It only takes a minute to see the credibility the Brainlove Festival has. A short sweeping statement to start the feature I am aware, but the testimonials and quotes from those previously admitted to the festival show the one day event in a tremendous light. Ignoring the well edited NME quote, the comments from Clash Magazine and Amelias Magazine is what gets the intrigue wheels turning.
“If Brainlove Festival was about pushing boundaries, it achieved it’s goal… this event makes it clear there are great things going on out there.” – Clash Magazine
“This annual shindig is a well-spring of the leftfield… the prospect of a Brainlove Festival 2012 is a tantalising one.” – Amelia’s Magazine
Brainlove festival has always been known for its creativity in line up as it replicates the same theory that modern day Noah, John Brainlove utilises for the record label of the same name. Now in it’s 5th year, Brainlove festival has a lot to boast about.
The boutique lives on
Curated by the enigmatic John Rogers, aka John Brainlove to everyone else, Brainlove festival is to be held at The Windmill in London this fair 26th May. Known for its ability to expose new and upcoming artists, Brainlove festival comprises of artists from the Brainlove label as well as up and coming London and this year Nordic bands. The diversity really makes it a ‘must’ attend for those who are serious about their new music forms and also for those who want to expand their record collection.
Like any good festival, there are records on sale and Brainlove is no exception. Make sure that you bring a bumper wad ( i hate that word but it works ) of cash with you as there is a confirmed record market out front with Something in Construction and Blood & Biscuits already pencilled in to be attending.
BBQ and Bands
The start of festival season can only mean the start of eating unhealthy and drinking early without reason to feel guilty, as the excuse “it’s all they had” holds ground at a festival. Brainlove festival agrees with this, so whilst watching the bands perform their wares, there will be the chance to partake in some good hearty BBQ. It’s not all about the food, the drink and the casually constructed bandstand as there are bands also who are out to rock the venue.
Dad Rocks!
A quick shimmy over the ‘Dad Rocks!’ press page on his official site is enough to get anyone excited for the band. Signed to Big Scary Monsters, the folks behind Tall Ships and Talons, plus recommendations by all manner of music sites, the folk/pop sound created by Snævar Njáll Albertsson is as infectious as it is compelling. In a nutshell, Dad Rocks! sound like they could soundtrack every Zach Braff movie ever with a combination of melodic… If you want a preview of Dad Rocks! before deciding and seeing them at this years Brainlove, then check out the video below or just go with a gut feeling and put your faith in something different.
Napoleon IIIrd
Longtime Drowned in Sound forum member and Brainlove resident, Napoleon IIIrd has been infecting listeners with his blend of folk and rock for the past 8 years, which now makes the original gramophone he played out of nearly 50 years old. If the word gramophone in a modern day music sentence brings confusion to your day, then Napoleon IIIrd might not be for you; and nor would any sort of creativity in music.
Currently recording new music for the new decade, Napoleon IIIrd should be showing off some his newest recordings at this years Brainlove festival, probably without the organ section unless a casio keyboard is apparent.
Tall Stories
First impressions mean a lot in the music industry. That first chord, that first word or sometimes to someone who has forgotten their headphones as they left them on the train, ,the first look at their website. The fact that ‘Tall Stories’ website is made to look exactly the same as Ceefax ( RIP ) is enough to get one interested about the band.
In a far out galaxy, Tall Stories could find themselves compared to DIY royalty Johnny Foreigner but instead of cutesy synth pop, T.S. are fuelled on ridiculously catchy, spped enfused riffs that are enough to give your knee arthritis in the first few minutes of the ‘Things are Strained’. These guys are definitely on my list of bands to see this weekend.
Conclusion
So if you are in the Brixton area this weekend, then why not make sure you stroll past the Brixton Windmill for an all dayer where you are certain to come away with a band that you didn’t know about but now love.
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