Returning for its second year, Visions Festival will be packing a host of acts in to nooks and crannies across London Fields on 2 August – plus they’ve just announced this morning (22 May) a pre-party on the Friday beforehand (1 August) at the Laundry to get you in the mood. “Visions Festival takes across across different warehouse, brewery, rooftop and courtyard spaces around London Fields,” explains organiser Dan Monsell. “Last year we were really excited that there was a relaxed and warm-feeling community night out many people felt wasn’t possible in London, yet it was full of international talent and people from all over. This year’s event is even more diverse and we’ve worked hard to curate a line-up that we think features a real wealth of alternative music from around the globe. Here’s a playlist of a handful of the acts playing this year.” Here’s his personal picks from the 2014 bill.
Polica – Lay Your Cards Out
“A completely mesmerizingly and captivating live band, we’re really honoured to have Poliça play a more intimate performance for us as one of the festival’s headliners. This is one of the band’s breakout and best tracks.”
Perfume Genius – Take Me Home
Real heartfelt balladry removed of any contrived sentiments. Take Me Home is a beautiful track like so many of his, but one that shows both his depth and range too.
Young Fathers – Get Up
“Edinburgh’s Young Fathers come with a more different hip hop feel for a UK act. A total gem of a big track too and a festival favourite in waiting.”
Deptford Goth – Union
“Pulling your emotions in profoundly opposite directions, Deptford Goth makes hugely inventive and affecting soul music, ready to be loved by the underground and mainstream both. We’re really excited he’ll be playing a special afternoon opening slot at the festival this year.”
Trust – Blubform
“Down beaten synth pop, Depeche Mode for the kids of today, Trust are a massively exciting live band. Blubform is a great leftfield club-pop cut to introduce them.”
NB Blubform is currently unavailable
Jacco Gardener – Clear The Air
“A slice of flowery psych from the young Dutch master. Clear The Air is a great stand out from his amazing debut album that came out recently. Jacco is a really bright talent and a perfect hazy day festival act.”
Fat White Family – Touch The Leather (pictured)
“Essential calling card song from Brixton gang Fat Whites and one of the singles of the year so far. One of those live bands you wait years to come around. A must-see band if you have not.”
Kiran Leonard – Dear Lincoln
“Obscenely young given the music he’s putting out, Kiran Leonard makes off-kilter pop and is a shattering racket of fun live. Dear Lincoln is already a great radio favourite.”
Eagulls – Possessed
“These relentless Leeds post punkers hit you like early Blur lost in American hardcore in the 80s. So pleased to see them getting the attention they deserve and appearing on Letterman in the US and like. Possessed is Eagulls at their best.”
Uncle Acid and The Deadbeats – I’ll Cut You Down
“Doom metal and psych rock welded together, Uncle Acid feel a true cult band already, and have already toured with Black Sabbath and more. Great intro track to a band we feel really privileged to be playing a more intimate set for us this year.”
Andrew WK – Party Hard
“This song needs no introduction. Party Hard!”
For more, including the full line-up and latest ticket news, head to Visionsfestival.com.
