Preview: HOYfest // The Gate Arts Centre, Cardiff // 18 - 19.11.16

Cardiff festival HOYfest is taking place in November this year and even with only 11 bands announced at this early stage HOYfest 2016 is looking like must for any Cardiff-based music fans this November.

Cwmbran based A/M/B/E/R and Cardiff based Himalayas bring the local youth to the lower end of the line up with Himalayas recently gracing top local venue Clwb Ifor Bach as part of the line up for Xpresstival. Bringing cracking bass-lines and stunning indie rock to the ground floor of the venue, there's no doubt they'll tear apart the stage at HOYfest too.

Cardiff band Tibet headlined Xpresstival on the same day and are also appearing at HOYfest and with a EP ready to launch and upcoming dates which include supporting Kaiser Chiefs, they're a band ready to just take off.

More welsh talent comes in the forms of Bandicoot and Rainbow Maniac, both bringing their own very different sounds to the stage. Bandicoot's distinctive vocals add substance to a well travelled indie sound and could be compared to Swindon based Nudybronque. Swansea band Rainbow Maniac bring some thumping blues rock to the festival, with funky riffs and dancy tunes, they'll have the whole festival off their feet.

The Cradles bring a melancholy indie rock that echoes of bands such as The Big Moon; certainly a style which is popular in the current musical climate. The band have a highly anticipated single out later this year and it'll definitely be one to catch on the stage of HOYfest.

Judas from London bring chilled-out indie to the stage and are definitely for fans of bands like Coasts and Catfish & The Bottlemen. Along the same lines we have Cupid who released catchy single 'Kickin' In' in March and will be another act not to miss in November.

The Bulletproof Bomb are a Sutton based band that reek of indie bands old and new combining a mish mash of sounds. Imagine somewhere between The Clash and The Courteeners and you'll arrive at The Bulletproof Bomb. With such a big sound, they deserve a place high up the line up and will grace the main stage at HOYfest just below the headliners.

Friday Headliners - The Milk

The Milk are the Friday headliners for HOYfest and it's a seriously good capture. Their second album 'Favourite Worry' was released in 2015 to high critical acclaim including being runner up in Stereo Brain's Album of 2015 award as well as being chosen as one of BBC Radio 6 Music's albums of the year.

Their funky, soulful style incorporates catchy hooks and pop beats as well as excellent song writing and indie elements. While being excellent on record, The Milk also have a formidable live reputation which means they are a must see in November.

Frightened Rabbit Release New Song & Music Video

Having already teased the new album with the opening song 'Death Dreams', Scottish indie band Frightened Rabbit released the second song from the album 'Get Out' on the 2nd March.

The band called it their "first 'proper' single" from the album along with posting the lyrics on their twitter. The video was premièred on the NME website for UK fans before becoming available on YouTube.

The song is one which reflects on young love and loss, portrayed in the music video with a surreal dance between 2 young girls, telling a story similar to that reflected in the lyric of the song.. The tune itself sounds very different from the ghostly sombre mood of 'Death Dream'; strong lyrics, a thumping sound and a lot more like the singles off their 4th studio album 'Pedestrian Verse'.



Frightened Rabbit's 5th Studio Album 'Painting Of A Panic Attack' is out on the 8th April 2016 on Atlantic Records and was produced by Aaron Dessner of The National.

Frightened Rabbit Album Announcement - Painting Of A Panic Attack

It's been a long long wait for fans of Scottish band Frightened Rabbit. Their last album being released in February of 2013. 3 year wait only eased slightly by lead singer Scott Hutchison solo project Owl John in 2014. However this album promises to be a great addition to an already fantastic collection of music.

'Painting Of A Panic Attack' will be arriving on 8th April this year and it's about time. Produced by The National's Aaron Dessner the album was promised by the band to be "sparser" and "less guitar driven" and the new song does not disappoint. In addition to th interesting producer choice, with this being the first album since Scott moved to America, it will be interesting to see the lyrical development in his and Frightened Rabbit's story.

Traditionally a new album from the definitive melancholy Scottish indie band means a new window into the life of Scott. A big contributor to how the band amassed it's fan base is how the songs mean something, they're not mindless drivel. They are something to sit and mull late at night with the lights turned down, and the new song is no different. 

Painting Of A Panic Attack is due to be released on April 8th

Named 'Death Dream' the song is as sombre as the title, organ led and haunting, it sounds like a faint echo, a whisper on the wind. Even for those who favour classic Frightened Rabbit from their early albums will not be disappointed - retaining the sullen lyrics and melancholy vibes. From the first song, this album sounds like it would be a brilliant furthering to the Frightened Rabbit discography while developing their sound yet further.  If the rest of the album follows in this irk, many many fans will be happy.