This year’s headline acts are indefinitely set to be amazing shows, backed up with a great variety of acts across the board. Put your flower garland on and get ready to appreciate beautiful music in true summer spirit.
Solange is a legend in the music scene, her graceful aura and politically driven R&B are bound to make for a moving show. Her last album, A Seat at the Table, was described as a “project on identity, empowerment, independence, grief and healing,” as she deals with the struggle she has experienced being a black woman, through music.
The Killers always provide an incredibly energetic and entertaining show full of sing-along classics, as well as recently, exciting new hits off their new album, Wonderful Wonderful. Brandon Flower’s stage presence is very animated and engaging, appearing fresh off the bat despite having been performing together for 15 years. You’ll definitely leave this show with a wide smile and a feeling of sweet nostalgia.
Wolf Alice have made their stance as leaders of the pop-rock scene, and have really grown as a band to have a powerful stage presence with Ellie’s unmistakable vocals and an admirable band unity. There is a lot of variety between their first and second albums (Visions of a Life was released last year) and its really exciting to see this transformation play out on stage.
Alt J’s album last year, ‘Relaxer’ had a very chilled vibe, antithetic to their more up-beat, sparky first album. It will be interesting to see what vibe they choose, but I can imagine it’ll make for a relaxing summer evening. Alt-J are known for their stripped back, electronic experience; a spectacle focussed entirely on appreciating the music rather than expecting a major stage presence.
Be prepared to wear ear plugs, as Mogwai are renowned for amping up the volume to the max. Instrumental music at its finest, their atmospheric, eerie tracks are sure to provide a trance-like experience. Known for epic soundtracks, they were behind that of the freaky French TV show, The Returned, as well as the highly anticipated sci-fi film, KIN, to be released later this year.
The Breeders are back with an album released this year, and heading for the summer festival season ready to restamp their 90s prowess on the world. Be sure to expect classics like “Cannonball” as well as some exciting new tunes.
Deap Vally, a rock duo from LA, epitomise female power in their 70s hard rock. If you’re looking for something a bit heavier than the indie strong set list, this might be the show for you.
There’s certainly something for everyone at this festival. If you’re not so into alternative music, the queen of pop Jessie Ware will angelically sing her way through love ballads and hits.
The Lake stage is often the home of rising stars at Latitude Festival, showing the likes of Daughter and Ben Howard back before they became well-known. There are always some definite must-sees on this stage, amongst them is London grunge band Sorry. Sorry’s music is an imperfectly perfect home-made grunge, drawing from 80s alt rock and 90s. Low-budget videos and home recordings really provide its unique feel, they are definitely heading to big things.
Noted for his powerfully soulful voice and hit single ‘Play God’, compared to the likes of Hozier and George Ezra, Sam Fender offers a fresh dose of indie rock from the heart of Newcastle, and his moody vibe is sure to make for a mesmerising performance. Also politically charged like Solange, Fender is unique for sidestepping romance as the prime subject of his indie blues.
Tickets for Latitude 2018 are available here.
Fiona McDowall