Five Under The Radar acts at Blissfields Festival

Image: Blissfields

Centred on the power of 'love', Blissfields Festival at Vicarage Farm in Hertfordshire airs the perfect balance between established live bands, new music breaking borders and a myriad of artists operating slightly more under the radar. 

We have a natural tendency to stick to what we know, circling names on the festival billing that frequently buzz the radio waves and fill our beloved playlists. Blissfields however, is open to be explored, operating firmly on the periphery of discovery.  

Combing the shipment of artists that fall under the category of main stage beasts, we've filtered out five artists you may or may not have stumbled upon to considering for your weekend listening. 

Cosmo Sheldrake

It was the sheer quirkiness of Pelican We (hear 'Rich' above), the inaugural EP of London multi-instrumentalist Cosmo Sheldrake that first alerted us to his immense talents. Cast in the intimacy of a festival tent or small stage, the eclectic riches of Cosmo's chopped up, multi-influenced sound are bound to prosper hugely. 

Songhoy Blues 

Both musically and aesthetically the festival makes for a watering hole of culture, Songhoy Blues will add to that pool with a bout of traditional and modern guitar (demonstrated above) that's seen them triumph on the UK festival wheel. The Malian collective promise convivial, hearty music - a perfect melt that lends itself perfectly to a spirited festival atmosphere. 

Palace 

The London four-piece provided a snippet of their Chasing Light EP via Kiloran (above), a beautiful swarm of subtle notes that's got the blogosphere longing for the full cut. By the time the festival comes around, we'll be well acquainted with their bluesy tinged indie, and it'll be one of the first opportunities to witness their freshly bled whirl in a live setting. 

Kassassin Street

Combining tunnelling guitar riffs and twists of psychedelia, Kassassin Street curated the perfect introduction in 'To Be Young' this year. They draw slight comparisons to The Tea Street Band and a hyped up The War On Drugs, giving you all the more reason to take in their hallowed weekend slot.

Spring King

They've more than delivered on three consecutive records now, with an invigorating plug of DIY garage-rock that was sprung up in a bathroom (more on that here). Led by Tarek Musa the ensemble are cut out for the festival stage; expect get under your skin hooks and a whirlwind buzz channelling their set throughout.       

Blissfields Festival takes place from Friday 3rd - Saturday 4th July. Access all essential information and tickets using the festival guide. 

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