By Andrew Scott and James Lavender

Nottingham’s premier inner city music festival is upon us once more. With more venues and acts playing than ever before, we bring you a selection of bands that we are looking forward to see.

The Slow Readers Club

This band have chucked differing musical styles from electronic synth-pop to jangling indie into one massive cooking pot, with the result being a refreshingly unique sound which seems to have wide appeal. A key track to look out for is Plant the Seed which sounds like all the best of alternative 1980s bands such as New Order, Depeche Mode and Echo and the Bunnymen all on one track.

Rescue Rooms 21:15 – 21:45

 

PINS

The all-female post-punk band from Manchester have attracted big attention this year by getting Iggy Pop to appear on their single Aggrophobe, taken from their second album, Wild Nights. The fact the band can get His Royal Iggyness to make music with them is a testament to their audacity and ambition. They are definitely ones to watch at this year’s Dot to Dot.

Nottingham Trent Uni 17:15 – 17:45

 

The Growlers

These guys have been knocking about since 2006, but a smooth and polished sound for their recent album City Club, coupled with lead singer Brook Nielsen’s deep voice makes for a funky and soulful surf rock experience. They are performing at the same time as The Slow Readers Club, so choose carefully!

Nottingham Trent Uni 21:45 – 23:00

 

Redfaces

For something with sounds like the Arctic Monkeys on rocket-fuel, listen to Sheffield band Redfaces. Their debut single ‘Kerosene’ is an indie banger, and they have already been tipped by BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens and 6Music’s Tom Robinson for big things.

Stealth Red Room 15:45 – 16:15

 

Ellie Rose

This London-based singer-songwriter produces polished, atmospheric pop tunes which will appeal to a wide audience. She has already conquered the Glastonbury Introducing Stage and now she seeks to push Ellie Goulding and Rita Ora out the way to be Britain’s new pop princess.

Rock City Basement 15:30 – 16:00

 

Jack Ladder

Bearing a resemblance to compatriot Nick Cave, Australian singer-songwriter Jack Ladder utilises an intriguing blend of synth-pop, Scott Walker-esque baritone vocals and gallows humour lyrics.  Combine this with a captivating stage presence and this should be a performance not to miss.

Bodega Bar 17:30 – 18:00

 

Atlas Wynd

Dynamic rock two-pieces, such as Royal Blood, Drenge and Japandroids, are all the rage currently and Brighton based Atlas Wynd certainly have a lot to offer. Their driving riffs, high octane guitar work and ability to write a good hook stand them in good stead, with single ‘Mona Lisa’ making waves on BBC Radio 1.

Stealth Red Room 16:45 – 17:15

 

Artificial pleasures

Imagine, if you a will, a blend of Let’s Dance era David Bowie and funky post-punk Talking Heads. Well now you don’t have to as London band Artificial Pleasures create their own unique twist of post-punk funk. Not too be missed by anyone who wants to strut a funky Bowie-esque groove.

Spanky Van Dykes 18:15 – 18:45

 

Willie J Healey

We have previsouly seen Willie in various support slots at Bodega. Currently being championed by BBC 6music’s own Steve Lamacq, it’ll be interesting to see how Willie has developed his own brand of atmospheric indie rock.

Stealth Red Room 17:45 – 18:15