10 must-see acts at Dot to Dot Festival 2017 in Bristol
Posted on: 22 May 2017Dot To Dot 2017 rolls into Bristol on Saturday 27th May, bringing some of the best new bands to perform at venues across the city centre. Martin Allen picks out a few highlights...
Topping the bill this year is Reading band Sundara Karma who will doubtless be a major draw for their slot at the O2 Academy. As well as some of the very best up-and-coming acts from around the UK and beyond, this year’s line-up includes a huge line-up of local bands as part of a packed schedule throughout the day. Tickets are still available for this music extravaganza at www.dottodotfestival.co.uk
With so much going on, it will of course be impossible to see and hear everything - click here for the full set-list at every venue - but we’ve hand-picked a small selection of some of the less well-known names that we think you would do well to catch:
1) Avante Black
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPREWyOEKlg
Slick and expansive alt-pop outfit fronted by Swedish singer songwriter Otilia Zimmerman Kjulsten, Avante Black have been making waves since getting plenty of profile last year with their single ‘Drug Money’. More recent song ‘Make A Mess’ gives a flavour of the uptempo, powerful set they’ll be delivering at Dot To Dot. (HY Brasil Music-Club, 6.45pm)
2) Parekh & Singh
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kp_0GThdZDQ
Parekh & Singh are an Indian dream-pop duo from Kolkata. Nischay Parekh and Jivraj Singh have transcended some of the traditional musical borders to deliver a set of songs for their debut album Ocean (released last year) that have huge appeal. Captivating, endearing - and totally and utterly unique. (Thekla Top Deck, 4.30pm)
3) Gothic Tropic
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqLzB2saxrw
Not the goth-inspired music you might be expecting from the name, but Gothic Tropic (AKA Los-Angeles-based singer songwriter Cecilia Della Peruti) is a purveyor of melodic 70s/80s-inspired indie-pop. Having carved out a reputation for clever and inventive tunes, she backs it all up with a very strong live performance. (The Louisiana, 3.30pm)
4) The Big Moon
www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMsTx0Zs4ZY
London four-piece all-female band The Big Moon have been getting plenty of attention over the past 12 months or so. Their brand of indie-rock has been hitting the mark during their extensive schedule of live shows, including high-profile support slots with the likes of The Maccabees and The Vaccines. Catch their set at SWX before they fully blow up into the big time. (SWX, 6.45pm)
5) Hannah Georgas
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRE5qlvlFVs
Canadian songwriter Georgas has been doing her thing for a fair few years, but the time seems to have come for her talents to be reaching a wider audience at last. Most recent album ‘For Evelyn’, released late last year, is full of cleverly crafted songs with lots of hooks and captivating vocals. (Thekla Top Deck, 9.30pm)
6) Josefin Öhrn + The Liberation
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OVZGQr4AiU
You can expect a wonderful psychedelic soundscape from this hotly-tipped London-based band. They’ll be occupying a late slot on board The Thekla that is not to be missed. (Thekla, 11pm)
7) Parcels
www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxhn0vNhBLU
If you like your funk-infused tunes then Parcels will be the band to catch. There’s a strong hint of the band Jungle in their sound, but at the same time, theirs is a unique and fresh take on this genre. Hear them perform songs from their ‘Hideout’ EP before they embark on a huge schedule of European tour dates over the coming months. (Thekla, 9pm)
And if you like this, see also local band Cousin Kula. (O2 Academy, 3.45pm)
8) KEIR
www.youtube.com/watch?v=prd91TSm8sM
Most definitely one to watch, KEIR brings the noise to his home town with well-written songs and a ridiculously versatile voice that can be both smooth and raw in equal measure. His vocal range and energetic performance make his set at The Fleece one to have on your list. (The Fleece, 4.15pm)
9) Swimming Tapes
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tJZIkc7slY
Dreamy guitar-pop that will hopefully be appropriately matched by a blazing sunny day, London-based five-piece Swimming Tapes deliver wonderfully immersive, melody-soaked tunes. (Thekla, 5pm)
10) Sonny
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKsggmjAXuQ
Every now and then, you hear a voice that just grabs the attention. Head along to hear this teenage sensation from South Shields and you’ll be glad you did. (O2 Academy 2, 7.30pm)
Article by:
As a lifelong music obsessive, Martin brings his extensive journalism experience to bear on reviewing some of the many gigs that make Bristol's music scene one of the liveliest in the country. Originally from London, he spends his time following AFC Wimbledon, tormenting his children with Dad Jokes, and getting out to see as much live music, comedy and theatre as possible.
