfestival.co.uk
PINS MP3s or CDs
PINS on Spotify
