Year In Review: Tips For 2016 Revisited

Words: Saam Das

It's fair to say that few would have predicted a double whammy of Britain exiting the EU and a Trump victory in the US Presidential Election last year, so perhaps the business of prediction is something of a fruitless exercise. But I do have a soft spot for lists, so here's an assessment of my shortlist of tips for 2016:

Futuresounds: Ones To Watch For 2016

Words: Saam Das

Why bother publishing a ones to watch/tips for 2016 list mid-way through March? Well, because a) the early year hype has died down, and b) because we can and want to support artists that deserve some added attention. And c) because we're mavericks. That said, three of our following ten bands to watch for 2016 did appear in our nominations for January's Blog Sound Of 2016, although only one of my chosen acts made it to the long list.

Festival Review: The Great Escape 2015 (Day Three)

The Great Escape Festival @ venues across Brighton (14-16 May '15) // Words: Saam Das

Gloriously sunny weather greeted revellers on the final day of 2015 The Great Escape, a long way from the inclement weather that made day one of the festival a challenge. The music remained of a high standard throughout, and while Northern outfit Cape Cub may well have been better suited to moodier weather, their Dome Studio Theatre performance is excellent regardless.

Surfacing: Cape Cub [New Artist]

Words: Saam Das // Photo: Amy Spires

For better or for worse, my stubborness related to "mystery acts" stopped me from writing about North-East act Cape Cub when they emerged late last year with the beguiling 'Lantern'. The veil of obscurity is slowly disappearing however, and Chad Male's outfit have put out their first material of 2015, in the form of the atmospheric 'Swim'.