Five For The Funk - Leeds and Reading

Image: Leeds festival 

With Leeds and Reading upon us once again, we've had a good scout around the line up (listen to our Spotify playlist here) picking out our festival favourites, to bring you this week's Five for the Funk.

However, instead of selecting a squad of mainstagers which we're sure you're well aware of, we've explored the deeper recesses of the line up, picking out five talented acts hovering under the radar to get you out of your camp that little bit earlier in the run up to the main stage heavyweights. 

Eagulls

Too kick things off it's only right that whilst you're in Leeds (Reading, this still applies too you), you pay homage to it's most talented band for some time and one of our favourites too (check out our previous gushing tribute to them).

The post punk workings of the Eagulls have seen them soar to our attention with their rip roaring guitar and heartfelt vocals thrown into a ferocious melting pot, formulating an infectious concoction laced with attitude that is tailored to stomp the Leeds and Reading yard.

We're almost certain that the five piece will attract a big following craving the Eagulls' raw energy, and when they hit full swing, which is far as the albums concerned it'll be pretty much from the word go, there'll be straight up carnage from start to finish, also evident from their KEXP performance above.

Moko

Everyone's got to start somewhere, right? And we're pretty certain that 21 year old vocal sensation Moko, who hits up the BBC introducing stage is destined for great things.

The electro pop fusionist drafts from all corners of the musical spectrum, touching on elements of dance with the synth washed resonance of 'Your Love' (below) to the soul drenched 90's output of 'Freeze'.

It's her on point of blend of multiple genres, exquisite vocal whilst still conveying an upbeat dancey feel that attracts us, and we're sure that you'll share that attraction.

Panama

You can pretty much surf the festival tents all day long and stumble upon an indie ensemble of some form, but their's one who's really turning our heads at the moment, perfectly encompassing a summery vibe.

Sydney based electro outfit Panama remain relatively untouched with two EP's and a single here and there, but from what we've heard so far we're already eagerly anticipating that first album. 

Latest EP 'Always' is surefire to provide that ultimate festival release, the dreamy synth driven aura of the title track (above) is conveyed with a sharp hook "always i'll remember you" which it has to be said that our feelings are mutual.

Pair that up with the blissful sounds of 'Destroyer' and it's the closest thing you'll get to an Eighties summer, which is projected in the music video for the lush song.

Hozier

Next up on our list is Irish import Hozier, and word in the street is that he's going to be massive. Many will be vastly acquainted to the soul immersed 'Take me to Church' (below), the track perfectly executed with the religious metaphor carried by a gospel tone, which launched the singer song writer to global prominence. 

The fact that his 'From Eden EP' was produced in the confines of his attic adds to the beauty of the emotionally charged blues infused template, and it's probably the closest thing you'll get to a hangover after a night circulating the campsite talking shit to strangers before ripping up the dance tents. 

Saint Raymond

Too round off our quintet of acts, we're injecting some fun into the equation with the energetic indie pop offerings of Nottingham based Saint Raymond. 

His 'Escapade' EP displays invigorating guitar and charming rhythms that take us back to The Little Comets and Two Door Cinema Club twilight years, who've coincidentally both shot up the festival ranks. We're certain that the rising talent will have an album in the making but for now we'll leave you with 'Everything She Wants' (above) to get into the festival spirit.

Grab your Leeds tickets here (Reading is now sold out). 

Primed for some Leeds and Reading action, but not quite cut out for festival camping? Check out out hotels section for Leeds here and for Reading here.